Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in Semporna, a 5-star hotel with 8.8/10 from 315 reviews. It offers good value with quality service, and prices start from SAR 973.

Check-In & Check-Out

From 12:00 until 11:00

Nearby Attractions

Mabul Island: 6.18 km away

SWV Observation Tower: 6 km away

Kapalai: 0.82 km away

Amenity Highlights

Pets policy: Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink: Restaurant, Bar

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

No. 8 of Premium Hotels in Malaysia
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Highlights
Overwater bungalows
Sunset views
Romantic vibes
Sea Diving Available
Ideal location
+4 more
Amenities
All amenities
Property Description
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Very beautiful place, just like in the heaven.
Surroundings
Attraction: Kapalai
(330m)
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11

Water Chalet

1 King bed
60m² | Floor: 1
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Toothbrushes
Private toilet
Room Details
Check Availability

Average for similar properties in Semporna
R405
August 5, 2026
The visibility of the waters here is truly unprecedented. We see so many sea turtles during our visit here and a few of them even swam right by our unit. We had a clear view of the sunrise from our room and the sunset here is also quite nice. Not much to do on the island so it might be more worth it to take up their dive package.
Guest User
August 3, 2026
First, we gathered at the jetty, and then the second picture shows the bus taking us back to Tawau Airport from Semporna. It was fantastic; I'm so glad I chose this. The value of this long-standing five-star hotel keeps increasing. The service was excellent, and extra meals were served promptly. The buggy service was also very quick. The underwater scenery was even more vibrant and colorful. The sunset was also beautiful. There were so many sea turtles, we encountered them everywhere, along with manta rays and various schools of fish. It was breathtaking. I'll definitely go again if I have the chance. I've already recommended it to my friends!
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Guest User
September 4, 2026
The water villa is about an hour's boat ride from Semporna jetty. The food quality for all three meals was mediocre and not worth the price. The resort is quite large, so walking around can be tiring. We often had to call for a buggy to pick us up. The rental bicycles were mostly broken; if they insist on not replacing them, they should at least fix them. Snorkeling times were very strict, and goggles had to be rented separately for an extra fee. The hygiene was acceptable, and the scenery was beautiful.
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Able66
August 27, 2026
The beauty is truly stunning, and the sea view is unbeatable. The first three photos were taken with a camera, and the last three with a phone. The restaurant offers a variety of Chinese and Western dishes, with different options each day. The room facilities are decent; there's now Wi-Fi in the rooms, but the speed is a bit slow. Room types are assigned randomly, and I was lucky this time to get a newer room with good facilities and a fantastic view. The hotel also provides airport transfers from Tawau Airport, which takes about 80 minutes to the jetty. From the Semporna jetty, you'll need to take a speedboat to the island, which is about a 40-minute ride. The staff are very friendly.
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Anonymous User
August 31, 2026
I really don't recommend staying at this hotel. The room hygiene is very poor, and all the facilities are old and run down. The hotel is completely isolated from other areas, and there's really nothing to do besides snorkeling and diving. For food, you're limited to the hotel's buffet.
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Guest User
August 21, 2026
The room was incredibly spacious with great views of many fish – the 'jellyfish sea' certainly lives up to its name! The balcony was huge. We stayed in the new room type, 71, which had two beds and a large bathroom with a bathtub. The only downside was some noise from ongoing renovations outside, but everything else was absolutely perfect. I'd definitely go back!
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Guest User
August 15, 2026
The room amenities were rather bland; the mini-fridge only had two bottles of water, and the cleanliness was just so-so. The most ridiculous thing was that the 'duvet' was literally just a sheet – see for yourself if you don't believe me! As for the service, it's not even in the same league as other places in the Maldives at the same price point (and I mean the *same* price point). There’s no butler service, so if you need anything, you have to call yourself. Chinese-speaking staff are very rare. And as for the 'on-call' shuttle service, I have no idea where that claim came from because it certainly wasn't available. The food was like a 30 RMB buffet lunchbox back home, every single meal. On the island, apart from Wi-Fi and life jackets, everything else costs money. Honestly, my overall impression is that it absolutely does not live up to the service and quality expected for this price range.
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river
July 27, 2026
The environment here is absolutely amazing, a diver's paradise! The crystal-clear waters reveal a surprising array of marine life. Don't expect too much from the overwater bungalows, though; they show some wear from the sea breeze and saltwater erosion. However, the buffet every meal was better than the reviews suggested, and the service was top-notch.
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Guest User
July 23, 2026
Absolutely beautiful and incredibly picturesque! You can call for an electric golf cart to take you anywhere on the island. The scenery is stunning. After several days of island hopping and seeing various guesthouses, I can confidently say the sea view and amenities here are top-notch. It's definitely worth the price, and one night is simply not enough!
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Services & Amenities

Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Property Policies

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 12:00–16:00
Check-out: Before 11:00

Front desk hours: 24/7

The property will provide check-in details after booking

To check-in, contact the property 3 days in advance.At the same time, please provide your flight information, proof of identification, your check-in time

Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Cribs and Extra Beds
For all room types, extra beds can be added. Please contact the hotel for details about crib policies.
Fees for extra beds and cribs are not included in the total and must be paid at the hotel.
AgeFee
Children 1 year old and under
10% of room rate per person per night
Children 2–11 years old
25% of room rate per person per night
Children 12 years old and over
50% of room rate per person per night

Breakfast
StyleA la carte
AgeFee
Children 17 years old and under
Contact property
Adult
Contact property
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.

Deposit Policy
DepositNo deposit required by the property

Pets
Pets are not allowed

Age Requirements
There is no age limit for checked in guests.

Paying at the hotel

Property Description

Local hotel name: Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
  • Opened: 1997
  • Renovated: 2024
  • Number of Rooms: 89
Phone:+60-89-673999+60-89-674999
Email:mail@pearlislandresorts.com
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel or work.
Head to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort's exclusive beach to relax or take part in snorkeling or diving.
Grab a bite to eat at the in-house restaurant which serves Asian dishes. Finish your day off with a drink at the bar.
At this resort, you'll also find facilities including a bbq and garden. The property's front desk offers service in 3 languages, including English. For extra convenience, currency exchange and free luggage storage are available at the property as well.

You might be wondering

What are the check-in and check-out times at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

Check-in time at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort starts at 12:00-16:00, and check-out time is by 11:00.

Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort have a pool?

No, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort does not have a pool for guests.

Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort allow pets, and what is the pet fee and weight limit?

No, pets are not allowed at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort.

How much does it cost to stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort for my dates?

Room prices at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort vary depending on your dates, hotel policies, and other factors. Enter your travel dates to see the current prices.

How to get to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort from the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is Tawau Airport, located straight line distance from hotel: 64.0 km away.

What’s the cancellation policy at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

The cancellation policy at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort depends on your room type and booking terms.

Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offer airport transfers?

Yes, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offers Airport pick-up service, Airport drop-off service for guests. We recommend contact ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

About This Property

Average Price FromSAR2188
Hotel Star Rating5
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Area Around Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is located on Kapalai Island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The resort is built on stilts over the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, offering a unique water village experience. The nearest airport to the resort is Tawau Airport, which is about 17.4 miles away from Semporna – the town from which boat transfers to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort are usually arranged. The boat transfer takes about 45 minutes.

The area around Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is known for its beautiful marine life and is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers. The resort offers diving and snorkelling holiday packages in Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier. Some of the local species include flamboyant cuttlefish, mandarinfish, blue ring octopus, dragonets, giant frogfish, gobies, leaf fish, scorpionfish, gurnards, crocodile fish, giant moray eels, rays and turtles.

The islands of Sipadan and Mabul are just a few minutes away from the resort by speedboat. Sipadan is one of the best spots in the world to dive, and Mabul has unbelievable macro-photography opportunities. The dive guides at the resort are highly experienced and offer guided boat dives to all the sites around Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan. The resort also offers sunset or night dives on the house reef, which is full of marine life.

Apart from diving and snorkelling, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy around the resort. One can suntan at complete leisure while gazing out to the miles of brilliant turquoise stretching into the horizon offering the purest image of natural serenity. Visitors can also explore the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mabul, which offer great opportunities for bird watching, exploring on foot and beachcombing.

Attractions Near Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is a world-renowned diving destination located just a short speedboat ride away from the resort. The island is home to a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks and barracudas. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.

Estimated Time: 40 minutes by boat ride

Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.

Distance: 8.3 miles

Mabul Island

Mabul Island is a small island located a short journey away from the resort by speedboat. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.

Estimated Time: 10 minute boat ride

Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.

Distance: 4 miles

Kapalai Island

Kapalai Island is a small sandbar located just a few minutes away from the resort by speedboat. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear water, and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.

Estimated Time: 7 minutes by walk

Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.

Distance: 0.3 miles

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort: Ideal Retreats for Every Traveller

Nature Enthusiasts

The resort is located in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and is built on stilts over the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, offering a unique experience.

The area around the resort is known for its beautiful marine life and is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier.

Snorkellers

The resort offers snorkelling holiday packages in Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier.

The islands of Sipadan and Mabul are just a short journey away from the resort by speedboat. The dive guides at the resort are highly experienced and offer guided boat dives to all the sites around Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan. The resort also offers sunset or night dives on the house reef, which is full of marine life.

Honeymooners

The resort has fifty elegant and spacious wooden chalets, each offering an ocean view balcony with total privacy – perfect for sunbathing or watching the marine life just a few feet below. The chalets are available in a double, twin or triple share configuration and feature ensuite bathrooms with both a hot shower and bathtub.

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort and Transportation Hubs

Transportation Hub Distance from Hotel Transportation Options Estimated Time
Tawau Airport 50.8 miles (81.7 km) Private car, taxi Approx. 90 minutes drive

Unique Facilities at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Private Jacuzzi

Each chalet has a private jacuzzi that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding, offering stunning views of the surrounding ocean.

Rental Snorkelling and Ocean Kayaking Equipment

The dive centre offers snorkelling and ocean kayaking equipment for rent, making it easy for visitors to explore the surrounding waters.

Broadband Internet Access

The resort has broadband internet access, making it easy for visitors to stay connected with friends and family back home.

Souvenir Shop

The resort has a souvenir shop that sells a range of gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase gifts for friends and family back home or souvenirs to remember their trip.