Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Experience Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, a 5-star hotel in Semporna. It holds a rating of 8.8/10 from 307 reviews, combining quality and value, with rates starting at US$365.

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

The above hotel prices are based on Trip.com for July 23-July 29.

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

No. 8 of Premium Hotels in Malaysia
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We Price Match
Highlights
Overwater bungalow
Sunset views
Chalet
Sea Diving Available
Private beach
+4 more
Amenities
All amenities
Property Description
Show more
Very beautiful place, just like in the heaven.
Surroundings
Landmarks: Kapalai
(820m)
Landmarks: SWV Observation Tower
(6.0 km)
Landmarks: Mabul Island
(6.2 km)
Landmarks: Mabul Backpackers
(6.2 km)
Landmarks: Lobster Wall
(6.6 km)
Landmarks: Spheredivers Scuba & Leisure
(6.7 km)
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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
8

Water Chalet - Include Extra Bed

1 King bed and 1 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Toothbrushes
Private toilet
Room Details
Check Availability

This property hasn't received any negative reviews in the past 6 months.
Average for similar properties in Semporna
Guest User
July 11, 2026
The views are absolutely stunning, and the hotel service is great. The only downside in the room was the Japanese Panasonic air conditioner – it was really noisy, just blew a lot of air, and didn't cool very well. It might be too old, which led to two nights of poor sleep. I'd suggest using a Chinese Gree air conditioner instead, as they're quiet and cool much better.
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Yuelaiyuelei
June 22, 2026
Our decade-long promise has been fulfilled, and everything remains as I remember: the sea view room, the resort, the glassy sea, and the beach sunset. The resort offers shuttle service, has a few nice bars, and the food is absolutely fantastic.
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Guest User
June 4, 2026
The room was spacious with a fantastic view. I was lucky to get room 61, and I even saw sea turtles returning at night – it was an amazing experience! The buggy service was quite prompt, usually arriving about 10 minutes after a call. The service was excellent, and there was a Chinese-speaking staff member available every day. The Trip.com staff were also very responsible, repeatedly confirming my arrival, departure, and ferry times. Overall, a delightful trip!
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GZxiaokeng
May 27, 2026
The Kapalai Dive Resort in Semporna is an absolutely worthwhile island getaway experience, exceeding all expectations for my stay. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a slow-paced island vacation with water activities and relaxation. Getting there is easy: you take a dedicated speedboat from the Semporna town jetty, which takes about an hour. Along the way, you can enjoy the vast blue sea and sky, watching the water change from a murky near-shore to a clear, Tiffany blue. The scenery is delightful, making the journey anything but boring. The entire check-in process upon arrival at the island was smooth, with staff helping to transfer luggage so I didn't have to worry about carrying it myself. Both getting on and off the boat were hassle-free. The resort is built within a marine ecological conservation area, and the marine ecosystem is very well protected, without excessive development. The water is crystal clear, and the underwater environment is perfectly preserved. The entire sea area boasts excellent visibility, allowing you to encounter large schools of fish, starfish, and various tropical fish just by stepping out into the sea – no need to venture far! A casual snorkel yields endless surprises, and the pristine marine atmosphere is simply incredible. The resort operates on an all-inclusive basis, covering all accommodation and meals, so there's no need for extra spending once you're on the island, which made planning the trip incredibly convenient. Three meals a day are consistently provided, with a rich variety of dishes that balance Southeast Asian flavors with home-style cooking. The ingredients are fresh, ensuring you can eat well and replenish energy spent on water activities. Beverages and light meals are also available, so you can grab a snack whenever you're hungry, significantly enhancing the vacation experience. Life here is simple yet restorative, a joyful cycle every day. After waking up in the morning, I'd leisurely head to the restaurant for breakfast. After eating my fill, I'd change into swimwear and take the shuttle to the designated jetty at the dive center for snorkeling or diving, getting up close with schools of fish and embracing the ocean. After playing to my heart's content, I'd return to the overwater bungalow to rinse off and rest. After a short break, it was time for lunch and afternoon tea. Refreshed, I'd head back into the water for more fun, followed by a delicious dinner in the evening. This infinite loop of eating, going into the sea, and resting allowed me to escape the city's hustle and bustle, with no pressure to stick to a schedule, completely relaxing my mind and body. The overwater bungalows are fully equipped, with breathtaking sea views right outside the door. You can also see a sky full of stars and colorful rainbows 🌈. The entire island is quiet and peaceful, with only the sounds of the sea breeze and waves. The pace is slow, making it perfect for both diving enthusiasts and those simply looking to completely unwind. The whole trip was easy and comfortable, a truly restorative and unforgettable island experience.
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Guest User
May 25, 2026
Everything perfect. ❤️The staff are very nice, food was really good, and the 🤿 snorkelling abang very helpful, abang driver very nice also.
Guest User
April 30, 2026
This village is all about beachfront holidays, and its pros and cons revolve around that. **Pros:** The private, secluded cabins offer unbeatable ocean views. You can lie on the terrace lounge chair at night, accompanied by the sound of waves and sea breeze, under a sky full of stars. During the day, various fish and birds keep you company. It's a diving resort, with both scuba diving and snorkeling available. I heard the diving is good, but I didn't try scuba. The snorkeling right off the beach near the village entrance wasn't great. So, we hired a private boat to go snorkeling elsewhere, which was excellent; we saw multiple sea turtles. **Cons:** What made it great also made it less so. The cabin is drafty on all four sides, and the air conditioning is really weak and blows directly onto the bed, almost making me sick. However, it was still better than opening the windows. The ocean waves in the morning were definitely louder than a bus downstairs. The most bizarre thing was that only the terrace had curtains; the rest of the cabin didn't. So, the morning sun shone directly onto the head of the bed, which I guess is due to its orientation. These are points where opinions might differ. Most frustratingly, aside from scuba diving and snorkeling, there are no other entertainment options in the village. Under the tropical sun, everyone just retreats to their rooms. Plus, scuba and snorkeling are handled at separate locations. I have to complain about the somewhat old facilities. You can see sea fish through the gaps in the wooden floorboards. The bathroom had various issues: the toilet needed two flushes (and I, being an engineer, still can't figure out why), the overhead shower only produced about a third of its normal water flow, with the rest squirting out horizontally onto the partition. Luckily, there was a handheld shower that worked for one day. The next evening, the handle broke off when I tried to turn it on, and water started gushing out. So, two security guards came, both claiming they were just security. The last time, around 11 PM, I was already in bed when three people arrived, again stating they'd fix it tomorrow. The next day, both showers were repaired... The food was... edible, I guess. In short, this village is a matter of personal taste.
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234107
July 6, 2026
Very beautiful place, just like in the heaven.
Keqitu
April 11, 2026
Pros: Beautiful, decent food, friendly and attentive service. Cons: Air conditioning wasn't very strong, water quality was a bit off, it takes quite a long boat ride to get to the island, and there were quite a few small bugs (which, by the way, are likely an issue at other overwater bungalows too). The photos are unedited, just quick snaps taken by opening the door to eat. In person, this place absolutely rivals other top-tier ocean views. Also, if you stay here, don't just book one night.
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Zaixiaputilaozu
April 1, 2026
This place really exceeded my expectations! The only downside was that the Wi-Fi was really problematic for Huawei users, which made my time on the island incredibly boring, especially since there was no TV or other entertainment. Honestly, it felt like torture at times! On the bright side, you could spot sea turtles and other wild fish from the terrace at night.
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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.

Are pets allowed at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

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

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

Room prices at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort vary by travel dates, hotel policy, and other factors. Enter your travel dates to see current prices.

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?

No, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort does not provide airport transfers for guests.

About This Property

Average Price FromUSD702
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.

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