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
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1 night
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
No. 7 of Hotels with Villas in Malaysia
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We Price Match
Highlights
Overwater bungalows
Romantic vibes
Sunset views
Sea Diving Available
Water activities
+4 more
Amenities
All amenities
Property Description
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8.6/10
Very beautiful place, just like in the heaven.
Surroundings
Attraction: Kapalai
(330m)
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Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
11
Water Chalet
1 King bed
60m² | Floor: 1
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Toothbrushes
Private toilet
Check Availability
Average for similar properties in Semporna
Nguyenhuong185
October 13, 2026
The room is really big. The balcony is an amazing. The water is so clear. We feel like surrounding by an aquarium. We see turtles and many different kinds of fish around our room. There is an small issue. The room is quite hot from 11am to 3pm even we set the temp at 16C in our room.
Miduoyimu
October 8, 2026
The facilities are quite dated. We stayed in Room 35, and the bathroom ceiling had a leak. The resort's buggies are very loud when passing by—it felt like our bed was right on the side of the road. Getting a buggy by phone took a long time; we called three times for luggage assistance, and nobody ever showed up. It’s definitely more convenient to stay in a suite closer to the lobby. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all very mediocre. The locals don't really seem to know how to cook; great fresh seafood is everywhere, but it feels like no one knows how to prepare it properly. With this hotel's rates, you are strictly paying for the views. You can occasionally spot sea turtles right from the room, and there are plenty of fish. You can snorkel directly at the resort, which is actually a well-known local snorkeling spot, primarily for seeing turtles.
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Guest User
October 4, 2026
Let's start with the positives, as usual. The resort is reportedly located in a nature reserve, and there are so many different kinds of fish. Sea turtles leisurely swim right past you, making you want to just hop on their backs. The management and service are excellent; you barely need to communicate, and transportation and activities are well-organized. The meeting point has its own private pier, making arrivals and departures convenient. The food mainly features local specialties; it's decent, not amazing, but not bad either. There's a dedicated snorkeling area, which is relatively safe.
The downsides are also quite obvious. First, the room location assigned by the hotel was quite disappointing. At night, there was a vibrating sound, likely from a diesel generator – a low-frequency noise that carried with the wind right into our room. It kept me up almost all night, absolutely terrible. Secondly, the pier is made of wooden planks, and the noise from the golf carts driving over it is very noticeable, which is very unfriendly for someone who already struggles with sleep. Additionally, the hotel's hardware and decor are basically on par with a guesthouse in a Chinese rural town. Lastly, a room costs just under 5,000. Overall, I personally found it acceptable.
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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
September 26, 2026
The room was spacious and the environment was excellent. Staying in a wooden hut on the sea was a unique experience. The 'jellyfish' sea was stunning, perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets. It would be even more perfect if the food selection was richer. Definitely worth a visit.
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Guest User
September 23, 2026
The room was really subpar. The air conditioning was practically nonexistent in the afternoon; it was even hotter inside the room than outside. I paid the front desk to do laundry, and it wasn't delivered even after two hours. The food wasn't great, but at least there was variety every meal. In summary, the exterior gets full marks, but the room was a huge disappointment.
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Guest User
September 15, 2026
The room was spacious, clean, and tidy. The overwater villa was beautiful, and the balcony offered unbeatable sea views. The butler service was available 24/7, and they'd pick you up for meals with just a phone call. The hotel environment was stunning and comfortable. It's perfect for family trips, honeymoons for couples, or a solo getaway to heal everything.
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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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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.
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
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
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
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.What are the check-in and check-out times at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?
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 have a pool?
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.Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort allow pets, and what is the pet fee and weight limit?
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 much does it cost to stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort for my dates?
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.How to get to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort from the nearest airport?
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.What’s the cancellation policy at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?
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.Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offer airport transfers?
About This Property
| Average Price From | CAD729 |
|---|---|
| Hotel Star Rating | 5 |
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.