The oceanic island of Sipadan is often regarded as the dream destination for underwater enthusiasts from all over the world. Dive into an unforgettable trip that will leave you wanting more.
Nestled within the Indo-Pacific basin, this volcanic island houses a myriad of stunning coral reefs and underwater creatures and you need to see it to believe it. Most travellers will visit this island for scuba diving, which is conducted by experts. There are several dive sites that you can explore, each with its own quirks and charms. The Coral Garden, for instance, is the favourite spot for underwater photographers. The reef shallows are lively and regal, so much so that you don’t have to dive deep to bask in its glory.
Another popular dive site is the Barracuda Point. Staying true to its name, divers can anticipate being surrounded by a massive shoal of blacktail barracudas at one of the most treasured spots in the submerged peripherals of Sipadan Island. If you ever find yourself on the sandy shores of the island, this exhilarating experience is definitely something not to be missed.
Despite being famous for its marine splendour, Sipadan Island is also the island to go if you are in the mood for birdwatching. In fact, the island was declared as a bird sanctuary by the government of North Borneo way back in 1933. Here, you can find about 47 known species of birds, such as the Sea Eagle, Kingfisher, and the Sunbird resting and nesting idyllically in the forest.
Wrap up your trip by answering the call of the sea, again. Instead of deep-water diving, you can snorkel for a more relaxed excursion. The clear, unpolluted sea grants you an unparalleled view of the flourishing hard corals and you can enjoy them all without having to be submerged completely. Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful fish species as you drift in the soothing waves of the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might get acquainted with the star of the Sipadan shores, the bumphead parrotfish!