Resorts
SIPADAN KAPALAI DIVE RESORT
One can snorkel from one's own chalet at Kapalai (Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort)
It may seem a little strange to see a village seemingly floating on the sea miles from anywhere, for that is how Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort appears as you approach, for here is a resort, just a few minutes boat ride from Sipadan, sitting on sturdy stilts above the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. This airy, comfortable and sunny water village, with no land in sight, comprises a series of individual wooden bungalows all with private bathrooms (with full-sized bath and plenty of hot water) and large private balconies linked by wooden walkways to the central Kapalai Lodge and dive centre. The accommodation is simple, but well designed, and offers privacy and comfort. Each bungalow has two beds and is fan-cooled. Large windows and louvered patio doors open out on to a veranda, with total privacy, that is equipped with sun chairs. And of course every bungalow and every patio has extensive sea views across the ocean! This may be an unusual resort, but think of the joys of staying in the tropics with no mosquitoes and no flies! Imagine gazing out of one’s window with the sparkling ocean all around and stunning views of the sea life swarming just below the window!
The resort has broadband internet access, satellite phone and ample supplies of freshwater which are brought in from the mainland. Extensive walkways link the bungalows and Kapalai Lodge, the central dining area where one can relax with a cool beer and check out the images captured that day. Meals are served in this terraced, open building which has a very large west-facing sundeck. Enjoy a cool beer while you chat to other divers against the background of a fabulous, fiery-red tropical sunset, or watch huge thunderheads build over the distant mainland.
Three boat dives are offered each day, of which the two morning dives are usually at Sipadan. The boats return for lunch and afternoon dives are taken at Mabul or Kapalai. Unlimited shore diving tanks are available for dives in front of the resort. Night dives are included for those who have a buddy and who are qualified to Advanced level or above.
All divers must complete a check-out dive, which is usually a shallow, local boat dive. The dive sites at Mabul and Kapalai are all within a five or ten minutes boat ride, while those at Sipadan are about 15 minutes away (diving at Sipadan is subject to permits being available and prevailing weather conditions on any given day). The diving management and service is of an extremely high quality, with dive staff carrying tanks and BCDs to and from the boat. Simply take your mask, fins and snorkel. The rest will be waiting for you! On return from the dive, your gear will be safely stowed away leaving you free to take a shower, eat a snack and relax.
Stays can be of any length. Prices below relate to a stay of 7 nights.
Price from about $2130 for 7 nights. Includes: road/boat transfers between Tawau and Kapalai; 7 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner), including tea, coffee and some soft drinks, on a twin/share basis at Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort; 6 days of diving (3 boat dives daily, dive guide; additional unlimited shore dives‚ in front of the resort including night dives); Sipadan marine park permits.
There is a jetty fee of MYR10 per person which is due locally
Reduction for non-divers.
Single Occupancy Supplement: 50% of the applicable diver package price.