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Borneo diving at Sipadan Reef Route: Tawau - Semporna - Mabul Island - Semporna - TawauOff the coast of Northeast Sabah lay the dreamy islands of Sipadan and Mabul. The coral reef surrounding these islands has been a diving paradise for years. The underwater world here can only be described as something truly amazing. During this Borneo diving trip, you'll stay at a charming resort on Pulau Mabul with an azure blue sea just a few steps from your accommodation. Experienced divers can book a diving package which includes several dives a day. If you're new to diving, but can't wait to discover the deep blue sea, there's an extensive PADI course you can follow on the island during this Borneo diving adventure. You can start building your own Borneo trip using our bite-sized Borneo tours. Or, alternatively you can take your pick from our range of suggested holidays in Borneo. Want to combine your Borneo adventure with a trip to West Malaysia? No problem. Simply choose from our selection of bite-sized Malaysia tours or ready-made holidays in Malaysia. |
| Duration |
4 days / 3 nights departs daily from Tawau |
Accommodation |
Spacious, wooden beach chalet (see our photos here). Comfort level 4 (see accommodation). |
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Price |
£591 per person - based on 2 people sharing without diving package £739 per person - based on 2 people sharing with diving package |
Includes |
Minibus and boat transfers to and from Semporna, accommodation for 3 nights, diving package inclusive of: up to 3 boat dives per day incl. diving equipment (tanks, weight belt and weights), unlimited beach dives, meals: 3 x breakfast / 2 x lunch / 3 x dinner, tea/coffee |
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Transport |
Minibus and boat |
Excludes |
Price does not include cost of mask, fins, snorkel or diving permits into the park (to be paid locally at the resort). All other drinks including alcoholic beverages, any other extras not mentioned above |
Day 1: Tawau - Semporna - Mabul IslandAfter you arrive from your domestic flight into Tawau airport, one of our drivers will be waiting to pick you up and take you on a two hour drive to the small fishing village of Semporna. The transfer leaves daily at 8am and 2pm. After arriving in Semporna, you'll have time to buy some fruit at one of the many colourful market stands at the pier. A speedboat will be waiting to take you on a 30 minute boat ride to the island of Mabul. As soon as you step out of the boat, you'll feel the white sand move beneath your feet and you'll hear the sound of palm trees blowing in the wind. This is the ultimate Borneo diving paradise and you'll enjoy what you see above water as much as what you'll see below the water's surface. You'll stay at a laidback resort on the beach, surrounded by palm trees. You'll have your own room in a charming wooden bungalow. If there's enough time, you'll get to know your dive master and you'll head out with a group of divers for your first underwater experience on Borneo diving. You'll sail towards one of the nearby Borneo diving sites known as one of the best places in the world to go 'mug diving'. This is when you dive down to the sea floor and search for sea animals nestling just beneath the sand. The underwater environment here is absolutely incredible. After this dive you'll sail back to Mabul for a shower. While sipping on a tropical cocktail and waiting for your fresh fish to be grilled on the BBQ, you'll catch a glimpse of paradise in the setting sun. |
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Days 2 and 3: Mabul IslandYou'll spend the next two days exploring the astounding underwater kingdom in the Mabul area with your dive master and fellow divers. The reef's surrounding Pulau Sipadan aren't called a 'divers heaven' for nothing; these are simply some of the most beautiful places to dive in the world and diving at night here is spectacular. Pulau Sipadan is actually a 600m deep rock crevice and a crown made up of white sandy beaches and palm trees. The sea floor drops straight down from the beach and the rocks are filled with oddly shaped whip coral, enormous sponges and brightly coloured sea anemones. In this area you'll see manta rays, large schools of hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and, if you're lucky, even whale sharks, lion fish, barracudas, sea turtles and friendly coloured clown fish. The list of marine animals you can encounter here during your Borneo diving experience is endless. |
| There is something truly unique about diving at Sipadan - not just because of its wall diving, which let you peer into the abyss below, and not just because of the turtles who have made this their breeding ground. There is a feel, an atmosphere to diving at Sipadan that we have never encountered anywhere else. It's a truly breathtaking dive experience and one that looks set to be enjoyed by many more people to come now that steps are being taken to protect Sipadan's wildlife and coral reefs. Sipadan is certainly the apex of Borneo diving and a fitting climax to any Borneo diving trip. |
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Not a diver?Not a diver...? No problem, there's more to this Borneo diving trip than just diving so you certainly won't have to be bored during your stay. Naturally you can settle into a hammock and enjoy a good book or stroll along the pearly white beaches in search of beautiful shells; however you can also go out and have a glance at the life of the Bajau fishermen. These are the original inhabitants of the island and to this day, they still live in traditional palm houses. If you like, you can walk about, chat with some of the locals or play a game of footie with the local village boys. There are also several paths that cross the island that you can walk across or you could go on a boat ride to one of the many deserted island in the area and go snorkelling. |
Day 4: Mabul Island - Semporna - TawauAfter an enjoyable breakfast it's time to leave this place in paradise as your Borneo diving trip draws to a close. A speedboat will take you to Semporna in about 30 minutes; you'll have enough time to do some shopping for supplies before you head on to Tawau. On arrival at the airport you'll say goodbye to your driver and this will mark the end of an extraordinary experience above and below water.It's possible to fly on to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau. You can either go out and explore the city or perhaps visit nearby islands on your own. However, perhaps you're looking for more action and adventure in the jungle after your stay on the islands. During our orangutan Borneo trip you'll stand face to face with the enchanting primates of Sepilok and you'll stay at a resort on the edge of the Kinabatangan River. |
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Borneo reef diving accommodation (Click to enlarge)
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Borneo diving tipsBest ime to go Borneo divingBorneo diving is possible any time of year here. The best time to dive is between mid-February through mid-December. You'll be able to see up to 20 - 60m. As this reef stay can be booked up months in advance, to avoid disappointment, we advise you to book your trip early. Sea turtles Sea turtles can be spotted here all year round. You'll see approximately 10 per dive. Mating season is in August; during this time you'll see the most sea turtles in the area. Borneo diving equipment You can choose to either bring along with you, your own equipment or rent it on the spot. An indication of rental prices: a regulator or a wetsuit will cost approximately £6, a pair of flippers will cost approximately £2 and a diving mask £3. |
Learn how to dive at one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world PADI (Open Water Diver Course) is the official and worldwide accepted and acknowledged diving certification. This certificate is the key to an entirely new world and an introduction to the enormous diversity of the underwater world. A certified PADI diving instructor will teach you everything a new diver needs to know, step by step, during four days of training. You'll start out with basic theoretical knowledge and a first introduction with your diving equipment in shallow water and from there you'll go through several levels at open sea. Price: Complete PADI Course £358 per person Borneo diving conditions: |  |
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Take a look at our bite-sized Borneo tours
For inspiration check out our suggested holidays in Borneo
Take a look at our bite-sized Borneo tours
For inspiration check out our suggested holidays in Borneo
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