When we were there in March, Sipadan days involved four dives at Sipadan with a surface interval of one hour between each dive. We were back at Kapalai by about 14:30 and they do not allow you to do any more diving on that day as you have already done four dives (so the unlimited house reef dives were not totally unlimited)
Kapalai-Sipidan Resort
- Thread starter myshadeofred
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We did a sunrise dive and were in the water by 5:50. I think the first boats left at about 8:30 apart from Sipadan trips which left at 5:30.
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myshadeofred
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scubaozy
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Perhaps you were very lucky. I have been there over 10 years ago and we were offered 3 boat dives a day maximum, of which only first 2 were in Sipadan. Afternoons, another boat dive around Kapalai/Mabul. You could choose between going earlier or normal morning two tank dive.
In later years, number of divers per day was restricted and shared by all resorts. Afaik, on average, one can expect to do 1 dive per day in Sipadan island. My sister has been twice in recent years (also last year) and she was not able to dive every day in Sipadan. This is the reason I never bothered to go back. If the rules changed I will not hesitate to go again.
No we were not lucky. You are right, the number of divers at Sipadan is restricted and each resort gets a certain number of permits per day. I think Kapalai get permits for seven divers (I am not 100% sure about this number and it does not really matter). In three days of diving from Kapalai, we had permits for one day at Sipadan. Their boat goes to the island and you get to do four dives there. When you book, you can usually find out how many Sipadan days are included in the package - this is after all what most people are there for. The number of divers per day is restricted but not the number of dives you can do if you are one of the divers with a permit. I think just about all the local operators work in the same way
As I have said in an earlier post, when we were there, the Sipadan trips were under-subscribed so we would have been able to pay for additional Sipadan trips if we had wanted to.
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myshadeofred
Contributor
So, from what we were told it's now a lottery for the resort on how many permits they get for going to Sipidan. We are thinking we will get at least 1 day out of the 6...but if there was a way I could do more, I would. Apparently, my friend who coordinated the resort got all the info...as our club has the whole resort for the week.
Some dive centers in Mabul give guarantees like 1 day at Sipadan for every 3 or 4 days you book. We stayed at Scuba Junkie back in September 2015 for 8 days and dove Sipadan on 2 days. Then in February 2017 we stayed at Seaventures for 9 days and originally got 3 days at Sipadan. However, since they had extra spots available we were given a 4th day.
The only way to dive Sipadan every single day is a budget liveaboard which doesn't have very good reviews. You'll probably see this worn down boat around on your Sipadan days.
The only way to dive Sipadan every single day is a budget liveaboard which doesn't have very good reviews. You'll probably see this worn down boat around on your Sipadan days.
Hi, I'm interested in booking a dive to Sipadan.. As of now I will
Probably be staying at scuba junkie Mabul resort, but I was told that they do not have permits for the days I will be staying. I have managed to find another resort that said they would be able to sell me a one day five package for about 1,100 MYR. Is this a reasonable price? Also is this something that I should definitely book? I'm just wondering about the other dives around Mabul that seem to be way cheaper than Sipadan. Is it really worth it? Sorry, I'm pretty new to diving and don't know too much about this area so my apologies if that's a silly question, but any insight is much appreciated!
Probably be staying at scuba junkie Mabul resort, but I was told that they do not have permits for the days I will be staying. I have managed to find another resort that said they would be able to sell me a one day five package for about 1,100 MYR. Is this a reasonable price? Also is this something that I should definitely book? I'm just wondering about the other dives around Mabul that seem to be way cheaper than Sipadan. Is it really worth it? Sorry, I'm pretty new to diving and don't know too much about this area so my apologies if that's a silly question, but any insight is much appreciated!
OP
myshadeofred
Contributor
Hi...I have not been yet, however, my friends have and they do feel it's worth it if you can get to Sipadan at least once. But if you're on a budget, I have also heard the other diving is fantastic like the Barracuda Tornado spottings. What ever your choice I'm sure you'll have a good time either way.
I thought the barracuda toronado were at Sipidan and not Mabul?
It has been a very longtime since I was in Sipidan Mabul but unless the diver really enjoys muck diving, then without permits to Sipidan, I would pick a different place to stay and dive.
There's lots of great diving in Indonesia.
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