Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is a small oceanic island in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, within Semporna District. Formed atop an extinct volcanic cone, it rises 600 metres from the seabed and is Malaysia's only oceanic island. Renowned globally as a top scuba diving destination, it lies within a protected marine park managed by Sabah Parks and is noted for its steep walls, diverse coral reefs, and large populations of sea turtles, reef sharks and schooling fish.

Visitors can expect a protected, uninhabited oceanic island with dense tropical vegetation, sandy beaches and no overnight accommodation. Access is by licensed dive boat from Semporna for day trips only. The main experience is guided scuba diving and snorkeling along dramatic vertical walls and drop-offs surrounding the island, with clear waters, coral gardens, and frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles, barracuda schools, reef sharks and diverse reef fish. Facilities are limited to a ranger station, toilets and sheltered rest areas.

Sipadan is formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that rises about 600 metres from the seabed. It gained international fame after being visited by Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1989 who described it as an untouched piece of art. The island was gazetted as a protected area and all resorts were removed in 2004 to conserve the reef ecosystem, with management transferred to Sabah Parks.

Sipadan holds significance as a nationally protected marine conservation area and a symbol of Malaysia's marine biodiversity, valued for eco-tourism and marine education rather than permanent settlement.