Why Choose Semporna for Diving
Semporna, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is hailed as "God's Aquarium" and boasts world-class diving conditions. Here, water visibility reaches up to 30 meters, with well-preserved coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life—from sea turtles and sharks to schools of tropical fish. Every dive offers a visual spectacle.
Best diving season
Sipadan is a year-round diving destination, though conditions vary by season:
- 3 - 10 (dry season): Best diving season with clear water, calm seas, and excellent visibility
- 11 – 2 (Rainy Season)Heavy rainfall, mostly in showers; low prices and fewer tourists.
- 4 - 6Sea turtles are active during this season; you're likely to spot them on almost every dive.
- 7 - 9: Don't miss the spectacular Jack fish storm during peak season.
Diving Certification Guide
OW Open Water Diver
Duration: 3-4 days | Cost: 1200-1500 MYR
Theory learning + confined water training + 4 open water dives. Maximum depth achievable: 18 meters.
Advanced Open Water
Duration: 2-3 days | Cost: 1000-1300 MYR
5 specialized diving training sessions (deep diving, navigation, night diving, etc.). Upon completion, you can reach a maximum depth of 30 meters.
Top Dive Spots Recommendations
1. Sipadan Island
World-class cliff diving destination. Daily limit: 176 visitors.
Highlights: Sea Wolf Storm, Jack Storm, Sea Turtles, Sharks, and Cliffs. Requires booking 3–6 months in advance; certified divers only.
2. Mabul Island
A paradise for macro photography, suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Highlights: Seahorses, pygmy seahorses, octopuses, crabs, and other small marine life. Gentle currents make it ideal for practicing skills.
3. Kapalai Island
Water bungalows on a sandbar resort.
Highlights: Turtle Cleaning Station, Coral Garden, Tropical Fish Schools. Exclusive to resort guests; fewer visitors.
Scuba gear preparation
Dive shops typically provide basic gear, but we recommend bringing your own personal items:
- Essentials: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), motion sickness medication
- Recommended to bring your own: Snorkel mask (more hygienic), dive socks, wetsuit (3mm is sufficient)
- OptionalGoPro cameras, underwater flashlights, dive computers
Safety Precautions
- Do not fly within 24 hours after diving to prevent decompression sickness.
- Do not touch any marine life (some are toxic or protected).
- Maintain neutral buoyancy; avoid stepping on coral.
- Follow the guide. Do not act alone.
- If you have a cold or nasal congestion, cancel your dive (equalizing ear pressure will be difficult).
- Purchase professional diving insurance (DAN Divers Alert Network recommended)
Budget Reference
- OW Certification: 1200-1500 MYR (approximately 2000-2500 CNY)
- AOW Certification: 1000-1300 MYR (approx. 1700-2200 CNY)
- Try Scuba Diving: 300-500 MYR per dive (approx. 500-800 CNY)
- Sipadan Island Day Trip: 800-1200 MYR/person (includes booking fee)
- Accommodation: Water Villa 1500-3000 MYR/night | Town Homestay 200-500 MYR/night