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Mabul and Kapalai are beautiful. Si Amil is quiet and full of macro wonders. But Sipadan is the reason divers travel across the world to this corner of Borneo.
That dream? It’s not as easy as jumping in.
With strict regulations from Sabah Parks, diving Sipadan means meeting certain requirements—including holding your advanced open water certification.
But don’t worry—this post has everything you need to know.
🎉 And if you’re ready to book, don’t miss our Festive Flash Promo — 10% to 20% off Sipadan Packages (details at the end).
There was once a time when Sipadan was open and wild. Divers could do training dives, night dives, and even stay in a resort on the island itself. The coral walls were endless playgrounds. Four dives a day? No problem.
Then, in 2002, everything changed. Malaysia won sovereignty over the island, declared it a protected national park, and all resorts were removed. Sipadan was closed for six months while the facilities were dismantled.
By 2008, a permit system was introduced—first 120 permits per day. Later, 176. Then, in 2022, the current rules came in:
It’s still a dream—just one that’s now protected for future generations.
Short answer: No.
As part of Sabah Park regulations, only divers certified as Advanced Open Water (or higher) are allowed to dive Sipadan.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options:
Even without a diving license, you can experience the magic. Shallow reefs are home to schooling jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, and turtles the size of bathtubs.
If you’re an Open Water diver ready for more, we’ve got your back. Our combo packages allow you to take your Advanced Open Water course in Mabul and add Sipadan days right after!
Not certified yet? We’ve thought of that too. You can take both your Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications back-to-back—then dive Sipadan with confidence.
We call that the ultimate dive holiday!
📌 Sipadan permits:
The Advanced Open Water (AOWC) at Scuba Junkie is 2 full days and includes 6 dives:
*Why we do this? The Peak Performance Buoyancy dive will usually be your first dive. This allows your instructor to assess your level and tailor the rest of the course to help you improve where needed.
Some of the elective options include:
Bonus: No exams! And our instructors make learning fun with challenges and games that help you master your buoyancy and trim.
📌 These rates are based on October 2025 and are for dormitory shared rooms. We offer different room categories—ask us for options!
Packages include:
✔️ Accommodation of your choice
✔️ 3 meals + snacks
✔️ 3 dives per day
✔️ Boat transfers
✔️ Equipment (including dive computer during courses)
✔️ Certification fees
📌 Note: On your Sipadan day, you’ll do 2 dives around Sipadan and 1 dive at Mabul or Kapalai.
📌 Important: Sipadan is only available as part of a package for guests staying at our resort. We do not offer day trips or standalone diving at Sipadan.
Not included:
Book your Sipadan adventure and get up to 20% OFF!
Book ANY Sipadan Package:
Not sure which course or package is right for you? Whether you’re thinking about leveling up your certification or diving for the first time, just send us a message and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
📣 Is there anything we didn’t cover in this blog that you’d like to know more about? Let us know in the comments or drop us a DM—we’d love to hear from you!
