Sipadan Island & Mabul Island

These two islands are world famous among scuba divers. Sipadan boasts phenomenal coral reefs and walls, an abundance of turtles, pelagics, sharks, rays, schooling fish and impressive biomass. This marine protected area is one of the best preserved diving locations on Earth and needs to be dived to be believed.

Nearby, Mabul Island is best known for its world-class muck and critter diving. If the tourists like hunting for the unusual then this is the place to dive. For macro underwater photographers, the opportunities are limitless. Therefore, these sites are the most beautiful dive sites in Malaysia.

Accessibility: Fly into Tawau, Sabah or into Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then a land transfer is required to Semporna before a boat into the islands. Boats between the islands are available via resorts and the local dive operators, or if you’re staying in Semporna, day trips are available as well.

Good to know: You can visit these islands all year round, though special permits are required