6 Days 5 Nights

Diving around Kapalai is exceedingly easy and shallow but quite spectacular: the sandy bottom and the spare coral heads host an amazing array of small, often yet-to-be classified, shamelessly colorful subjects, making the diving here an unforgettable experience.

An amazing number of rare and unbelievably colorful species offer divers unsurpassed opportunities for interesting observation and macro photography for any photographer.

• WHERE IS SIPADAN?

  Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. It is located in the Celebes Sea, east of the town of Tawau and off the coast of Borneo. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop.

• HOW DO I GET TO SIPADAN?

  You may book your flights to Kota Kinabalu, through your preferred travel agent. From Kota Kinabalu, you would have to take an internal flight to Tawau Airport. Divers will be met at Tawau Airport and transfered to Marco Polo Hotel for the first night of accommodation. They will then proceed to the dive centre the next day via boat transfer from Semporna Jetty.

  However, if you need any assistance with regards to flight bookings, please contact us at 6297 6998 or email us at info@sec-sea.com.

• HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE TO SIPADAN?

  Flights from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu is about 2 hrs. Internal flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau takes 1 hour. Divers will stay at Tawau for 1 night. The next day, they will take a land transfer to Semporna Jetty where they will board a speed boat and be transferred to the resort.

• DO I REQUIRE A VISA TO TRAVEL INTO SIPADAN, MALAYSIA?

  The citizens of the following countries REQUIRE a visa before entering Malaysia: Afghanistan, Republic Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma(Myanmar), Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia Cameroon, Republic of Congo, People's Republic of China, Congo Democratic Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan.

  The citizens from the following countries do not need a visa to enter Malaysia: Commonwealth countries (with the exception of those from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan), British Protected Persons, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Lichtenstein, Citizens of ASEAN countries are permitted to stay in Malaysia for one month without a visa.

  There is NO Visa on Arrival available in Malaysia.

• WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN MALAYSIA?

  The Malaysian Ringgit is the official currency. The rate is rather flexible but was for the past year approximately 3.1MYR to US$1.

• WHAT ARE THE PRE-REQUISITES FOR THIS TRIP?

  Participants must have a valid Open Water Diver Certification or equivalent. If you have not dived in a while, you may request for a refresher session. Please contact us at 6297 6998 or email info@sec-sea.com for more information.

• WHERE IS THE DIVE RESORT?

  The Kapalai Island Resort is a boat ride away from Semporna Jetty. It is close enough to Sipadan to experience a few dives there too.

• HOW MANY DIVES WILL I GET?

  3 boat dives daily except on arrival and departure days. Divers can also enjoy unlimited dives in front of the dive resort. 1 house reef night dive is also available upon request.

• WHAT ARE THE DIVE CONDITIONS LIKE IN KAPALAI, SIPADAN?

  Frequent sightings of the techno-colored flamboyant cuttlefish has always been the experience of divers in Kapalai. Kapalai is indeed a macro-lovers paradise, with blue-ringed octopus and the frogfish being the star attractions.

  Most dives are nice and gentle and in relatively shallow water.

• WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION CAN I EXPECT?

  All rooms offer twin sharing accommodation are attached with a balcony, perfect for relaxing. Rooms are also equipped with bathrooms with shower and bathtub, basic toiletries, coffee and tea making facilities and 220 volts electrical points. From the windows of the elegant and spacious rooms, one can spend endless hours looking at the sea and admiring the breathtaking view.

• ARE ALL MEALS PROVIDED?

  All meals are provided on the trip. *Please inform us if you have any dietary requirements when you register for the program.

• SHOULD I BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT?

  Basic dive equipment such as tanks, weights and belts are provided. We recommend you bring along your own mask, fins, booties and snorkel.

  You may also choose to rent all the dive equipment from the resort itself, be the resort carries only limited equipment.

• HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT?

  Once you have completed your online registration, an invoice will be emailed to you. We accept payment via cheque, telegraphic transfers and credit card.

• WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THIS TRIP?

  All cancellations must be in writing, via fax or e-mail. Please note to make sure that cancellation requests are being acknowledged by us through writing as well. Only cancellations that are acknowledged will be processed. Prior to 45 days, there will be an administrative fee of $50. Within 45 days prior to departure, received in writing, the following penalties will apply:

  • 45 - 30 days prior to departure: 50% of program cost

  • 29 or less days prior to departure: 100% of program cost (i.e. no refunds)

  Termination of a program in progress for any reason will not necessarily result in a refund, and no refund will be made for partially used land arrangements. Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including accommodations and optional excursions (extended stays), reserved prior to, during and after the program. All claims and refund have to be presented in writing no later than 3 weeks after returning from the land package. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing and include any unused documents with correspondence.

• IS INSURANCE COVERAGE INCLUDED?

  All participants should purchase their own travel and dive insurance packages for this program. We recommend DAN Dive Accident Insurance which can be purchased at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org.