Pelagic and reef
Sharks and rays
Reef and pelagic species
Sipadan supports resident reef sharks on the steep drop-offs, and the remote atoll of Layang Layang draws scalloped hammerheads from the deep.
Resident species
Sipadan drop-offs and seabed
Sabah's marine reserves support a clear hierarchy of sharks partitioned by depth and current. On the sheer walls of Sipadan, the grey reef shark is the dominant medium-sized predator.
The whitetip reef shark occupies the seabed and the reef architecture. They are largely nocturnal hunters and use the daylight hours to conserve energy before moving out across the reef at dusk.
Seasonal aggregations
Layang Layang is the premier site for scalloped hammerheads between March and May. These aggregations gather near the seamount during the day for social interaction and predator avoidance.
Pelagic encounters
Manta rays, devil rays and eagle rays transit the deep channels and offshore drop-offs of Sabah. A manta ray passing through the thermocline is one of the great rewards of a deep drift dive.
Where each is seen
Other resorts
Semporna Archipelago islands
Mabul Island
An hour's boat ride from Semporna, Mabul Island combines some of the finest macro diving with the most reliable access to Sipadan.
Kapalai
Forty-five minutes by boat from Semporna, Kapalai is a stilt resort built entirely over a submerged reef. It offers immediate access to exceptional macro diving and serves as a base for a day's diving at Sipadan.
Mataking Reef Dive Resort
40 minutes by boat from Semporna, Mataking is a 40-acre private island offering deep wall diving, sandy beaches and comfortable chalets for couples and families.
Pom Pom Island Resort
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna, Pom Pom Island Resort offers wooden villas, macro diving and a sea turtle hatchery on a private coral cay.
Conservation
Plan your Sabah dives
Tell the team your preferred dates to secure your Sipadan dive permits and arrange your Layang Layang itinerary.