Sipadan Island, Malaysia by Flickr user tclee9300y

Sipadan is a limestone island. That is really about it. There is nothing to do on the actual island itself, no amusement parks, big resorts with casinos, mini golf or entertainment centers. The magic of Sipadan lies underwater where scuba divers are provided with amazing wall dives where the drop off reaches 2,800 feet into the blue. Snorkelers of all levels will be amazed at what they are able to find within twenty feet off the beach. This is the result of over a thousand years of coral development atop a volcanic cone.

Over 3,000 species of fish and coral life have been classified on Sipadan alone and the sea turtle population on Sipadan is known to be one of the largest in the world, underscoring the perfect conditions for marine life. In fact, the marine life is so amazing and so impressive that Jacques Cousteau himself said it is a rare treat calling it “…an untouched piece of art.” It is no wonder that Sipadan is considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Once common around the world, islands like Sipadan are becoming increasingly rare having been developed and over dived. Sipadan, like many places, is not immune to such development and the increasing presence of less rustic bungalows are the telltale signs of development. One thing hindering development on the island, are the islamic extremists from the island of Mindanao, Philippines who have kidnapped tourists in the past. Today the Malaysian military has a clear presence on the island doing its best to protect tourists. I would say proceed with caution if you plan on going but then again, wouldn’t you always proceed with caution anyway to go somewhere remote? I believe so. Although, if you really want to stay safe, I guess there is always the local aquarium option.

So is it really worth going? Well, here is the full quote from Mr. Cousteau “I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now, no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art…”

Sebastien Tobler

Colliding Continents