Dive Sites At Sipadan Island

Reputably one of the best diving spots in the world,green turtles that have lost their way in the caves and
the uniqueness of Sipadan Island lies in its geographicsubsequently drowned. Visibility is low in the far
makeup. Lying on top of a volcanic seamount, Sipadanreaches of the caves, which is why only advanced
Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. As thisdivers should enter the cavern. Accompaniment of a
volcano rises steeply over 1600 feet from the seabed,local diving master is necessary when venturing into
many of the dive sites here consist of steep walls orthis maze of interconnecting tunnels.
drop-offs. In addition, the entire reef area of 513 acresAs one of Sipadan's most treasured sites, Barracuda
functions as the habitat for soft and hard corals, asPoint is where schools of barracudas and jacks swirl
well as home to over 3000 species of fish. Hawksbillaround as the strong currents here bring food to their
and green turtles are common in Sipadan. In fact, it ismidst. Of course, the large volume of fish also attracts
not surprising for divers meet to 70 turtles on eachthe presence of Grey Reef Sharks and the
dive!Hammerheads. Here, it is common for divers to drop
Due to the size of the island, dive sites around Sipadandown lower along the wall. However, the northern point
are close to one another. Altogether, there are 11of this site should be avoided as strong currents here
marked dive sites around Sipadan:may bring divers further away from the island.
The Drop-Off is the most popular dive site here andThe highlight of the Sipadan Midreef Dive would
has won the island the Best Beach Dive Award in theprobably be the strong currents that drift divers north
world. Located just 20 feet from the beach, the seaor south from their start points. As they scale along
water turns indigo blue as the depth of the sea dropsthe wall, throngs of marine life such as triggerfish,
steeply to a staggering 2800 feet. The circling tornadounicorn fish, hawk fish and gobies are visible here. At
of barracuda or jacks typically found in brochures,times, divers may even be pushed upwards by the
books or magazines are easily visible overhead whencurrent, only to be stopped by hard flat corals at the
a diver enters the water. Corals and sponges growingtop of the reef.
at the side of the wall attract small reef fishes. WhiteOther dive sites in Sipadan include the Coral Garden,
tip sharks and green turtles are also amongst thethe Hanging Gardens and the Staghorn Crest, perfect
creatures living along the cliff. This is also a popularlocations for underwater photography due the unique
location for night dives, as shrimps and crabs can betopography and the abundance of colorful marine life.
seen peering out from the crevices along the wall atOn the other hand, the South Point and Whitetip
night.Avenue dive sites are great locations to observe the
Next up is the Turtle Cavern, with the entrance locatedrarer shark species such as the Whitetip Reef Sharks
about 65 feet below the surface.and the Hammerheads.
Within these chambers lie the remains of hawksbill and