Guide No. 20 · Stay 5 of 7
Stay · Pulau Mabul
Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort
Good · No. 5 of 7 on Pulau Mabul
On stilts over the reef at Kapalai, about 7 km east of Mabul.
Position
- Tier
- GoodNo. 5 of 7
- Beach
- KapalaiOn stilts over the reef
- Open
- All yearSipadan shut in November
- Boat
- Under 1 hFrom Semporna 09:30 or 12:30
Verdict
Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort is built on stilts over Kapalai, a reef about 7 km east of Mabul, outside any marine park. It is the only licensed stay on Kapalai, listed by the state under Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours.
The resort’s boat runs twice a day each way from Semporna, and Sabah Parks names Kapalai, with Mabul, as where Sipadan divers stay. Sipadan is closed every November, and permits are not guaranteed.
The catch is the setting and the upkeep. There is no land, only walkways between the rooms. Guest reviews often call the rooms dated and hot at midday, and the food below the price.
Good for
Divers and couples who want to step off the walkway into the water and don't need a beach.
Not for
Anyone who wants sand, room to walk, or food to match the price.
Particulars
- Type
- Resort
- Rooms
- 89 rooms
- Board
- –
- Transfer
- Resort boat from Semporna at 09:30 or 12:30, under an hour; back at 11:00 or 13:30
- Season
- Open all year
- Check-in
- –Check-out –
- Website
- sipadan-kapalai.com
Getting there
The resort's boat leaves Semporna at 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and comes back from Kapalai at 11 am and 1.30 pm. The crossing takes under an hour. All routes to Pulau Mabul.
Other stays on Mabul
| No. | Stay | Tier | Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort | Pick | Mabul |
| 2 | The Reef Dive Resort | Pick | Mataking |
| 3 | Borneo Divers Mabul Resort | Good | Mabul |
| 4 | Mabul Water Bungalows | Good | Mabul |
| 6 | Pom Pom Island Resort | Good | Pom Pom |
| 7 | Pearl Island Resort | Good | Bohey Dulang |