Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
Kapalai, Pulau Sipadan 91000 Malaysia
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#2 of 5 hotels in Pulau Sipadan
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A few minutes by boat from the islands of Sipadan and Mabul but a full world away from it lays the exhilarating Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, sitting on its sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of Ligitan Reefs. Planned and built in full style as an airy, comfortable, sunny water village with no land in sight, it boasts a mile-long sandbank of powdery white sand where one can suntan at complete leisure while gazing out to the miles of brilliant turquoise stretching into the horizon offering the purest image of natural serenity. Dive spots Sipadan and Mabul can be reached in just a few minutes by speedboat. Sipadan-Kapalai is an ideal destination for diver and non-diver alike seeking a great holiday experience.
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Property amenities
Public wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Beach
Diving
Snorkelling
Airport transportation
Concierge
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
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Private balcony
Refrigerator
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Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
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Charming
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Chinese
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Kapalai, Pulau Sipadan 91000 Malaysia
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Service and food is 2* standard, which used to be fine when it was a cheap and cheerful diving resort. But now it markets itself as a Maldives wannabe in China, with prices to match. Hence you now get a 2* experience at a 5* price where 95% of guests are Chinese families. On top of that, Sipadan has been ruined as a diving destination by over-regulation and government greed. The whole place is best avoided by divers now. A pity.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
(This review is more of a blog post, but that just shows how much I love this place.) Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is truly my favourite place in the world. It is Paradise on Earth. I first came here back in June 2023, together with my parents. The second I reached the resort, I knew I had to return. I just didn't know how soon my next trip here would be. I had done my AOW certification here and went on some amazing dives, especially at Sipadan. Everything about my first trip was absolutely perfect, and was made so extra special by the staff at Kapalai. I'd made great friends with the dive team on my last two nights, joining them for karaoke and drinks. I knew the entirety of that trip that leaving would be painful. But, it was time to bid farewell to my paradise and head back home. I touched down, back home in Singapore. The next thing I knew, I was booking a flight back to Tawau in exactly two months' time- August. But this time, I'll be back alone. This was my first-ever solo trip. I'm 19, and one of my greatest desires in life is to travel the world and, more so, dive it. I could've gone elsewhere- but no, my heart yearned to be back at Kapalai. The countdown of 2 months, waiting in anticipation to return to the place I love the most was almost torture. But the day finally came, and I was back at my spot at the Dive Centre (DC). It was the spot where I journaled every day on my previous trip here, and till today, remains my favourite place on this planet. I had never been happier. Shoutout to Deon, who recognised me at the ferry point and helped me with my bags! I went on my checkout dive the second I reached the resort. Got my gear secured at the dive shop, greeted by the bright smile of the ever-so-wonderful Dhon helping us divers out. The house reef at Kapalai never fails to impress me. I've been to house reefs in Bali, Fiji, and Australia, but nothing beats the house reef at Kapalai. It's ridiculously convenient and teeming with all sorts of marine life, from giant turtles resting to nudibranchs scattered on all roofs of the artificial wreck. You're almost spoiled by how much you can find once you step off those steps just in front of the DC. There are practically unlimited dives for you- buddy dives, and sunset dives. Just put your name up on the board and the team will sort it out all for you. I can guarantee you, that you will be pampered here. No dive centre that I'd ever been to has worked so seamlessly and efficiently. The only thing you have to worry about during your trip to Kapalai is really yourself. Everything else will be done for you. I won't go into so much detail on the diving, but I'll try my best to sum it up. I had gone for dives for 8 consecutive days, 3 at Sipadan, and the rest at Kapalai/Mabul. As always, the dives were brilliant. The macro at Mabul and Kapalai are pretty cool. Sipadan is a must-go for all divers. Herds of Bumpheads and tornadoes of Jacks are awaiting you just below the ocean's surface. And it never gets old. If you're lucky, Barracudas and Hammerheads may just show up for you too! I can rave about the diving here all I want, but I do want to touch on aspects of the resort that have captured my heart. The location. You are forced to detach from the rest of the world because you are literally in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the vast blue, the only land is the tiny sandbank and the wood that prevents you from touching the water when you sleep. I was fortunate to have the room closest to the DC, which is where I spend 90% of my time when I'm here. Stroll along the boardwalks, and you are greeted by big green turtles coming up for air. The occasional eagle ray comes to say hi (again, if you're lucky). Every single chalet offers a fantastic view of the ocean. Its crystalline waters will not fail to put your mind at peace. It's the perfect escape. What I love the most about Kapalai though, besides its breathtaking location and diving, is the people. More specifically, the dive team. They had all remembered me from my previous trip, and that meant the entire world to me. The moment I reached the resort, I was welcomed back with open arms as if I were returning home. From the first night I was there, they had saved me a seat and invited me to join them in their nighttime activities- to which of course, I did (yay, karaoke!). The dive masters/instructors are genuinely some of the most wonderful people I've met. They are so passionate about their job and it inspires me. I've probably unloaded hundreds of questions on them pertaining to diving, which they would eagerly answer in detail. I've talked to all of them, and got to know each one of them a lot better this trip. They are really the most accommodating bunch of people. As dive guides, they are fantastic, always making sure you're safe, but at the same time, having fun. If you're a diver coming here, I can assure you that you're in good hands. Every day spent with them was a blast, and considering the amount of time I've spent with them, they are kinda like my second family now:") I just want to express how grateful I am to the team for making this trip the best trip of my life. George, for being the best dive instructor to take me for my AOW I could ask for. Glenn, for showing me my first-ever mandarin fish. Cat, for greeting me with the brightest smiles and being the best karaoke singer ever. Benn, for accompanying me in the deep blue searching for Hammerheads. Wie, for giving me his precious apple cider. Leo, for giving me countless tips on diving and his constant faith in me even though I kicked him in the face twice on my first trip here. Rodel, for being the most entertaining, accommodating and fun buddy ever. Linda, for all the big sister advice and deep conversations we had. Josh, for being the biggest homie, always accompanying me and tolerating my constant nonsense (and giving me nonsense too LOL). It was a solo trip, and though I might've been all by myself- I was never alone. Thank you to the entire team, for taking such great care of me and for making me feel like I am a part of the family. Tears were shed on my last day, as the dive team waved goodbye while my boat departed from the place where my heart belongs. It's not a goodbye, it's a see you again. I will be back soon. …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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Room Tip: - Get a prepaid MAXIS sim card for better reception
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
We actually went to Sipadan Kapalai (SKDR) on 22 - 24 November 2021 for our honeymoon and we list below the highlights and challenges at SKDR during our stay:- Highlights:- 1) They provide pick-up and drop-off services from and to Tawau Airport. Eventhough we stay only until 24/11 at SKDR, the other dates we stay at different places but they still can manage to drop us at airport the day we return to KLIA; 2) SKDR also have their own private jetty which means the guest need not to involve with other public at public jetty. When we wait for our boat to SKDR we can rest at the private jetty lounge that have couch; 3) The location of SKDR that is approximately 45 minutes from Semporna Town is what makes them special because it is private island. Before we choose for SKDR, we also looking to stay at other resort such as Nusakuya or Sea Star but their location only 5 to 10 minutes from Semporna Town so it is not feels like we are away from the civilization; 4) Upon arrival at SKDR, the guest will be serve with lunch before briefing. We flew from KLIA2 on the morning, pick up by the van provided and the lunch is comforted us to continue the day; 5) The food is unlimited. They served breakfast, lunch and dinner on a buffet basis. Not to say, the seafood is fresh and unlimited. So for three days and two nights our stomach was full; 6) The room is spacious. Eventhough for two person, it can accommodate like 10-15 person. And the queen size bed is more than enough for honeymooners; 7) The view from the room, restaurants, and anywhere at the SKDR is also magnificient. We can enjoy sunrise and sunset anywhere because it is like private island there; 8) Staff also very polite and entertain the guests very well. We made a complaint regarding our room air-conditioner and they straight away came after we complaint; Challenges:- 1) The area of SKDR is very wide. So they provide bicycle to commute from one place to another such as from the room to restaurants. However, the bicycle is limited with no key attach. So it is based on the who can get first. We have get two set of bicycle but then people took it again so we have to walk back to our room; 2) The room is spacious but the air-conditioner is only 1hp. So eventhough there is an aircond but it cannot accommodate to hot temperature outside. However, it is better than other resort because the electricity here is 24 hour; 3) The buggy that they provided sometimes take a long time because only two or three buggy and it is better to walk or cycle to commute to other places; 4) The room is above the sea but we cannot jump or swimming straight away from the room. For people that wanted to swim straight away from the room like in Maldives, they can opt for Nusakuya or other resorts. In SKDR if we jump from our room then we need to swim back to the main area which is far; 5) SKDR is full of army for security purposes. Some may feels like it is safe to place army there. But, the presence of army disturb the privacy that the guest should have. They jogs around in the evening, and the resorts also provide them food. Some of them also talk with the guest maybe it is nice gesture but there is reason people go there and pay for the some amount of price; 6) The internet connection at SKDR is very poor. The only area that can get internet access is restaurant and hammock area (near the jetty). Our room is at the end of island and we cannot get internet from there. The good thing is we can spend time on our own and did not involve with outside world. However, I can say that we are recommended and fully satisfied by the services given by SKDR. If we do get chances, we will repeat to come here.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
We spent 3 days 2 nights there. Boat arrangement is seamless, however if you suffer from sea sick, make sure you have meds prior. The boat ride took almost 1 hour plus. When we reached, we were warmly welcomed by the courteous staff. However, we are unable to check-in but get to explore the resort and have lunch first. Rooms were big (especially the bathroom), clean and well maintained for a sea resort standard. Each room is like a water bungalow with verandah equipped with deck chairs. Food for Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner is mostly hot, local food (with fresh seafood). I love they served delicious soups for lunch and dinner and fruits like juicy pomelo and papayas. There is an elevated man-made beach and platform for us to explore and take picturesque photos and to watch sunset. If you a not a diver, I highly recommend to do a discovery dive with them. We had experienced and passionate dive instructor, Linda who assisted us 2 lovely dives around Kapalai. On the 2nd day, we had island hopping to Mabul and Kapalai and had a great time. All in all, this place is a paradise, for divers and non divers alike. …
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
Spent 3 nights here and wow, it is a break taking part of the world. Situated entirely above the sea all on stilts, the resort has made a mini village. Highlights - the villa is huge. So huge I counted 21 light switches that operated different areas! The veranda is spacious and we saw octopus and around 10 turtles each day from here as well as many different fish species. Snorkelling is excellent although only in one area in front of the dive centre. Drinks are reasonably priced, no cocktails though only beer and soft drinks available for purchase. Cons- no cushions for the sun beds on the veranda or beach towels. Bed in room is pretty hard! Food - like the other reviews it can really be improved. It becomes very repetitive and people literally run to the buffet when it opens at 7pm for the evening slot. Only sponge for dessert every single night which gets a bit boring. Overall, it is a stunning resort and I wouldn’t let the food choice put you off visiting, it is truly beautiful and brimming with sea life. We must have seen about 30 + turtles, eagle rays, eels, clown fish and octopus without even entering the water it is that clear. I have been to the Maldives twice and I do believe this is as good as if not better purely based on location and marine life. …
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The newer villas seem to start from 50 upwards. We had villa 54 and it was gorgeous! Double...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
6 Helpful votes
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+1
Almost completed my 6N5D trip with my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. We had a great hospitality from the diving coaches but feel a great pity that the resort mgmt has wasted a great jewel and have not lived up to its luxurious potentials (maybe due to COVID and the resort had to furlough majority of the staff for over 5 months within the last 2 years and it has yet to recover). First, I was impressed with the photos seen on social media and decided to book this (supposed to be the BEST and most expensive resort near Sipadan) First, the jetty transfer in Semporna was smooth but there were plastic trash all over. If the company wants to portray a good image for international tourists, probably should first clean them up? Once arrived at Kapalai, the welcoming process was subpar. There was no receptionist welcoming us, and we were a bit lost. Since it is lunch time, we just straight dive into buffet lunch. Then, a staff clumsily come to offer a glass of diluted sugary orange juice and we were left there. After almost 1.5 hours, we were reached out by diving coaches about our program (the adults were taking advanced PADI open water, and the kids were taking junior PADI open water) Once we checked into the room, overall “hardware” appears nice, but after staying for 6 days some basic problems surface 1) No intercom/phone in the room - since we are at the far corner of the resort and it takes 10mins to walk to lobby, we sometimes need to call buggies. But we were only given a local phone number to call, and the mobile/cell reception is bad here 2) No proper shampoo and conditioner - for my ladies who have long hair, assuming this luxurious should have this basic provided but they don’t 3) Broken chair in the balcony and water dripping out from air condition unit In term of food at the restaurant, it was ok-ish but there are so many opportunities to let the tourists spent more. No wine, no ice cream and no a la cart ordering. The local store has limited daily necessities and it is essential to well prepared before coming. Lastly, for this type of resort, you will see the general manager walking around to ensure all are good in place. I have not seen it over 6 days and the receptionists all seems junior and lack of international experience/exposure to hosting well travel international guests. In term of diving experience, I can feel that the diving coaches and staff have done everything they can to put on a smiley face. My teenager girls have a GREAT experience on their junior open water (OW) experience (with Linda Ho, thank you!) but less so on the advanced open water. (AOW). I feel a bit rush on the AOW but don’t feel the knowledge has sunk in and that is a real pity. Something to be improved. Many of us really want to learn, rather than just get the AOW license in order to dive in Sipadan (need at least AOW to dive there). Have been diving around the world, I would say the diving experience is world class. Water is generally clear and Sipadan is truly a gem. But I was told that Sipadan has increased their diving agency from 25 —> 35; and maximum tourist visits from 120 —> 180. But the good thing is that only 2 dives a day in Sipadan instead of the usual 3 dives. I hope the authority considers the potential overall impact on the nature. Don’t trade nature with money. Save them!…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Prepare your daily necessities. If you need wines in the evening after diving, bring your own....
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4 Helpful votes
Helpful
This is the best in the area. Completely over water, it is a testament what good design can achieve. Devastation of covid is being repaired and it is now functioning as before. Diving include Sipadan but there are other sites which are excellent.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Come prepared to chill out
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Place is beautiful, with beautiful fishes and corals. Just hope it stays this way for a long time, few places such as this in Malaysia. Unfortunate that the staff of hotel really doesn’t take good service seriously. Staff at buffet behave Iike they are serving prisoners, Hotel maintenance leaves much to be desired - room feels so dated, not only from design, but maintenance such as leaking tap, old looking towels add to list. Worst is services as such diving, enquiries with the staff give impression they can’t be bothered to make guests welcome and actually providing income to them. Sad
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Ask for newer rooms, and do check all facilities are working well
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4 Helpful votes
Helpful
Overall we were happy with the stay. The room is not as beautiful as those in maldives as it doesnt hv swimming pool/private pool but the water was crystal clear. However, it is very sad and annoying to see alot of rubbish in the ocean even some close to the resort. As a diver and ocean lover I sometimes wish the hotel can just provide us a net in the room so we can just remove the plastic bottles from the room.. What sadden us more is we witness one of the boatman (helmsman) threw plastic rubbish from the boat into the sea... we would expect kapalai resort would train and educate their staffs not to litter into the sea. The incident took place at around 2pm at mainland office when the guy preparing to return to the resort. We just hope kapalai resort will give training to its staffs in future about ocean conservation and create more awareness among the staffs.. Please do something before its too late.. Its really too much plastics and rubbish especially near mabul Last but not least pls allow us to highlight and praise the dive crews in dive centre They are very professional! Excellent service and we feel safe throughout all the dives Thanks esp to george, wendy, cat... And also all the boat crews!…
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5 Helpful votes
Helpful
Chalet - the chalet condition is very bad… you know how much you have paid, but imagine, the chalet was flooded in the toilet area, there are a lot of ants, and the resort management told you that you can’t use the bathtub???? The 1st night we have no choice but we went to one of our family member’s chalet to sleep, as reception refused to move us to another chalet. NO REFUND ON THE 1st night! The reception went to the flood chalet 9pm ++?? I can’t remember, but you disturb us!!!! We moved our luggage ourselves, the path was a very long walk… the buggy service saw us and immediately ignored us. He told us that he was off duty!!! The phone reception was bad and some telco no signal at all!! Food - you need to go restaurant early. Expected long queue and some item might not have a refill, especially soup. But on the bright side, there was a wide variety of food. Thank you. I would like to give special thanks to a Buggy staff - AB. He was great, friendly and helpful. Did you notice, most of the social media picture only outside view but not the inside of the chalet .. haha Conclusion : Overrated. Don’t go with such high expectations if you really want to go.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Go early for dining - to avoid long Q for food
If you really wanted to go…. Ensure you get the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5 Helpful votes
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ALSO KNOWN AS
sipadan-kapalai dive hotel pulau sipadan, sipadan kapalai island hotel, hotel sipadan kapalai island
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahSemporna DistrictPulau Sipadan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
60
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
What are some of the property amenities at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and airport transportation.
What food & drink options are available at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.