Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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About
4.5
#1 of 2 resorts in Pulau SipadanLocation
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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
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Room features
Private balcony
Safe
Refrigerator
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Luxury
Languages Spoken
Chinese, Malay
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Detailed Reviews
If you are a diver, this has to be on your short list of places to go. Sipadan is one of the best spots in the world to dive and Mabul has unbelievable macro. The dive guides are the best and you can do a sunset or night dive on your own at the house reef. It's easy to navigate and is full of marine life (Mandarin fish come out during the sunset dive). At the time we visited, there was almost no one at the resort due to the virus situation. We had a private guide for all but two days and those two days only one other couple joined our boat. Usually the resort is full and most guests are Chinese. The room was spacious and comfortable. You have a lot of privacy from other bungalows. Great view from the balcony and we saw turtles and stingrays just beneath us. There is no TV but we didn't mind at all. If you need entertainment, make sure you bring a laptop with some movies. Staff was friendly and accommodating, everyone was friendly. Food was served mostly buffet style and was good but nothing spectacular. Dinner is cooked Malay style so beware of bones and food is often not much warmer than room temperature. Even so, we enjoyed the meals and always had more than enough food. We spent six nights at the resort and it was just about right. We dived Sipadan twice which was great but were equally impressed with the macro in Mabul. Definitely worth the price, especially if you get the entire resort to yourself like we did. If you come in the next few weeks, you are likely to have the same good fortune :)
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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
This is heaven on earth. If you're a diver, this is one of the top diving site in the world. Even if you're not, I would highly recommend for you to start taking lesson and get your license. It's worth it! The food is delicious. Bit spicy for those who doesn't take any spice. So be aware. You can buy fresh seafood from Mabul or Semporna and get them to prepare for you for minimal charge. The rest just breathe and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Be sure to check on your diving permit as you need one to dive in Sipadan.
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.
I took the 5N package as they could promise me 2 days diving in Sipadan and it was well worth it. The cost of staying/diving with Kapalai is alot more than the surrounding Mabul options but for me, i'm glad i chose that.
Diving: Being able to dive two days in Sipadan was the main clincher. For most other resorts, to get a second day of diving in Sipadan, you had to pay another 400-600 ringgit per pax and that in itself was included in my total package. The resorts boasts 10 instructors and 2 dive masters which is amazing credentials. We had different guides every day and all of them had between 12-18 years experience each of diving Sipadan. So you know you have the bestest in the business who know all the sites inside and out. I never once had to walk with my tank .... it was an absolute breeze. The dive crew were always so willing to do everything for you.
Accommodation: as per all the other reviews below, the resort is pretty spectacular.
Tips: bring one of those mosquito repellent plug in wall devices. We had mossies every night cause the chalets are not completely sealed.
There's not really much to do if you're not diving so i wouldn't stay more than 1 night if i'm coming just to chill ...
Diving: Being able to dive two days in Sipadan was the main clincher. For most other resorts, to get a second day of diving in Sipadan, you had to pay another 400-600 ringgit per pax and that in itself was included in my total package. The resorts boasts 10 instructors and 2 dive masters which is amazing credentials. We had different guides every day and all of them had between 12-18 years experience each of diving Sipadan. So you know you have the bestest in the business who know all the sites inside and out. I never once had to walk with my tank .... it was an absolute breeze. The dive crew were always so willing to do everything for you.
Accommodation: as per all the other reviews below, the resort is pretty spectacular.
Tips: bring one of those mosquito repellent plug in wall devices. We had mossies every night cause the chalets are not completely sealed.
There's not really much to do if you're not diving so i wouldn't stay more than 1 night if i'm coming just to chill ...
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â You can't choose a room, it's your own luck on what you get assigned to!
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
Stayed for 3 days 2 nights.
Overall it was a okay stay! It’s a good place to experience water bungalows in Malaysia.
With the price, you are paying for the rooms, resort surroundings, the location, turquoise water and marine life which are undeniably BEAUTIFUL. We saw 5 turtles, stingrays and my husband even had a close encounter with a sea snake. Awesome experience!
For service and food is zero star! For the price that we’re paying, the food quality should be better.
The villas design are huge hence 1 air conditioning unit is not enough. It was so hot during the day even when the AC is on.
This resort caters to large group tours and PRC tourist.
You won’t get the ‘special/homely or unique’ feeling after you leave.
Most of the guest stays for 1 night so the concept is like ‘arrive, briefing, mealtime, take photo, okay next time to go home’ like touch and go.
For those are not divers I think 1 night is sufficient provided you take the first boat in and last boat out.
Overall it was a okay stay! It’s a good place to experience water bungalows in Malaysia.
With the price, you are paying for the rooms, resort surroundings, the location, turquoise water and marine life which are undeniably BEAUTIFUL. We saw 5 turtles, stingrays and my husband even had a close encounter with a sea snake. Awesome experience!
For service and food is zero star! For the price that we’re paying, the food quality should be better.
The villas design are huge hence 1 air conditioning unit is not enough. It was so hot during the day even when the AC is on.
This resort caters to large group tours and PRC tourist.
You won’t get the ‘special/homely or unique’ feeling after you leave.
Most of the guest stays for 1 night so the concept is like ‘arrive, briefing, mealtime, take photo, okay next time to go home’ like touch and go.
For those are not divers I think 1 night is sufficient provided you take the first boat in and last boat out.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip 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
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.
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:Â The newer villas seem to start from 50 upwards. We had villa 54 and it was gorgeous! Double...
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.
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The hotel is very beautiful, but a little dated, the rooms are clean and the view is breathtaking. Unfortunately the restaurant is of very low quality and there is little choice for vegetarians/vegans, so there are often the same things as the day/days before. The diving center is ok, nothing more. Our guide gave very hasty and uninformative briefings. Under water he went very fast and didn't care much about the divers with him. Luckily there were always two guides and our group was quite homogeneous and experienced. The diving in Sipadan is beautiful, but Mabul is nothing special. You should always try to go to Sipadan, but rightly they give everyone the opportunity to go so they alternate between one and the other. Snorkelling around the resort can only be done in limited areas.
The hotel and diving staff were always very kind and helpful.
In general, care for the environment seemed careless to us, being a resort completely on the water, cigarette butts in the water and plastic bottles left to chance should be avoided. They indicate that if food from the buffet is wasted they can give a surcharge, but in practice no one checked. And, unfortunately, we have seen a lot of wasted food. The Wifi (for a fee) was unusable because there is no reception, but if you have good roaming it works almost everywhere.
The hotel and diving staff were always very kind and helpful.
In general, care for the environment seemed careless to us, being a resort completely on the water, cigarette butts in the water and plastic bottles left to chance should be avoided. They indicate that if food from the buffet is wasted they can give a surcharge, but in practice no one checked. And, unfortunately, we have seen a lot of wasted food. The Wifi (for a fee) was unusable because there is no reception, but if you have good roaming it works almost everywhere.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip 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
Kapalai honestly is more for diver to stay as kapalai have a big diving centre and mainly for relax without other activity.
~Kapalai no WiFi in the room
~Kapalai no telephone service and no mobile network in the room. Even they provide buggy service but is useless because no signal for you to call the buggy service.
~Kapalai no TV in the room. The room just for sleeping.
~Kapalai no Spa and massage service
- Kapalai no gym service.
- Kapalai always encounter electric circuits trip in the room especially at night.
~Kapalai snorkeling is not including in the package, need to pay separately
- Kapalai The socket in the room mostly not function.
~Kapalai during night is very dark at the hallway while walking to the room. Need torch light if walking alone in the hallway.
~Kapalai no hot water in the room. The hot water is useless because even on for 30 minutes still cold water.
* But the only good thing in Kapalai is you can see sea turtles everyday even beside your room if you are lucky.
* Kapalai have better privacy as they only serve in house guest and no outsider visitor allowed in Kapalai.
~Kapalai no WiFi in the room
~Kapalai no telephone service and no mobile network in the room. Even they provide buggy service but is useless because no signal for you to call the buggy service.
~Kapalai no TV in the room. The room just for sleeping.
~Kapalai no Spa and massage service
- Kapalai no gym service.
- Kapalai always encounter electric circuits trip in the room especially at night.
~Kapalai snorkeling is not including in the package, need to pay separately
- Kapalai The socket in the room mostly not function.
~Kapalai during night is very dark at the hallway while walking to the room. Need torch light if walking alone in the hallway.
~Kapalai no hot water in the room. The hot water is useless because even on for 30 minutes still cold water.
* But the only good thing in Kapalai is you can see sea turtles everyday even beside your room if you are lucky.
* Kapalai have better privacy as they only serve in house guest and no outsider visitor allowed in Kapalai.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â Please bring ur own entertainment to there.
Good luck !
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.
The location is sensational, over water bungalows where you dive straight into crystal clear waters for snorkelling.
There are lots of cons though, many of which are directly due to poor management decisions. I agree with other reviews that the food is barely edible, the buffet is drenched in oil, has limited options and mainly focuses on Chinese cuisine (which is strange for a resort in Malaysia). While some rules are for guests enjoyment, there are oppressive restrictions on when and where you can go snorkeling, which is outrageously hypocritical when hundreds of day visitors can snorkel directly outside the bungalows. There is no privacy. There is also no value given to the environment and protection of the precious water life, we saw visitors harassing the turtles and not giving them distance and space to even breath.
So we had some nice moments, but it’s not worth the price and hassle.
There are lots of cons though, many of which are directly due to poor management decisions. I agree with other reviews that the food is barely edible, the buffet is drenched in oil, has limited options and mainly focuses on Chinese cuisine (which is strange for a resort in Malaysia). While some rules are for guests enjoyment, there are oppressive restrictions on when and where you can go snorkeling, which is outrageously hypocritical when hundreds of day visitors can snorkel directly outside the bungalows. There is no privacy. There is also no value given to the environment and protection of the precious water life, we saw visitors harassing the turtles and not giving them distance and space to even breath.
So we had some nice moments, but it’s not worth the price and hassle.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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
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.
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.
Kapalai has amazing view and the white sand with crystal clear water is just very attractive. The rooms is nice but can be better in sealing the gap or holes to contain aircond in room. I feel like we are wasting the energy. The bed room is very big but there ar many empty space which can do better interior design to make it looks more luxury and home feeling.
The check in process is quite slow and the information is not fully given or accurate. I remember the guy who brief us name Izzam, he did asked our flight time and departure time from the hotel back to Sempurna. And he even told us that our departure time should be 11.30am since our flight is 16.10pm. But the next day when we approach the reception to double check again. The receptionist told us that day was only 1.30pm departure. No one told them 11.30pm has any departure. And then we tried to tell them all details and some hassle happend. Fortunately they manage to arrange boat for us to depart on 11.30pm. If not we are going to missed our flight. So, to all who wanted to stay in Kapalai pls double check with the reception for ur departure time.
Other than this small incident the trip was fun... Will be back again.
The check in process is quite slow and the information is not fully given or accurate. I remember the guy who brief us name Izzam, he did asked our flight time and departure time from the hotel back to Sempurna. And he even told us that our departure time should be 11.30am since our flight is 16.10pm. But the next day when we approach the reception to double check again. The receptionist told us that day was only 1.30pm departure. No one told them 11.30pm has any departure. And then we tried to tell them all details and some hassle happend. Fortunately they manage to arrange boat for us to depart on 11.30pm. If not we are going to missed our flight. So, to all who wanted to stay in Kapalai pls double check with the reception for ur departure time.
Other than this small incident the trip was fun... Will be back again.
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Date of stay: January 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.
Rooney
At sipadana-kapalai
It depends on peak or off-peak season. You may enquire directly to Ms Feltricia Ann Sakong at +600143786390
The buffets are mainly a mix of Asian with a bit of western thrown in eg roast chicken, lamb and duck, spaghetti etc. and fresh fruits at every meal . Coffee, tea and fresh drinking water with cakes and bread are available through out the day. Hope this helps.
Yes you can book it through their website through the booking form. Their website has the gold PSR logo with the palm tree. However the booking may be processed by their assigned local agency who will contact you via email.
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"The newer villas seem to start from 50 upwards. We had villa 54 and it was gorgeous! Double vanity sink, ourside shower and freestanding tub"Read full review
"Prepare your daily necessities. If you need wines in the evening after diving, bring your own. There is at least fridge in the room to store"Read full review
…
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
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingSIPADAN KAPALAI DIVE RESORT: UPDATED 2024 Reviews and 1,403 Photos (Pulau Sipadan) - Tripadvisor
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.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including Chinese and Malay.
Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.