Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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4.5
#1 of 2 resorts in Pulau SipadanLocation
4.8
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.3
Value
4.1
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
Airport transportation
Concierge
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Snorkeling
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Room features
Private balcony
Safe
Refrigerator
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family Resort
Languages Spoken
Chinese, Malay
Location
Kapalai, Pulau Sipadan 91000 Malaysia
Getting there
Tawau Airport
39 mi•
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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: Traveled 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: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: 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: 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: Traveled 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: Traveled 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...
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: Traveled 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: Traveled 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.
+1
It was a bit of hassle traveling here from KL (three hours flight to Tawau + 1hour and 15mins car ride to Semporna + 40mins boat ride to Kapalai resort) but it was worth it. Clear blue seas that you can see till the bottom. A lot of sea life swimming freely in the waters below the whole resort. Great food provided lunch dinner breakfast ranging from bread, chicken curry, fried rice, toufu, fish, beef and BBQ lamb, chicken wings, stingray for dinner. Bed is comfy and the view from the deck outside our room is phenomenal really its the maldives of malaysia. Only downside is there is no door blocking the bathtub and the toilet so if you're traveling with kids then its a bit of inconvenience. If you're traveling as a couple it would be the best place ever. Another downside is if your water chalet is too far out you can either take a 15mins walk or wait for the buggy which will take awhile for your turn if the place is crowded especially checking out. Activities wise snorkeling / diving is good a lot of fishes and marine life to see. Walk down to the sand bar when the tide is low and keep a watch out your room deck at night to spot some nocturnal marine dwellers.
Overall superb service superb resort 10/10 will visit again.
Overall superb service superb resort 10/10 will visit again.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All rooms are generally the same. further rooms are quieter and have a nicer view
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.
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.
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: Traveled 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.
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
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
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
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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.
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.