Diving at Sipadan

For Sipadan, you need at least an Advanced Open Water certification; without proof, you are only allowed to snorkel there. In November, Sabah Parks closes the island for one month to allow the reef and marine life to recover from the divers. You can take the diving course beforehand at Mabul, at a base's house reef, or at the Seaventures Dive Rig, a former oil platform. At the walls of Sipadan, you will encounter many green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, as well as schools of Napoleon wrasses and grey reef sharks.