Sipadan is a small rainforest covered tropical island rising from a depth of more than 600 meters from the bottom of the Celebes Sea. It is the only oceanic island in the region, the top of a long-lost lava chimney from a prehistoric volcano.

Sipadan Island has consitently ranked as a top dive destination in the world.  The list of attractions involves plenty of big fish encounters - barracudas, large schools of trevally and marauding bumphead parrotfish.  In September, when Sipadan's green sea turtles are at their peak abundance (and there's a whole lot of mating going on), divers can see 30 turtles on one dive. If you take the time to look closely at the walls you'll see a wealth of macro life and fish species to rival most destinations, although this is often overlooked due to the other major attractions vying for your attention.

Check-out underwater videos of swirling jacks, barracuda, and other pelagics on top of Sipadan's diverse marine life assemblage:  Diving in Sipadan (1.5 minutes of unreal diving), or Sipadan-Mabul (10-minutes includes resort footage) .  Deep water currents well up against the walls of this oceanic island bringing in the nutrients which support an incredible ecosystem where the sheer abundance of sea life astounds.

The chalet accomodations are nestled in a coconut grove on the south-east side of the island overlooking the water.  Rooms feature two oversized single beds, a couch, shelves, ceiling fan, screened windows, air-conditioning, and a front verandah.

Alternatively, there are 12 bungalows available, built over the water for cool breezes and sheer comfort. Exquisitely furnished, equipped with a remote control air-conditioner, ceiling fan, satellite TV, mini bar and in-room safety box, and the real clincher: a spacious private balcony to enjoy panoramic vistas of the turquoise blue sea.

There is a large and airy restaurant for dining (bungalow and chalet restaurants are separate), a souvenirs shop selling a variety of t-shirts, accessories and gifts, a business centre with Internet access, and  a dive centre.

Other activities you can do on the island

• Learning to dive.
• Scuba Skills Refresher Course.
• Nitrox Diving Course.
• Snorkelling around the island.
• Fishing.
• Table tennis.
• Ocean kayaking.
• Beach volleyball.

What is included

• 7 days accomodations.
• Land and sea transfers.
• 3 boat dives daily led by at least one Divemaster.
• Unlimited jetty diving on Mabul Island's house reefs.
• Tanks, weights and weight belt provided.
• Accommodation is on twin-sharing basis.
• All food and hot beverages are provided, excluding alcoholic drinks, fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks.

Entry Permit to Sipadan Island:  The Malaysian Government has imposed a levy charge of RM40.00 (about US$13) per person per day for diving at Sipadan Island. The levy charge is not included in the package price.  Entrance to Sipadan is not guarunteed, however, nearby sites off Kapalai and Mabul are free alternatives.

International and Domestic Air Tickets:  Air tickets are not included in the packages. However, we can assist in booking the international flights (to Kota Kinabalu) and domestic air tickets (to Tawau).

Pricing Options:

Smart Divers Resort, standard chalet:  $1325.

Upgrade to a stand-alone chalet, enjoy a private balcony:  $1535. 

Upgrade to a water bungalow to sleep over the sea:  $1950:

September 20-23 Wildlife Safari

Approximately $750, includes domestic flight, transfers, meals, and accomodations.  

Hidden amongst a treasure trove of tropical plants and spectacular orchids, the quaint bungalows of the Resort are within walking distance of the world-famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, precious home of the last wild Orang-Utans of Northern Borneo.

Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang-Utans’ survival is constantly threatened.  Orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to forest life. Today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living wild in the reserve.

The orangutans are fed from a platform in the forest, about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre, to supplement what they can find in the jungle.  Young orangutans are endlessly appealing, with ginger fur and intelligent eyes. Macaques and other wildlife such as flying squirrelsmay also join the feeding. 

A mature male is an impressive, not to mention hairy, creature with an arm-span of 7 feet.  Dominant males' distinctive cheek pads reinforce their alpha status. It was once said that an orangutan could swing from tree to tree from one side of Borneo to the other without touching the ground.   Hence the need for these reserves, and people like us supporting Borneo Eco Tourism.

The region of the Lower Kinabatangan River is unrivalled in terms of wildlife.  We'll take a river cruise, two hours to and from the Resort, looking for the proboscis monkey - famous for its long nose and round belly, swinging along the river bank.

Visitors have always been fascinated by the twice-daily feedings of the baby orangutans. There are now specially built viewing areas, although visitors might well encounter one of these irresistible apes along the forest trails as well. Other engaging creatures in the reserve include the tiny mousedeer and the beautiful Borneon long-tailed macaque, which swings through the forest like a furry pendulum.

Twice-daily guided walks take visitors along the trails of the Reserve, and dedicated bird watchers can venture out in the cool early morning with a ranger to look for some of the 63 species found in the Nature Reserve and surrounding areas of the resort. There is a new nocturnal watch area to catch sight of the huge-eyed Slow Loris, civet cats and ant-eaters.

Let us know if you want to spend any time in Singapore, we have a great rate on hotels through Singapore Airlines-- including entry to the Orchid Gardens, Sentosa Island, and a hop-on hop-off public transport pass.  Sounds like a good way to get adjusted to the time zone before we diving in to Borneo!

Reservations:

Mail $1000 to reserve the diving package.  Mail $1400 to reserve the flights.  Balance is due July 1, 2010.  Reservations and payments will be forfeited if full payment is not received by this time. No refunds can be made after this date and all cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change.

Checks should be made payable to:   Worldwide Diving Adventures
Mailed to:  1150 Whitewater Cove, Santa Cruz  CA  95062

Credit cards are run through Pay Pal, add 3.5% surcharge.

We strongly encourage purchasing Divers Alert Network Trip Insurance.  They off competitive rates, and your money goes to a fantastic program. Also, if you make the purchase through the link above, we get points towards DAN products.  Thanks!

California Seller of Travel #:  2020378-40