Diving Sabah is internationally recognised as one of the best underwater experiences in Southeast Asia. Located on the northern part of Borneo, Sabah offers extraordinary marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and legendary dive sites that attract divers from all over the world. From the iconic Sipadan Island to the macro-rich reefs of Mabul and the pristine islands of Semporna, diving in Sabah delivers unforgettable encounters beneath the sea.

Moreover, Sabah’s strategic position within the Coral Triangle makes it one of the most biologically diverse marine regions on Earth. As a result, divers can expect vibrant coral gardens, large pelagic species, rare macro life, and excellent visibility throughout most of the year. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, diving Sabah provides options for every skill level.

Why Is It Famous Worldwide

Sabah has earned its reputation as a global diving destination for several important reasons. Firstly, it is home to Sipadan Island, often ranked among the world’s top dive sites. Secondly, Sabah offers a wide variety of dive environments within a relatively small area.

Key reasons why it stands out include:

• Location within the Coral Triangle
• Healthy coral reefs and rich marine life
• World-class wall, drift, and macro diving
• Well-managed marine parks
• Professional dive centres and instructors
• Suitable for beginners and advanced divers

Because of these factors, Sabah consistently attracts international divers from Europe, Australia, East Asia, and the Middle East.

Best Places for Diving In Sabah

Sabah offers several top-tier diving destinations, each with its own unique underwater features. Therefore, many divers choose to explore multiple locations during a single trip.

Sipadan Island – The Crown Jewel of Diving Sabah

Sipadan is the most famous dive site in Sabah and one of the best in the world. This oceanic island rises dramatically from the seabed, creating spectacular vertical walls.

Highlights of diving Sipadan include:

• Massive schools of barracuda
• Hundreds of green and hawksbill turtles
• Reef sharks and hammerhead sightings
• Strong currents and thrilling drift dives
• Deep walls covered with soft corals

Because Sipadan permits are limited daily, advance booking is essential.

Mabul Island – Macro Diving Paradise

Located near Sipadan, Mabul Island is world-famous for macro diving. While Sipadan offers big pelagics, Mabul focuses on small, rare, and fascinating marine creatures.

What you’ll see while diving Mabul:

• Nudibranchs
• Frogfish
• Blue-ringed octopus
• Ghost pipefish
• Seahorses

As a result, Mabul is extremely popular with underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts.

Kapalai – Shallow Reefs and Calm Diving

Kapalai is a sandbank resort area with shallow reefs and calm conditions. Although it lacks dramatic walls, it compensates with excellent visibility and easy dives.

Kapalai is ideal for:

• Beginner divers
• Training courses
• Relaxed underwater photography
• Long, shallow bottom times

Because of its gentle conditions, Kapalai is often combined with Mabul and Sipadan trips.

Semporna – Gateway to Diving in Sabah

Semporna is the main jumping-off point for most diving in eastern Sabah. Staying here allows easy access to multiple islands and dive sites.

From Semporna, divers can explore:

• Sipadan
• Mabul
• Kapalai
• Mataking
• Pom Pom
• Timba-Timba

Therefore, Semporna is considered the heart of diving Sabah.

Mataking Island – Clear Water and Coral Gardens

It is known for its white sandy beaches and exceptionally clear waters. Although it is less crowded than Sipadan, the diving here is still impressive.

Marine highlights include:

• Healthy coral reefs
• Reef sharks
• Eagle rays
• Turtles

Mataking is especially popular among honeymooners and divers seeking a quieter island experience.

Pom Pom Island – Turtle Conservation Diving

Pom Pom Island combines beautiful reefs with active turtle conservation programs. Divers frequently encounter turtles during snorkelling and diving sessions.

This location is ideal for:

• Eco-tourists
• Families
• Beginner divers
• Conservation-focused travellers

Marine Life You Can See While Diving Sabah

One of the strongest reasons people choose diving Sabah is the sheer diversity of marine life. Thanks to minimal damage and conservation efforts, the reefs remain healthy and vibrant.

Common marine species include:

• Green and hawksbill turtles
• Reef sharks
• Barracuda
• Giant trevally
• Eagle rays
• Napoleon wrasse
• Moray eels
• Octopus and cuttlefish

Additionally, macro lovers can spot rare species such as flamboyant cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, and various nudibranchs.

Best Time for Diving

Sabah offers year-round diving; however, certain months provide better conditions.

Best Diving Season in Sabah

• March to October – Best visibility and calmer seas
• April to September – Peak season for Sipadan
• June to August – Excellent underwater visibility

Monsoon Season Considerations

• November to January – Occasional rough seas
• Diving still possible but with reduced visibility
• Fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices

Therefore, divers can choose their travel time based on budget, crowd levels, and diving goals.

Diving Courses and Certification in Sabah

Sabah is an excellent place to learn scuba diving. Many dive centres are certified by PADI, SSI, and other international agencies.

Courses available include:

• Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Rescue Diver
• Divemaster
• Specialty courses (Nitrox, Deep, Wreck)

Because of experienced instructors and calm training sites, beginners feel safe and supported.

Dive Resorts and Liveaboards in Sabah

Diving Sabah offers both resort-based diving and liveaboard options.

Island Dive Resorts

• Mabul Water Bungalows
• Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
• Mataking Island Resort
• Pom Pom Island Resort

These resorts provide easy access to daily dive trips.

Liveaboard Diving in Sabah

Liveaboards are ideal for:

• Accessing remote dive sites
• Multiple dives per day
• Experienced divers seeking variety

Liveaboards often cover Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, and nearby reefs.

Safety and Conservation When Diving Sabah

Sabah places strong emphasis on marine protection. Sipadan, for example, limits daily diver numbers to reduce environmental impact.

Important safety and conservation practices include:

• No touching marine life
• No coral contact
• Controlled dive permits
• Licensed dive operators
• Eco-friendly diving guidelines

Because of these efforts, Sabah’s reefs remain among the healthiest in the region.

Who Should Experience This?

It’s suitable for many types of travellers:

Beginner Divers

Calm waters and professional instructors.

Experienced Divers

Challenging wall dives and strong currents at Sipadan.

Underwater Photographers

Macro and wide-angle opportunities.

Eco-Tourists

Conservation programs and protected reefs.

Adventure Seekers

Drift dives, deep walls, and pelagic encounters.

Is Diving Sabah Worth It?

Without a doubt, yes. Sabah offers one of the most complete diving experiences in Asia. Because it combines legendary dive sites, rich biodiversity, professional facilities, and beautiful island settings, Sabah stands out as a top global diving destination. Whether you dream of swimming alongside turtles, drifting with barracuda schools, or discovering rare macro species, diving Sabah delivers beyond expectations.

This is Why Diving in Sabah Should Be on Every Diver’s Bucket List

It is the perfect balance between adventure, biodiversity, and natural beauty. From the iconic walls of Sipadan to the macro wonders of Mabul and the tranquil reefs of Mataking, Sabah offers something truly special for every diver. Furthermore, strong conservation practices ensure that these underwater treasures remain protected for future generations. Therefore, if you are planning your next diving holiday, diving Sabah deserves a top spot on your travel list.