Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is one of the best dive spots in the world. To visit, you need a permit, which is limited to protect the reef, so trips are usually booked through dive operators in Mabul or Semporna.

The main activity is scuba diving: drift along the coral walls and spot turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, and schools of colourful fish. Snorkelling is also incredible over the shallower reefs. All trips are run by community-led operators who follow sustainable practices, so your visit helps protect the island while giving you an unforgettable underwater experience.

Semporna is the gateway to some of the world’s best diving and island experiences. The must-dos are:

• Island Hopping – Visit nearby islands like Mabul, Kapalai, and Mataking to snorkel over vibrant reefs, meet local fishing communities, and see stunning sandbanks.

• Dive Trips – Explore Sipadan (with a permit) and nearby reefs to see turtles, reef sharks, and incredible coral diversity.

• Snorkelling – Many islands have shallow reefs perfect for snorkelling and spotting colourful fish without diving.

• Cultural Visits – Meet the Bajau Laut, the “sea nomads,” who have lived on boats and stilt houses for generations, learning about their way of life and supporting local communities.

We love anything outdoors and wildlife. For us, the top places for these experiences in Malaysia are:

• Kinabatangan River - one of the best places in Borneo to spot wildlife - you can spot pygmy elephants and orangutans here in the wild (if you're lucky!)
• Mabul Island - here you can dive at one of the best dive sites in the world - Sipadan!
• Kuching - here you can see the last longhouses of the Bidayhuh and Iban tribes
• Semmengoh Wildlife Centre - here you can do see semi-wild orangutans at one of the top ethical orangutan reserves
• Mount Kinabalu - the most iconic hike in Malaysia, and one of the most beautiful climbs in Malaysia.