Sipadan Island

If you ask devoted divers to list the top dives sites they wish to visit, Sipadan is frequently at the top of the list. It is one of the richest marine habitats in the world and has been rated as one of the top destinations for diving in the world.

Strong currents and steep walls are the hallmark of diving at Sipadan. I still remember the very first time I hit the water, I was struck by the overwhelming number of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, which gather at Sipadan to mate. It’s common to see more than twenty turtles on a single dive. Meanwhile, sharks are a virtual guarantee, from solo White-tip Reef Sharks cruising the wall to schooling Grey Reef Sharks hunting in the deeper plateaus. For the lucky one’s, scalloped Hammerheads emerge out of the deep. Eagle Rays are common, as are Devil Rays. Manta Rays make an appearance when the deep-water currents bring plankton from out of the blue, as do Whale Sharks. The swirling tornado-like formation of schooling Barracuda, Big-Eye Trevally,the giant size Bumphead Parrotfish and thousands Silver Jack fish are the highlights on every diver’s wish-list : )




Me and my best buddy, Fai at Sipadan Island



Sipadan is the only ocenic island in Malaysia which rise 600m from the seabed. (U can see from the above pic, it turns from turqouise to deep blue outside the floatline)

 

Cute little baby turtles at Sipadan Turtle Hatchery

Swirling Tornado-like shcooling Barracuda



Whale Shark, the largest fish species. The one in above pic is approx 10m long which is about 6 to 7 times larger,compared to me! Although it has very large mouth, as filter feeder, it feed mainly on plankton, which are microscopic plants and animals. What a friendly creature! : )



Hammerhead Shark. This shot was taken from far as it suddenly made an apperance out of the blue. When you are underwater, you see the thing that you were taught your whole life to fear and it doesn't want to hurt you, it is the most beautiful thing you ever seen! Hammerhead is one of the misunderstood species, they are incredible shy animal. Their head is a giant sensor system that detect electromagnetic field, which it can feel my heartbeat. They can feel me and know whether I'm excited or scared.



Spotted Eagle Rays



Giant size Bumphead Parrotfish

White-tip Shark



I must say, it is such a pleasure to dive in Sipadan. One of my Bucket List has been crossed! : ) Stay tuned as more islands updates to come!