Spend a week exploring Sipadan and its surroundings, then head inland for two days to come face to face with the man of the forest, Borneo’s orangutan.
Staying on Mabul, or Kapalai if you prefer, you are just 15 minutes from Sipadan, with its plunging walls, schools of barracuda and jacks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish and more. Mabul itself is equally fascinating, but in contrast is known for its weird and wonderful inhabitants.
This trip idea included two days at The Sepilok Nature Resort, surrounded by beautiful rainforest and a haven for plants and wildlife. Just next door is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the orangutans regularly wander through the resort.
Please note the UK foreign office advice currently relating to this region. Please speak to our dive team for further advice and information.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK for Tawau
Depending on flight schedules, an overnight may be required in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.
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Day 2:
Arrive and transfer to Mabul
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Days 3-8
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Dive Mabul and Sipadan
Mabul Island is only a 15 minute boat ride from Sipadan and, like
Kapalai, is famous for its macro diving and has gained a reputation as one of the best ‘muck diving’ sites in the world.
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Day 9:
Fly to Sandkan and transfer to Sepilok
At Sepilok you can witness first hand an exciting conservation programme in action and come into close contact with the remarkable ‘man of the forest’, the orangutan. Established in 1964 to help once captive or displaced orangutans to learn to fend for themselves in the wild, the sanctuary is located at the edge of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, which is 43 square kilometres of old, beautiful and fascinating rainforest.
Sepilok is an excellent opportunity to walk the Borneo rainforest without the need to organize a major expedition. Discover the diversity of plants, ferns, climbing plants, insects, wildlife - including 277 different species of birds - and at least 300 varieties of trees.
Spend two nights at Sepilok Nature Resort.
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Day 11:
Depart Sandakan
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Day 12:
Arrive UK
Please note: Diving at Sipadan is subject to locally obtainable permits and not guaranteed. On days where permits are not obtained, diving around Kapalai and Mabul will be offered as an alternative.