Off the southeast coast of Sabah, near the diving mecca of Sipadan Island and the coastal town of Semporna, lies a resort that does not sit on land at all. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is built entirely on stilts over a shallow sandbank in the Celebes Sea, creating the impression of a floating village surrounded by turquoise water.
As a Sabah-based tour operator, we often recommend Kapalai to travellers who want immediate access to world-class marine life without sacrificing comfort. The resort combines a distinctive overwater setting, easy snorkeling, and access to legendary dive sites, including nearby Sipadan.
This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect, who the resort suits best, and how our Remarkable Borneo Sipadan Kapalai package supports a smooth and well-organised stay.
Kapalai is not an island in the traditional sense. The resort stands on a submerged sandbank, with no beach or inland vegetation. Wooden walkways connect guest chalets, dining areas, and dive facilities, forming a self-contained overwater complex.
The shallow lagoon surrounding the resort produces clear, calm water in shades of blue and green. Beneath the structures, marine life gathers around coral patches and artificial reef formations, making the immediate area ideal for snorkeling and macro diving.
The setting is quiet and remote. Once you arrive, the sea becomes the main focus of your stay.
Guests stay in spacious wooden chalets built on stilts above the water. The design is simple, functional, and comfortable rather than luxurious.
Chalet Features:
Many guests enjoy watching fish swim beneath their chalet and listening to the gentle movement of water below the floorboards.
Sipadan Kapalai is especially popular among divers because of its proximity to Sipadan Island, one of the world’s most recognised dive destinations.
Sipadan is known for:
Diver access is controlled through a permit system managed by Sabah Parks to protect the ecosystem. Staying at Kapalai improves your chances of receiving a permit, although permits are limited and cannot be guaranteed daily.
Kapalai’s local dive sites are also rewarding, especially for macro enthusiasts.
Highlights include:
The resort dive centre provides guided dives, certification courses, and equipment rental.
One of Kapalai’s strongest advantages is that snorkeling begins directly from the resort.
Guests can enter the water from designated platforms and explore shallow reef areas populated by reef fish, small marine species, and occasional turtles. The calm, clear conditions make snorkeling accessible even for beginners.
This makes Kapalai a strong choice for non-divers who still want meaningful marine encounters.
While diving and snorkeling are the main attractions, guests can also enjoy slower-paced activities in Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort.
Other things to do include:
There is no nightlife or commercial entertainment. The environment encourages rest and appreciation of the ocean setting.
Despite its remote location, the resort offers essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Meals are served buffet-style and include:
Dining is communal, creating opportunities for conversation among travellers and divers from different backgrounds.
If you are starting from Kota Kinabalu, you will travel by air to Sabah’s southeast coast before continuing by road and boat to the resort. Travellers typically begin with a short domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport. The flight takes less than an hour and operates several times daily.
Upon arrival in Tawau, the journey continues by road to the coastal town of Semporna. The drive usually takes around 75 to 90 minutes, passing oil palm plantations and small local settlements along the way. Transfers are commonly arranged by the resort or tour operator, and guests are met at the airport to ensure a smooth transition.
From Semporna jetty, you will board a speedboat for the final leg of the journey. The boat ride takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Boat departures are scheduled around midday and early afternoon, which is why arriving in Tawau earlier in the day is important. On departure day, guests typically leave the resort in the morning to return to Semporna and connect with flights back to Kota Kinabalu. Booking an afternoon or evening return flight provides a comfortable buffer in case of weather-related delays.
While it is technically possible to travel overland from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, the journey can take nine to ten hours and is not practical for most visitors. Flying remains the most efficient and comfortable option.
Our Remarkable Borneo Sipadan Kapalai package assists with transfer coordination, timing advice, and pre-arrival guidance, ensuring you can travel with confidence and arrive without uncertainty.
At Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours, we provide Sipadan Kapalai packages designed to simplify travel planning and maximise your time at the resort.
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offers a distinctive overwater stay with immediate access to rich marine life and one of Southeast Asia’s most recognised dive regions. Its calm setting, easy snorkeling access, and proximity to Sipadan make it especially appealing to divers and nature-focused travellers.
With proper planning and the support of our Remarkable Borneo Sipadan Kapalai package, your trip can be well organised, efficient, and rewarding.
If you are considering Kapalai and would like advice on permits, travel timing, or package options, our team is ready to assist.
Tell us what kind of adventure you’re looking for. From mountain climbs and island escapes to wildlife and cultural tours. We’ll customize it just for you!
Need help? Call our tour experts at 019-5491400
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
