Dive permits for Sipadan, Sabah
October 21, 2008 – 10:44 am
Pulau Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia
For people hoping to dive at the world renowned island of Sipadan, off the north coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, I would advise planning – and booking – well ahead!
The issuance of diving permits is very strict these days. The quota per day is limited to 120 divers and there are now 12 diving/resort operators vying for slots within this quota.
Each dive operator – whether located on Mabul, Kapalai or on the mainland in Semporna – has to submit the names of their guests well in advance if they are to ensure that they will get the chance to dive there, and there is no way of knowing what the demand is likely to be on any one day. This means that applying for a permit does not automatically guarantee success.
