Hanging Gardens (Sipadan)
Best time to dive
January to December; March to June; September to November; December to February; August to September
What you might see
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Sea turtleLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water
Snorkelling
Snorkel-friendly - Yes - shallow ledge good for snorkeling, freediving and photography
Safety notes
Occasional surge/current along the ledge; parts of site extend past 40m; boat traffic at surface entry point
Permits & fees
Sipadan Island Park permit required (Sabah Parks daily quota, reported ~176/day); allocated only through registered resorts/dive operators; AOW or equivalent generally required; max 2 dives/diver/day since 2023
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Semporna
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.