This unique dive resort is built on a sand bar only 15 minutes from its more famous neighbour, Sipadan Island. The sand bar was many years ago the island of Kapalai, but erosion has taken its toll on what was once a truly beautiful island. The village sits on what is known as the Ligitan Reefs, a very extensive stretch bordering the deep and vast Sulawesi Sea.

The underwater scene at Kapalai is completely different from Sipadan's. It is a macro world of significant interest featuring rare subjects ranging from dragonets, fire gobies, partner & sleeper gobies, wasp or leaf fish, gurnards, the strange "little dragonfish" or seamoth, the tame crocodile fish, giant frogfish of different colors, eels, rays?just to name a few.

Sipadan Kapalai Resort is constructed on erected stilts over the water and guests can observe the antics of squids or the never-ending raids of the needlefish and halfbeaks into shoals of silversides and anchovies from their balcony.

April through October is the best time to visit. The rainy season is November to March. The water temperature ranges from 26C to 30C (79 to 86F) year round.

With the eviction of all dive centres on Sipadan Island itself at the end of 2004, Kapalai has become one of the most in-demand places to stay for those wishing to dive the awesome Sipadan drop off, Shark & Baracuda Points etc. which will still be possible (by quota), therafter.

Rooms

Sipadan Kapalai's 50 wooden chalets, offering twin and triple sharing accommodation, each have a cleverly thought-out balcony that offers the total sought out privacy by lovers of sunbathing and sun tanning.

The en suite bathrooms have both shower and bathtub and basic toiletries, and rooms are equipped with coffee and tea making facilities and 220 volts electrical points. From the windows and balcony of the elegant and spacious rooms, you can spend endless hours watching the marine life just a couple of feet below.

For those who lilke to keep in touch with the world, broadband internet is provided.

Dining

Meals are served buffet style in the main restaurant building.

Other facitilities

Other resort facilities includes dive centre which provides diving, snorkeling and kayaking gear and equipment for rental, souvenir shop, game room and internet access. For those who are yet to venture into diving sports but would love to, Sipadan Kapalai's PADI Dive Instructors offer a variety of PADI courses.

General Info

• Name : Kapalai Island
• Destination : Indonesia
• Location : Around Kapalai Island
• Seasons : Year round
• Capacity : 100 (max. no. guests)

Room Facilities

• Room Types : Double & Triple
• Showers & toilets : All en Suite
• A/C : Yes
• Hot Water : Yes
• Entertainment : restaurtant, bar, boat trips, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, TV & Video, etc
• Electricity : 220V

Safety

• Fire warning system : N/A
• Fire extinguishers : yes
• Fire escapes : N/A

Dive location & resources

• Dive location : Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul Islands
• Dive facilities : Inhouse Dive Centre
• PADI Dive courses : Discover Scuba, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water & introduction to Night Diving