Sipadan Liveaboard
Written by Malcolm Wong
MV Celebes Explorer, is the only liveaboard diving around Sipadan Island area. Celebes Explorer Liveaboard provides diving around Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and Si Amil islands. A week cruise with Sipadan Liveaboard will have 4 full days of diving (4-5 dives subject to weather condition) in Sipadan, which is well known for its pelagic and turtles. The rest will cover Mabul, Kapalai which are good for muck dives and finally Si Amil which is full of soft and hard corals as well as macros. All the diving activities are conducted through a chased boat which can comfortably fit in 10 guests at any one time. Celebes Explorer Liveaboard will ove
ight either at Mabul or Si Amil islands before proceed to Sipadan Island.
Diving with Celebes Explorer Liveaboard guarantee Sipadan Permit, only 120 permits are allowed to dive in Sipadan Island daily. The island is one of the spectacular dive sites in the world with more than 3,000 species and use to have restaurants and resorts on the island, then the Government of Malaysia has decided that all dive resort operators are to move their operations out of Sipadan Island by 31st December 2004. The island is open for divers from 6am to 4pm and no night dives are allowed.
Total of 12 dive sites in Sipadan Island namely the West Ridge, Coral Gardens, Whitetip Avenue, Mid Reef, Turtle Patch, Stagho
Crest, Lobster Lair, South Point, North Point, The Drop Off, Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, and the Hanging Gardens. The most popularly recommended dive sites are the Hanging Gardens, Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point and South Point.
Onboard Celebes Explorer, all 8 cabins, double bed and double decker, are private ensuited with hot water shower and air conditioned. Spacious air conditioned saloon area are able to accommodate 16-20 guests comfortably to dine and chit-chatting at any one time. There is also a roomy sundeck on the top deck with sun beds for our guests to rest and relax. For guests who bring alone cameras, the liveaboard have a camera rack for charging purposes just before the entrance to the saloon. The power supply onboard is 240 V. Changing area at the back of deck is also roomy enough for guests to change before and after diving. A wash area is at the back lower deck with fresh water hosts for rinse purposes.
The foods served on board are authentic Asian cuisine delicious buffet style. A 24 hour self-service hot beverage corner as well as a supply of biscuits and bread with toast on the side for the convenient of onboard guests. There are other chargeable items on board like soft drinks, beers, wines, mineral water, t-shirts and WIFI Internet USB connection.
All together there are 12 crews and dive guides onboard to ensure our guests safeties and enjoy their dive holiday. With MV Celebes Explorer, guests will be able to dive Sipadan Island in comfort everytime.
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