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SIPADAN ISLAND AREA Resorts
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Seaventures Dive Rig



Seaventures Dive Rig
From USD 150 per day
Shore dives
Max 50
Nitrox
PADI
Wi-Fi
LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE
At a glance...
  • Converted oil rig
  • External elevator down to the dive platform
  • Karaoke lounge
  • Pool table
  • Single divers usually share accommodation
  • Offers full board and diving packages
Customer reviews
Excellent!521

Click on an image to enlarge


Seaventures Rig is a unique way to dive Sipadan and Mabul. This converted oil rig sits just off the northern shore from Mabul Island and is the budget option with the cheapest prices in the area. Where else can you kit up in a spacious dive station and then take an external elevator down to the waiting dive boat or the macro-paradise beneath the platform?

Day and sunset dives under the resort at Seaventure Rig are unlimited and free of charge. The dive staff at Seaventures can find hidden critters that no one else knows about. Let them show you a Rainbow Nation of frogfish, pipefish and nudibranchs.

Evenings are spent enjoying the best sunsets around from the sundeck, using the free internet service to check up on the dog back home, or having a drink or two with your fellow travellers, discussing the amazing sites of Sipadan. Single divers usually share accommodation with other fellow singletons.

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Accommodation and Diving Package Prices...

 Prices valid until 31 December 2024

 Click 'Request' to send an inquiry for your preferred dive package:

All Year Round 23/24 - 1 November 2023 to 31 December 2024
Days Nights Price per diver Price per non-diver Single supplement
(see note below)
USDUSDUSD
43800602400
54982738491
651,174880587
761,3711,037686
871,5681,194784
981,7661,351883

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

More Package Details....
Special rates apply for Malaysians and expatriates with Malaysian work permits. Please contact us for details at ask@dive-the-world.com

Destinations:  Sipadan Island (Diving environment: wall diving, drift diving, advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: shark action, turtles, schooling fish/big pelagics),
Mabul (Diving environment: beginner & advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: great macro life/marine diversity), and
Kapalai (Diving environment: beginner & advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: great macro life/marine diversity).
When park entry permit numbers allow, there is a 2 dives in Sipadan and 1 dive in Mabul. Alternatively it will be a 3 dives day around Kapalai or Mabul, except on day of arrival and departure. The number of dives quoted in the packages above is based on 3 dives per full diving day.

Note:  Seaventures Dive Rig aims to allow 1 visit to Sipadan with a minimum 4 days / 3 nights scuba package, and 2 with 5 nights. Permits will be confirmed at the time of booking. No guaranteed permits for dormitory rooms. Permits to Sipadan island are not transferable and are not available for non divers/snorkelers. For diving Sipadan more often, there is still the chance to purchase Sipadan dives on arrival, depending on availability. 2 extra afternoon dives at Sipadan (on days when permits are obtained) are possible at an extra cost of US$ 95 per diver (minimum of 3 customers). Permit fees and diving service will then be paid on arrival (if permits are obtained). Please ask us for more details. With effect from 1 October 2022, it is mandatory for all guests to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification to dive in Sipadan.

Resort diving includes:  Dives (as detailed in the packages above), unlimited self-guided day and sunset dives underneath platform, boat rides to sites, experienced English-speaking divemaster (maximum 6 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, Semporna jetty fee, drinking water, hot drinks and snacks.
Diving excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own):  Dive computer (US$ 8 per day), scuba equipment (US$ 33 per day), Sipadan park permit fees (US$ 95 per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).
Optional extras:  Extra boat dives (Mabul/Kapalai/Sipadan (minimum 3 customers)), scuba computer, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 8 per tank), dive insurance, soft drinks. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased on site are subject to change.
Important note: All divers must take their passport and diving license (minimum: advanced license), or a printed copy of it, to the Sipadan Island marine park office for presentation. The Sipadan authorities do not accept a digital copy of a diving license and divers that are unable to verify their qualification status will not be permitted to dive.

Resort accommodation includes:  Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, hot drinks, snacks, return resort transfers to/from Tawau airport (assuming 2 persons), internet access (1 hour per day), sales and service tax (SST) on package prices.
Accommodation excludes (mandatory):  Malaysian tourism accommodation tax - US$ 2 per room per night. To be paid in cash at the resort.
Single Supplement:  This is optional at this resort - single travellers may choose to share accommodation or elect to pay an additional charge for the sole occupancy of double/twin
Optional extras:  Single supplement on single travellers only (payable in advance). Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks. Deluxe King bed room upgrade (cost per room per night including 8% SST, payable in advance) - Room nr 1: US$ 72 , Room nrs 2 & 3: US$ 57, New Deluxe King Bed room: US$ 79. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there:  The resort is located just off the northern shore of Mabul Island, which is a 40 minute speedboat ride from the port of Semporna. Seaventures provide return transfers from Tawau Airport to Semporna and Mabul.

Recommended Tawau arrival flights:
From Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airlines: MH4706 (07:00-07:50); Air Asia: AK6260 (09:05-10:00), AK6266 (12:25-13:20).
From Kuala Lumpur: Air Asia: AK5744 (06:15-09:10), AK5746 (08:40-11:30); Malaysia Airlines: MH2660 (07:15-10:10), MYAirline: Z98903 (06:15-09:10).
From Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines MH 3061 (10:35-11:15).
Scheduled transfer time from Tawau Airport to Seaventures Dive Resort are available at 08:30 hrs, 11:00 hrs. Scheduled transfer time from hotels in Tawau town are available at 07:30 hrs, 0930 hrs. Scheduled boat transfer times from Semporna to Seaventures Dive Rig are 10:00 and 12:30 hrs. Transfers assume a minimum of 2 persons. There will be a transfer fee for single travelers (payable on arrival). Please ask us for a quotation. If you arrive on any flight which does not time well with these transfer times then you must wait at the airport for the next available transfer (which could be a few hours) or overnight at Tawau or Semporna. Diving is only possible on the first day if you arrive on a morning flight.
Recommended Tawau departure flights:
To Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia: AK6263 (19:50-20:45), AK6273 (21:50-22:40).
To Kuala Lumpur: AK5749 (16:05-18:50), AK5752 (20:55-23:45).
Scheduled boat transfer time from Seaventures to Semporna is available at 11:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs. Scheduled land transfer times from Semporna to Tawau Airport/town are 12:00 and 15:00 hrs. Transfer assumes a minimum of 2 persons. There will be a transfer fee for single travelers (payable on arrival). Please ask us for a quotation. Please plan 4 hours between resort departure and flight departure time.

Note that special transfers can be arranged for groups. Individuals/couples can arrange private transfers at additional cost. For more information see our Sipadan resorts section. Flight information changes frequently. You are responsible for booking the correct flights.

Dive clubs and group discounts:  Groups of 9 guests or more - 1 extra person can join free of charge.

Add-on package:  If this is your only planned visit to Malaysian Borneo then we strongly recommend that you consider a 2 night add-on stay at the Sepilok Nature Resort, Sandakan in Sabah, to allow you to witness the not-to-be-missed jungle adventures with orang utans.

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Rooms, Beds, Bathrooms, Views...
There are 24 standard rooms. The twin and double bed standard rooms on Seaventures are nothing fancy, but all have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and most of them have a great seaview.

All the rooms have:
  • Air-conditioning and ceiling fan
  • Private shower with hot and cold
  • Bedside reading lights
  • Desk and chair
  • Cabinet
  • Wall mirror
  • Mineral water

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Diving Details...
When park guest permit numbers allow, there is a 2 dive trip to Sipadan (including packed lunch). Alternatively it will be a 3 dive day around Mabul or Kapalai. Unlimited buddy diving under the Seaventures platform is also included. Sipadan is a 25 minute boat ride from the rig. The Mabul dive sites are just a few minutes away, and Kapalai can be reached in about 12 minutes.

Gear up and ride the elevator down to the dive boat or to the waters edge and stride off - now there's a novel entry!

There are 2 10-metre fibreglass dive boats, for 14 divers maximum per boat. 2 divemasters are provided for a full boat.

There is an underwater photo / video service available by Scubazoo.

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Facilities, Location, Recreation...
Staying on the Seaventures Rig is all about novelty and value for money. Most spend the days diving and the nights chilling out on the open platform overlooking Mabul on this 'stationary liveaboard'.

You can also enjoy a game of pool, sing your heart out in the karaoke lounge, take in the latest Hollywood blockbuster in the movie room or surf the web in the internet room - there are 3 terminals with free wireless connection.

Resort facilities include: Free internet - Photo station - TV room - Karaoke lounge - Souvenir shop - Pool table - Conference room - Sun deck - Bar - Fax service

Location: off Mabul Island, near Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Menu, Cuisine Type, Specialities...
A wide variety of Asian and Western cuisine prepared by local and Chinese chefs. Try the succulent BBQ lamb chops with black pepper sauce. Enjoy dining in different locations on the platform.

Meals available:
  • Chinese cuisine
  • Buffet style dining
  • Seafood
  • BBQ
  • Italian
  • Vegetarian and halal on request
Watch the sun set after dinner on the sundeck in the gentle breeze taking in the best view in the area overlooking the island of Mabul.

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Dive Safety, Resort Security...
Currently, the nearest re-compression chamber for diving emergencies is located in the Semporna Special Forces Base on the Borneo mainland, 1 hour boat ride away. We strongly recommend that you have your own insurance to cover scuba emergencies.

The dive boats carry DAN oxygen sets and first aid kits, and there is a standardised evacuation procedure. The is also an additional medical kit and oxygen supply at the resort.

For non-diving related emergencies, there is a hospital also in Semporna.

Mabul has a local police station and, in the interests of tourist safety, armed guards patrol the island 24 hours per day. There are some 30 fire extinguishers on the rig.

 English spoken by divemasters  Divemasters cakap Bahasa Malay  Hokkien spoken by divemasters Inquire Now

Customer reviews:

Customer rating - Excellent
"Everything was great, the food, the crew, the facilities, the facility itself. We will be back (not soon enough)." - , Australia, 03 December 2019 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"Dive masters were extremely helpful and aware of the dive group safety. Food was great to tide me over between dives. Management was always around to check on the diving and service, and have a few beers after diving." - , USA, 10 October 2017 ...

Customer rating - Very good
"Equipment was decent. Staff was fantastic - friendly and helpful. Facilities were OK. Food was great." - , Singapore, 7 October 2015 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"The best things about Seaventures were: rental of all dive equipment, rental of under water camera and dive computer, very friendly staff, very friendly environment, organized dive trips, we dived 3 days in Sipadan out of 5 nights." - , United Arab Emirates, 17 February 2014 ...

Customer rating - Very good
"There are quite a few options in Mabul/Kapalai area to choose from, but when I found out there was an oil rig that had been converted into a dive resort, I looked no further. Just loved the idea. It's probably the ugliest thing you'll ever see and if you're looking for a 5-star resort, this place is not for you because the rooms really are in a need of a major overhaul. Somehow, though, the place made sense - everything worked as it should. Food was tasty and plentiful, rental gear was in good condition and most divemasters were great (Ricardo and Kelvin, keep up the good work!).
The diving in nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai is good and can be great if you just have the patience to look for the small stuff. And Sipadan, of course, is just beautiful. Probably not what it was 20 years ago, but still really beautiful.
" - , Estonia, 20 August 2011 ...

Customer rating - Good
"Basic rooms, but clean. Food was OK. Staff were very friendly. The transfer boats were OK. We needed to bring our adaptors for the DIN connection. They charge for rental. They allow divers to dive without computer." - , Belgium, 2 July 2011 ...

Customer rating - Good
"Really good setup and we enjoyed the diving but, as experienced divers, we felt very restricted. The whole operation seemed to be setup for new divers. For example there was a strict 45 minute limit on dives, which meant that many of our dives felt very cut short - we were returning with well over 100 bar. It became a very frustrating experience.
We brought much of our dive gear with us but we rented fins. These were completely inadequate for scuba diving in occasionally strong currents. Dive guides were generally very good, finding lots of good critters etc. Short dive times were frustrating as noted above. Food was great.
" - , Australia, 9 June 2011 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"From picking us up at the airport to drop off, all was very professional, personable and good value for money. Charges for things were fair. They put us in a spacious room when we asked for a triple. Food was plentiful and good. Dives were excellent. Dive masters kept a watch out for you and yet allowed experienced divers to feel under control as well." - , USA, 26 March 2011 ...

Customer rating - Good
"Regarding the Seaventures Resort, it was very unique and the room and diving setup was great. Staff that actually went diving with you was great, they were very knowledgeable, interested and concerned and were great to hang out with. Crew on board was friendly and all smiles. Resort management seemed to be more in work mode which made me feel a bit uncomfortable and not very welcome. Food was good but had little variety." - , Netherlands, 9 August 2010 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"The staffs are very friendly and helpful, we stayed in the VIP room and it was really huge and spacious. The food was good to our liking. I like the way the oil rig was perched high up, I can have a good 360 deg view of the surroundings. The staffs help us to setup our diving equipments, totally fuss free. I'm a happy diver. The best part of all is that there's free wifi everywhere, I can surf the internet and update my diving experiences, live telecast!" - , Singapore, 8 April 2010 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"I just wanted to give you my very positive feedback about this company, accommodation and diving were simply excellent, staff is friendly and competent ... and I was lucky enough to dive Sipadan 4 days on 5!" - , France, 13 November 2009 ...

Customer rating - Very good
"The equipment were all fully functional and dives were seamless. It wasn't the newest equipment and they didn't have a computer for everyone (nor a full-length wetsuit for me); these were just minor things and the reason why I didn't give them 5 (out of 5)." - , Switzerland, 1 January 2009 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"Our diving holiday at Sipadan with Seaventures was fantastic. Cannot fault the diving. Seaventures focussed 100% on giving us the best diving experience possible. We were lucky to have 2 dives every day at Pulau Sipadan, and even 3 on the last day." - , Malaysia, 24 August 2008 ...

Customer rating - Very good
"Everything was very well-organised. Meals were on time, dives were well run and slick, and accommodation fine." - , South Africa, 17 July 2008 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"Everything about Seaventures was fantastic. The staff were always on time and really organized, not to mention friendly and accommodating. There was plenty of food and it was all delicious. And then there was the diving -- more fish and turtles and sharks than I could shake a stick at!" - , Canada, 12 February 2008 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"Excellent. Equipment was in working order, staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, fun to hang out with between dives. Living on an oil rig was a really great experience." - , Canada, 17 February 2007 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"The dive rig was fantastic. Accommodation was simple but fine. Food was good & service friendly." - , Australia, 8 September 2006 ...


SIPADAN ISLAND AREA Resorts

Low Budget Options

Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow



Resorts Elsewhere in Malaysia

Low Budget Options

Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow


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