MABINI FADRI - Sipadan

Mabini Fadri isn't what most divers picture when they think of Sipadan. Forget the pelagic tornadoes; this is a proper wreck dive, and we absolutely love it for that. She's a stern trawler, almost 80 meters long, sitting upright at 29 meters. You drop down, and the whole outline of the ship takes shape – a real hulking presence on the seabed. She went down in '81 after a fire, so she's been down there a while, slowly becoming part of the reef. We like to start at the stern, where the huge propeller is often swarming with schooling jacks. Push towards the bow, and you can really appreciate her size. There are openings where you can safely penetrate, just enough to get a sense of her internal structure, with light filtering in through barnacle-encrusted portholes. Look closely in the shadowed areas, and you'll often spot moray eels tucked away, or big groupers cruising the deck. It’s a completely different vibe to the vibrant walls of Barracuda Point, offering a cool contrast and a genuine sense of exploration. This one is for divers who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of steel by the ocean.

Location
Sipadan, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
5.290000, 115.005500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Marine Protected Area: Pulau Kuraman Marine Park

Best Time to Dive in Sipadan

The warmest water temperatures in Sipadan occur in August, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 30.2°C
  • August: 30.6°C
  • September: 30.5°C
  • October: 30.4°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 29.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sipadan

Nearest Dive Centres to MABINI FADRI

Marine Life in Sipadan

Home to 147 recorded species including 111 reef fish, 11 sea snails & nudibranchs, 9 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 4 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MABINI FADRI

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Mabini Fadri?
The Mabini Fadri wreck offers diving at a typical depth of 29 meters. This makes it an exciting site for divers interested in exploring deeper underwater structures. You can find more information about this dive site at Mabini Fadri.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Mabini Fadri?
At Mabini Fadri, divers can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a 79.2m x 11.9m stern trawler vessel. This significant wreck, sunk in 1981, provides a unique habitat for various marine organisms, though specific species are not detailed in our current data. For more general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dives at Mabini Fadri, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Mabini Fadri is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for absolute beginners. The site is a dangerous wreck, requiring divers to have appropriate experience and training to safely navigate its features. We recommend divers have advanced certifications for exploring such sites.
What is the best time of year to dive at Mabini Fadri for optimal conditions and visibility?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at Mabini Fadri is not provided in our current data. However, general guidance for diving in Sipadan can often be found on our When to Dive page. We always recommend checking local conditions before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Mabini Fadri?
Given that Mabini Fadri is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a dangerous wreck, advanced scuba diving certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary skills and experience to safely explore such challenging underwater environments. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience at this unique site in Malaysia.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Mabini Fadri?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the typical water conditions or currents at Mabini Fadri. As with any dive, it's always advisable to consult with local dive operators in Sipadan for the most up-to-date information on conditions before planning your dive.