SELAMAT - Sipadan

Selamat at Sipadan offers a shallower experience, a nice change of pace from the deeper walls the island is known for. This isn’t a pristine, intact wreck, but rather the scattered remains of a motor vessel that went down in ’71. We love how the hull plates lie draped over the reef, almost like discarded fabric, creating little tunnels and overhangs. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy a bit of wreck rummaging without the depth. You’ll spend your time here at around 10 meters, tracing the outline of what was once a 45-meter ship. Moray eels have made the crevices home, and we often spot whitetip reef sharks resting under the larger sections of the hull. The resident schools of yellowback fusiliers here are phenomenal, swirling around the metalwork, catching the light. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, feeling the history of the vessel blend with the relentless growth of the reef. We’d suggest going at slack tide; otherwise, the current can pick up and make finning around the larger pieces of wreckage a bit of a workout.

Location
Sipadan, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.055500, 116.747000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Tun Mustapha 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 SELAMAT

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 SELAMAT

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 is the typical depth range for diving at SELAMAT?
The SELAMAT dive site has a typical depth of 10 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow wreck dive, suitable for divers looking for accessible underwater exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at SELAMAT?
When diving at SELAMAT, you can expect to explore a fascinating wreck site. This motor vessel, measuring 45.1m x 8.2m, sank in 1971 and now serves as an artificial reef, likely attracting various marine life over time.
How challenging is diving at SELAMAT, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at SELAMAT is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is generally not recommended for beginner divers without appropriate experience and supervision.
What is the best time of year to dive at SELAMAT for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at SELAMAT for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving in Sipadan, it's advisable to consult a when-to-dive guide or local dive operators.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at SELAMAT?
While the data doesn't list specific certification requirements, given that SELAMAT is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, it's highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving certifications might also be beneficial for exploring this site safely.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the SELAMAT dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions or visibility at the SELAMAT dive site. Divers should consult local dive centers in Sipadan for up-to-date reports on these conditions before planning their dive.