Scuba Junkie

Located on Mabul Island, Scuba Junkie provides a base for exploring the Celebes Sea, specifically the world-renowned volcanic island of Sipadan. The centre has been operating since 2004, establishing itself as a leader in sustainable diving within the region. Their focus on eco-tourism is central to their identity, supported by the dedicated SEAS marine conservation team based on Mabul.

For those looking to dive Sipadan, the centre manages the logistical challenge of the daily permit system, guaranteeing access for guests on multi-day packages. Whether you are drawn to the massive schools of pelagics at the Sipadan drop-off or the specialised muck diving found on the surrounding sandbanks, the centre is positioned to facilitate both styles of diving.

As a PADI 5* IDC centre, Scuba Junkie operates at a high professional standard, offering everything from Discover Scuba Diving to Instructor Development Courses. The team is experienced and maintains a strict diver-to-guide ratio of four divers per guide, ensuring personalised attention during both reef and drift dives.

The centre's commitment to the environment is practical rather than just theoretical. They require all guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the local ecosystems and actively support marine conservation through voluntary donations that are doubled by the centre to support the SEAS project.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the entire PADI progression. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving and move through the Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver courses. For those looking to specialise, the centre offers the Wreck Diver Course and a PADI Photography Specialty Course.

Professional divers can pursue the Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC) on-site. The centre's 5* IDC status makes it a significant hub for training the next generation of dive professionals.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, though you will need to provide your own dive computer. On-site accommodation is provided at the Mabul Beach Resort, which offers a range of options from dormitory-style rooms to VIP accommodation. For those arriving from Semporna, boat transfers are available, and the centre ensures a seamless transition from land to sea.

The area is famous for its large pelagics and reef residents. You will regularly encounter Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). Large schools of bigeye trevally, Jack (Carangidae), and Tuna (Thunnus) are common, alongside Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and Goliath grouper (Epinephelus).

Macro life is a primary draw, especially around Mabul, Kapalai, and Si Amil. Divers can find a vast array of specialised creatures including the Blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranch. The sand and reef structures also host frogfish (Antennarius), Mandarinfish (Synchiropus), and Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti).

In the soft corals and reef crevices, look for the Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), various species of shrimp, and sea anemones. The seafloor also provides habitat for snake eels, octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and bobtail squids.

Seasonality plays a role in certain sightings. Hammerhead sharks are often reported in October and February, while November is the peak period for seeing specific macro life like the 'Shaun the Sheep' and 'Pikachu' nudibranchs.

Diving at Sipadan involves navigating strong and changeable currents, particularly around the drop-offs and channels. These conditions require a certain level of experience and buoyancy control, making it most suitable for Advanced Open Water divers.

In contrast, the sites around Mabul, Kapalai, and Si Amil typically experience weak to null currents, making them much more accessible for all levels. This provides a calmer environment for macro photography and easier navigation for those less accustomed to drift diving.