The Buwan Dive Resort

The Buwan Dive Resort is situated in Kampung Tampi-Tampi, south of Semporna in Sabah, Malaysia. The name 'Buwan' translates to 'Moon' in the local Sabahan dialect, reflecting the serene environment of the resort. It has been operating in this region since 1980, providing a base for divers exploring the Celebes Sea.

The resort's strategic position in the straits of Tampi-Tampi allows for efficient access to the various island dive sites surrounding Semporna. Whether you are looking to visit the deep walls of Sipadan or the macro-rich reefs of Mabul and Kapalai, the resort serves as a central hub for both reef and island excursions.

The on-site dive centre is staffed by professional guides and instructors experienced in both recreational diving and underwater photography. The team is equipped to handle a range of divers, from those completing their first certifications to seasoned photographers looking for specific macro subjects.

Safety is a core focus of the operation, with the centre being medically prepped to manage diving-related complications. The resort provides a structured environment for training and exploration, ensuring that all guests, including those on leisure diving packages, are well-supported.

The centre offers a range of training programmes through recognized certification bodies. For those starting their journey, the Open Water Diver course is available, providing the fundamental skills required for recreational diving.

More advanced divers can progress to the Advanced Open Water Diver course. The resort also offers specific packages, such as the Leisure Diving Package, for those who already hold certifications and wish to focus on exploration and photography.

The resort operates reliable boats for all scheduled excursions, including trips to the Semporna islands and night dives. For those staying at the resort, boat transfers from the Semporna Jetty are available for night dive departures.

All boat rides are included in the resort's various dive packages. These trips cover the diverse marine environments of the area, from the offshore walls to the shallower reef flats.

The dive centre provides full set diving equipment rental for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits, as well as specialised items like dive torches for night diving.

For snorkelers, equipment is also available for hire, though powered lens masks and cameras are excluded from the rental service. The resort is set up to support underwater photography, providing the necessary infrastructure for divers to capture the region's diverse marine life.

The waters around Semporna are home to a vast array of large pelagics and reef fish. You can encounter green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) throughout the area, alongside various species of reef sharks, including the Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) and Grey reef shark.

For those diving the deeper walls or outer reefs, look out for Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of Grouper (Epinephelus), and large schools of Snapper (Lutjanus). You may also see rays, such as the eagle ray (Aetobatus) and ribbontail stingrays, gliding through the water column.

The macro life in the Tampi-Tampi straits is exceptional, making it a premier destination for underwater photographers. The seabed and reef structures are populated by a high density of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of shrimp (Caridea).

In the crevices and sandy patches, you will find a wealth of specialised creatures, including the flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris). Other notable finds include Mandarinfish (Synchiropus), pipefish, and various species of scorpionfish, providing endless subjects for macro enthusiasts.

The resort's location in the Tampi-Tampi straits provides access to a variety of marine environments, from sheltered reef flats to more open island sites. Divers should be prepared for the different conditions encountered when moving between the sheltered waters of Mabul and the more exposed sites around Sipadan.