Tropical islands are for most of us the very embodiment of paradise and the ideal location for a peaceful holiday, away from the world. Malaysia, above all, inspires exoticism and breathtaking landscapes. When you combine the two notions – Malaysia and tropical islands – you get one name: Sipadan Islands.

Placed in the Celebes Sea, in Eastern Malaysia, the Sipadan Islands form the only Malaysian oceanic location. Created by living corals on an extinct volcano, they are placed in the Indo-Pacific basin and in an area that supports some of the most diverse habitats in the world. Therefore, on top of beautiful landscapes and white sand beaches, this island has the possibility of offering you access to one of the most attractive diving locations in the world. Diving in Sipadan will give you the chance to see more than 3000 fish species and hundreds of types of corals.

The Sipadan Islands are the best place to notice hawksbill turtles and green turtles in their natural habitat – not many know that this is their mating place. Eagle rays, manta rays, whale sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks are also frequently noticed in the area.

The most famous reference to the Sipadan Islands comes from Jacques Cousteau, who called them "an untouched piece of art". While the large number of tourists obviously shows that the location is in no way untouched, the locals have made sure that the islands keep their local charm and their peaceful beauty throughout the many visitors that stop by every year.

While tourists are welcomed all year round, the most popular tourist season on the islands starts in April and ends in December. The winter months occasionally lead to unstable weather, which will not always be ideal for diving and other island activities.

Diving sites include:

• South Point

• Barracuda Point

• Turtle Cavern

All three sites include access to sharks, turtles, and thousands of fish species. The Turtle Cavern has recently lost a little in terms of popularity – but it is still a very interesting place to visit. Narrow passageways are available to see but not to enter – containing turtle skeletons and parrotfish charging past you.

In case you do not have diving equipment, or circumstances prevent you from carrying it with you, the Sipadan resorts have sufficient dive shops to offer all the necessary tools. For people who have more time at their disposal and need training, training centers are available and they welcome tourists from all over. For non-divers, snorkeling is also an available activity.

Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to lodge on the Sipadan Islands, which means that you will probably need to find another place to stay and employ means of transportation in the area. This will certainly add to the cost, but you will find it to be worthwhile, since the location provides a wonderful holiday experience. The absence of a large number of lodged tourists on the islands will guarantee a purified environment and the less crowded atmosphere will probably be appreciated by most.