Pearl Island Resort
The Only Resort Within Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Pearl Island Resort is the only accommodation within Tun Sakaran Marine Park — which means guests wake up already inside one of Sabah's protected marine systems. The house reef begins directly in front of the dive centre; the park's signature reef islands (Sibuan, Mantabuan, and Bohey Dulang) are reachable by boat in minutes; and the Bohey Dulang summit trail starts at the edge of the property. Tun Sakaran's reefs are consistently less trafficked than the dive sites around Mabul, and the park's protected area status means the coral cover, turtle populations, and reef fish density reflect decades of regulated access. The resort's 26 Standard Executive Chalets each span 89.2 square metres — a size that reflects how the resort is designed to feel: unhurried, private, and spacious. Unlimited night dives at the house reef are included in every diving package.
Diving Sipadan Island from Pearl Island Resort
Sipadan Island is part of the boat dive programme, but daily entry permits are strictly limited under the Sabah Parks authority. Permits are subject to daily availability and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking.
Dive Operations and Facilities
Three guided boat dives run each day, except on arrival and departure days. A morning dive departs around 09:30, followed by two afternoon dives from 14:00 onwards. The programme covers the park's own reef islands — Bohey Dulang house reef, Sibuan (white sand, clear water, rays, hard corals), and Mantabuan (healthy reef systems, schools of fish, soft corals) — as well as Mabul Island and Sipadan Island. Boats are high-speed speedboats. Guides are noted for their patience with the slow pace that macro diving requires. Nitrox is available for certified divers; confirm pricing at the time of booking.
The resort restaurant serves buffet meals and afternoon snacks and functions as the main gathering point. The private jetty is where guests naturally congregate in the early evenings. Non-diving activities include snorkelling around the resort, transparent kayaking (RM 60 per hour), and the Bohey Dulang summit hike — a trail ascending to the island's ridgeline, with views across the Tun Sakaran archipelago and into Darvel Bay. The minimum age for the hike is 6 years old; guide fees apply separately.
The House Reef and Night Diving
Unlimited unguided diving on the Bohey Dulang house reef is accessible throughout daylight hours — shallow, coral-rich, and productive for turtles and small reef fish. Uniquely, unlimited unguided night dives directly in front of the dive centre are also included in every diving package at no extra charge. Night diving requires prior night dive experience and a buddy; divers without logged night dives may not participate.
