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One of the area's most stylish resorts, the Sipadan Water Village is a network of water bungalows or 'cottages' on stilts, connected by a wooden walkway.

Rooms do not have air conditioning but the large windows on all sides open to allow cool sea breezes through. Some rooms have private Jacuzzis on their balconies which provide a wonderful way to relax and wind down after a day's diving. The cottages include ceiling fan, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities and private shower with hot and cold water.

The main restaurant serves daily buffets featuring a variety of Asian and Continental cuisines. The open-air bar and lounge has breathtaking sea views.

If you are planning on diving it is worth bearing in mind that there is no guarantee you will dive Sipadan. To protect the site there are only 120 dive permits issued per day and especially during the peak summer season there are significantly more people staying on the surrounding islands than permits available.

If you pre-book on a dive package there is more chance you will dive Sipadan than if you just book accommodation and 'pay per dive' when you are there. In our experience if you are booked on the dive package you will normally have your first two dives of the day at Sipadan and the final dive will be a local dive. This however, is not guaranteed and on rare occasions we have had clients staying for several days that have only been able to dive Sipadan once.

If you do not dive at Sipadan you will be taken to alternative sites such as Si Amil, Mataking, Kapalai or Mabul. There is a 40 Ringgit per person per day entry permit for all divers, snorkelers or visitors to Sipadan Island which must be paid at the resort.

OUR RATING: Medium