Overview
Sibu Island (Pulau Sibu) offers a quiet, rustic escape from Singapore—just 30 minutes by boat from Tanjung Leman—and the closest scuba diving in Malaysia to the city-state. The island was declared part of the Mersing Marine Park in 1993, protecting its reefs and marine life.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Diving · Island
Before you go
Accommodation
Only two resorts on the island: Sea Gypsy Village (eco/budget-friendly) and Sari Pacifica (upscale). Both include full-board meals in room rates.
Activities
Diving and snorkeling are the main draws. Dan's Nasty Frogmen at Sea Gypsy is a well-established PADI dive centre operating since 2004.
Connectivity
Limited or no mobile coverage on Sibu. WiFi at resorts is slow. Buy a Malaysian SIM on the mainland before departure.
Food
All meals included at resorts. Saturday nights are BBQ nights. Beer costs ~MYR 14 at Sea Gypsy bar. No independent restaurants exist.
Money
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cash can be withdrawn in Mersing or Johor Bahru before boarding the boat. Both resorts likely accept cards but bring cash for extras.
Transport
Sibu has no public ferry—resorts meet guests at Tanjung Leman jetty. Arrange transfers in advance. Round-trip boat costs RM 70.
Weather
Best visited March-October during the dry season. November-February monsoon brings rough seas and some resort closures.