Trip to Sipadan

It is many divers dream to dive in Sipadan. In December, I decided to reward myself with a trip to Sipadan. I was shocked to find that even though it's in Malaysia, the prices are high and quoted in US$. I guess there's a price to pay for top dive sites in the world.



From Singapore there are a few choices to get there.
- Singapore to Kota Kinabalu to Tawau
- Singapore to KL to Tawau
Carriers: Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air, Air Asia.
We flew Jetstar to Kota Kinabalu as it was $0, just had to pay airport taxes. From KK to Tawau, you can choose between Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines.



Usually the resorts will arrange for someone to pick you up from Tawau airport at a fixed time. The first pick up is at 8am from Tawau Airport. If you take Malaysian Airlines from KK at 7 am, you will reach Tawau at 7.45am.



From Tawau to Semporna, it take 2 hours by car. Upon reaching Semporna, you get transferred to a ferry to take you to the island.



It's great coz by the time you reach the resort, you can make it for 1 dive in the afternoon. We chose Borneo Divers Mabul Resort on the island of Mabul.




The first day we arrived, we were given an orientation dive in Mabul area.



To dive in Sipadan, we need a permit. The permit are issued the night before. We were fortunate that we went during low season and we were granted permits. YEAH!!



It was absolutely amazing in Sipadan. We saw sharks, schools of Barracudas, jack fish, turtles and many many more. We met some guys from UK who did a 100 dives and on their way of becoming dive masters! They told us they have never seen something like this before!

We did 3 dives a day. Sunset dives(free) and night dives (additional charges) are optional. Since we are only beginners, we don't think that its safe for us to go for the sunset dives as there are no dive instructors with us.

The rest of the time, we just relax in the evening by the pool side (See the little hut, that's the poolside bar)



or take a walk in the resort garden. The gardens are well kept and very nice to walk on. It reminds me of golf courses.



By the way, there are many opportunites to get booze - In the restaurant, beside the pool and at the beach bar.



Meals were all provided for and taste amazingly good! And yes, they have wi-fi in the restaurant and lounge areas.



The hotel rooms are in little huts. Every hut has 2 rooms and a balcony infront. You can sun your wet swim suits out there.



Across from our resort, we saw an oil rig shaped hotel. It looks really interesting and we are contemplating if we will stay there on our next trip to Sipadan.
:)