snorkelling day trip to sipadan/mabul?

[luqi]

Hi, going to be staying in KK this july and was wondering if a day trip from KK to Sipadan (depending on if anyone takes a snorkeller) or Mabul for snorkelling is worth it or do i need more then a day?

 

[The Wolf]

Hi, going to be staying in KK this july and was wondering if a day trip from KK to Sipadan (depending on if anyone takes a snorkeller) or Mabul for snorkelling is worth it or do i need more then a day?

Yes, it is possible but you're going to be putting yourself through quite a bit of travelling. And an expensive one as well.

1st, you need to be on the first flight out from KK to Tawau (7:00am, MAS MH2121). Its a 40 minute flight, and then a 1 hour mini bus ride from the airport to semporna.

You best get the transport arranged to mabul ahead of time (sipadan? It is possible but will be expensive if its just you going as they will hammer you with the cost of the boat rental which can be upwards of RM300 or more!), and then you need to get permits at sabah parks in sipadan to snorkle.

And you have to hope the weather is kind on the day, and you then need to of course, head back after the snorkle to semporna, either stay the night and then head to the airport the next morning or rush back to the airport and catch a flight back to KK at night.

Best to go through one of the dive companies who can probably cater for what you want to do.

Borneo divers
scuba junkies
seaventures

I don't rate the rest either because I never found them professional in their conduct or simply too expensive and catered for an expat market by charging through the nose.

Or fly by night companies who are just out to make a quick buck with no care for safety or proper planning.