1st time Sipadan--weather now?

[Harley1962]

As an Instructor living/working in Thailand I've always wanted to dive Sipadan and I am about to finally "go for it"-will be going for 7-10 days over Xmas-New Years.

Anybody been there recently and can report about vis, temps and overall conditions and marine life? Will there be big "crowds" compared to other times of the year? After all this is Holiday time everywhere....or am I better off waiting a few months?

Lastly, I am on a budget and am planning to dive and stay at Scuba Junkie in Semporna---I realize it's no "high end" operation, but am I saving a lot compared to other places that are closer (diving & room rates seems very good)? AND, most importantly, will the boat ride from Semporna every day become a 'burden"--if it's just 45mins. each way then I can easily deal with that and as long as food is edible and there's drinking water I am A-OK...

Aside from 2-3 days ONLY at Sipadan, where else are "MUST SEE" places that I should dive? Mabul, Sibuan, Kapalai...etc...and HOW many days (or dives) would you suggest at each?? I do enjoy muck diving, as well as walls, reefs, and wide variety of marine life. I will be taking video as well....

Any advice/suggestions appreciated.
TIA,
HMB

 

[Rickg]

Harley1962,

I just posted a short trip report that you might find interesting.

Its monsoon season there now so weather is dicey so some of the boat rides back and forth to Sipadan can be miserable with rain and rough seas. If you are looking for a budget place to stay you might want to look into "Uncle Changs" backpacker resort on Mabul Island. He also has a similar set up at Semporna but staying at Mabul cuts down on the time you have to spend on a boat and gives you the option of doing sunset and/or night dives also.

Mabul, Sipadan and Kapalai are all within a 30 minute boat ride of each other. Semporna to Mabul is about a 45 minute boat ride on a fast boat.

If you stay on Mabul Island, the norm is 2-tank trip to Sipadan in the morning and then an afternoon boat dive at either Mabul or Kapalai Island or under the Seaventure Resort (a former oil platform that is now a dive resort). Then depending upon where you stay there is also the possibility of sunset dives (a must if you want to see the mandarin fish) or a night dive. You might also want to check into staying at the Seaventure which is more expensive than Uncle Chang's or Scuba Junkie but less than the 3 major resorts on Mabul Island.

Hope you have a great trip.

Dive safe,
Rickg

 

[GoorglinGeorge]

When does monsoon season typically end?

 

[Rickg]

When does monsoon season typically end?

Per the Sabah Travel Guide that can be found at:

SabahTravelGuide.Com, The ultimate travel guide to Sabah, Borneo

"Seasons in Sabah

Generally two seasons are distinguished: the rainy / wet season, and the dry season. The wet season starts in November, with the onset of the northeast monsoons in Peninsular Malaysia and ends towards April. During the months of April to November, when typhoons frequently develop over the west Pacific and move westwards across the Philippines, south-westerly winds over the northwest coast of Sabah and Sarawak region may strengthen, reaching 20 knots or more."

Rickg