diving in Sipadan

[mydivecenter]

For my own sanity
I am planning to dive in Sipadan/Kapalai this March break
Some advised me not to go because of security issues, which I assume is because a few years back some divers were kidnapped by extremist from Philippines and held for almost a year.
Can someone provide me with latest info whether I am worrying about nothing?
Much appreciated

 

[InDaWata]

Really?!

Hmm! News to me! I was there for a few months. Never saw or heard anything that would lead me to think there would even be such an act....

I'd be willing to bet my hard earned dollars that youre safer in Borneo than anywhere in the GTA.


The people are really friendly, and the diving is awesome. You'd be crazy to spend your March break freezing your nugs off back home!

 

[jbtut]

About 10 years ago Abu Sayyef (Muslim Terrorist group based out of the Philippines) took about a dozen tourists hostage from Sipadan. However, there is now a serious military presence on the island, guns, boats, etc which is good for both protecting the island from terrorists and tourists. I'd guess it's probably one of the safest places in the area now. Plus the diving is amazing.

 

[xariatay]

Gosh, i guess some "bad news" never dies... Things have moved on greatly, since those fateful days long passed...

 

[tstormdiver]

I was there on Mabul Island last April. There was some military presence there on Sipadan itself, but the people were welcoming & very friendly. The one thing I will say about Sipadan (& this is a gross understatement), is the diving is phenomenal. Be prepared to be absolutely amazed!!!!:shocked2:

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi, We operate a dive centre in Sabah. Not at Sipadan, but I'm well aware of diving safety / tourist safety in Sabah.

You've already been briefed by jbut about the kidnapping incident from Sipadan several years ago. Since then, with thanks to increased presence by the Navy presence on Sipadan , there have been no more incidents of this nature.

Sabah is generally seen as a safe place for tourists (whether diver or non-diver). If still in doubt, then check the advice provided by your Foreign Office about the safety of Sabah for tourists.

Enjoy your diving at Sipadan - the volume of turtles will blow you away

 

[caralynch]

OMG, Sipadan is amazing. We went a year or two ago. Weren't worried about our safety at all. You can't stay on Sipadan itself any more because of the kidnapping/military presence on the island, best to stay on Mabul. We stayed at Uncle Chang's - Basic with a capital B, but sooo much fun

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi, the US and UK Embassy (Foreign Office) have just updated their travel profile for Sabah. You can read the British Foreign Office Travel Advice at Malaysia travel advice

There not saying don't go to Sabah, just to exercise more caution than normal if going diving in the Sipadan / Semporna Area. I'd suggest you contact the Resort you have booked with and just ask the what extra precautions they will be taking to ensure you have a safe, fun diving experience.

Enjoy your diving holiday in Sabah.

 

[mydivecenter]

thank you all
thank you for all the information
i think i will look into layang layang now

 

[jennyjo]

I'm in a similar boat....! I was thinking of diving Sipadan this March but now don't really fancy feeling like a target...

Do you think that Layang Layang is going to be any safer in terms of kidnappings?

Also Is the diving at Layang Layang good? Because I could probably hold off and do a liveaboard on the great barrier reef (cod hole) if that's better than Layang Layang...

Any advice anyone?