Diving Sipadan

[scubadudee]

Question... is semphora closer to sipadan or would staying in Kota Kinabalu be a better option? How much are the food there? each dive?

I looked also at seaventures... whats your feedback on them?

It all depends on your likings as well as the expectations..of course not to harsh to your wallet too...haha

KK is nowhere near Semporna, all resorts Mabul, Mataking, Kapalai, Sipadan has to go through Semporna.

There is a coach that travels almost daily for quite afew hours from KK to Semporna; but is that worth the wait?

As for recommendations, one man's music is another man's noise....but I sure would say those who offer to let you know all the costs involved are genuine and I would certainly say all of them are running their honest business and definitely their service and dive experiences there is just as valuable.

I recommend any of them......

Hope that helps.


I just love diving.....

 

[tzeyap]

Just would like to add that I've emailed North Borneo Diver (found their email from the web), and they replied about the "economy" diving package to Sipadan.

Basically it is a 2- or 3-dive package, originating from the mainland Semporna, hence it will be cheaper. Cost about RM300 for 2 dives with equipment rental. I plan to do that some time next year. I simply can't afford staying at Mabul or Kapalai again

If you add up the cost of the dive from Semporna (RM300) and the cost of accomodation at Semporna (RM100?) plus cost of meals, the total would be about the same as the cost of staying at say Smart if booked thru a KL based operator.

You would not have to put up with the long and sometimes uncomfortable boat ride, get to stay at a very nice resort with good food and drinks, short boat ride to Sipadan, an extra boat dive (3 boat dives a day) and excellent unlimited shore dives on the house reef.

Dragon Inn used to be quite nice and I agreed that the architecture can be a little of a novelty for some. However, it appeared to me to be quite run-down when I passed through 3 months ago. The whole surroundings around dragon Inn is rather messy and unsightly in my opinion.

 

[tzeyap]

OMG _Bella_, how much you plan to do max? Maybe I'm always tired after 2 dives

~newbie

Perhaps you get tired from the long boat ride from Semporna !!!

Go to Sipadan and do 2 dives per day ? You'll have to tie me down ! My minimum is four; average 5-6 dives and maximum 7 dives.

BTW I'm not super fit but I do watch closely saturation level and NDL.

 

[malaysia-islands]

If you add up the cost of the dive from Semporna (RM300) and the cost of accomodation at Semporna (RM100?) plus cost of meals, the total would be about the same as the cost of staying at say Smart if booked thru a KL based operator.

A quick qoute from PingAnchorage, all dive package 3D/2N, 3 dives daily:
- Borneo Diver Mabul RM1,115 (twin sharing)
- Sipadan Water Village in Mabul RM1,110
- SMART RM2,070
- Seaventures RM875

To be honest, for me, it's quite expensive esp since I'll be flying from KL (add about RM500 for roundtrip AirAsia ticket). I agree that some people can afford it though.

Staying in Semporna is about RM80 per night, food is VERY cheap. I guess it boils down to what the budget is like. Since I also plan to dive extensively around Peninsula Malaysia (Redang/Perhentian/Tioman), I have to be a bit careful in spending.

 

[scubadudee]

A quick qoute from PingAnchorage, all dive package 3D/2N, 3 dives daily:
- Borneo Diver Mabul RM1,115 (twin sharing)
- Sipadan Water Village in Mabul RM1,110
- SMART RM2,070
- Seaventures RM875

To be honest, for me, it's quite expensive esp since I'll be flying from KL (add about RM500 for roundtrip AirAsia ticket). I agree that some people can afford it though.

Staying in Semporna is about RM80 per night, food is VERY cheap. I guess it boils down to what the budget is like. Since I also plan to dive extensively around Peninsula Malaysia (Redang/Perhentian/Tioman), I have to be a bit careful in spending.

Hey...keep me updated...I do peninsular dives too ...can't afford too many trips to Sipadan as well...I stay in JB so have to experience few transits...haha...how's vis up north waters? I heard of some new sites off Perak NE region...

 

[tzeyap]

A quick qoute from PingAnchorage, all dive package 3D/2N, 3 dives daily:
- Borneo Diver Mabul RM1,115 (twin sharing)
- Sipadan Water Village in Mabul RM1,110
- SMART RM2,070
- Seaventures RM875

To be honest, for me, it's quite expensive esp since I'll be flying from KL (add about RM500 for roundtrip AirAsia ticket). I agree that some people can afford it though.

Staying in Semporna is about RM80 per night, food is VERY cheap. I guess it boils down to what the budget is like. Since I also plan to dive extensively around Peninsula Malaysia (Redang/Perhentian/Tioman), I have to be a bit careful in spending.

You should get other quotes !!!!!

2 nights at Smart for RM2070 is robbery !!!! Is your quote ex KL and inclusive of airfares ? The price which you mentioned should get you at least 4 nights (more likely 5 depending on who you book with) ex Tawau. If the agent quoted you that amount, they probably have some other agenda !!

In any case a 2 night package to Sipadan just doesn't make sense to me after you have shelled out all that $$$ for flights etc.

I know an operator from KL who will offer much better priced packages. If you are interested PM me.

 

[tzeyap]

Scubadudee,

Are you referring to Tokong Perak off Kedah ? If you want to know more PM me or else we'll be accused of hijacking the thread. I live in JB too. PM me if you want to be posted on dive trips.

 

[malaysia-islands]

Oops, a little hijack. I think scubadudee means Sembilan Islands (not Similan) some 1 hour from Lumut. Read some travel reviews, the viz isn't too good tho. But certainly not a tourist trap, so that can be a good thing.

 

[hiddenaughty]

How about the Entry Permit to Sipadan? does it included? what about the meals arrangement? Have to bring Pack-Lunch & water by my own?

 

[tzeyap]

How about the Entry Permit to Sipadan? does it included? what about the meals arrangement? Have to bring Pack-Lunch & water by my own?

The park fee is a small amount and nothing to worry about. If you are staying at one of the Mabul resorts, the boat ride is less than an hour and they will go back to resort for lunch. During SIT the resort provides packed hot beverages, water and light snacks

Don't know the arrangements if diving with semporna based operator. Packed lunch I'd imagine.