How to maximize dives on Sipidan/ day

[pakman]

OK,

I think I'm narrowing down my dive trip plans for this August and am leaning towards Sipidan. But our group's concern is how many dives will we be able to do ON Sipidan from the Mabul resorts? What's the usual schedules? Do they do 2 dives on Sipidan and then 1 on Mabul? Do any of the resorts guarantee at least 3 dives on Sipidan. I guess being on the boat all day will be a pain (tanks, etc...). How long does it usually take by boat from the Mabul based resorts to Sipidan? Last time I was there, I stayed on the Sipidan back in 1998.

cheers,

 

[Batfish]

As far as we know, all the resorts do only 2 dives per day, and that is how it is sold. There may be possibilities for groups to do more, I'll make a point to check with the resorts about it.

 

[pakman]

I just got off the phone with one of the dive travel agents here in HK. Appears the usual schedule is 2 boat dives on Sipidan in the morning and then back to Mabul/ Kapalai for lunch and an afternoon dive at the house reef. But it sounds like you can make arrangements for a third dive (an early morning dive) on Sipidan if you have enough people.

 

[hiddenaughty]

I heard that Sabah Park Only allow 120 pax to enter Sipadan per day!
All the dive operator are fighting for the quota.. I really wonder how to get the booking confirm with sipadan diving included?

 

[pakman]

I heard that Sabah Park Only allow 120 pax to enter Sipadan per day!
All the dive operator are fighting for the quota.. I really wonder how to get the booking confirm with sipadan diving included?

My concerns as well. I loved Sipidan when you were allowed to stay on the island. I'm just worried of being disappointed due to the limited amount of dives you can do on Sipidan. I've know that mabul diving is fantastic, if you're into muck diving... but that really isn't my cup of tea...

 

[Batfish]

I really wonder how to get the booking confirm with sipadan diving included?

Book early! Like I say, so far we have had no problem for anyone we have booked at any resort. We send people to Kapalai, Borneo Divers, SMART and Mabul Water Bungalows. Looking at the Seaventure Platform too as a cheaper alternative. One of our guys will be there next week visiting all the resorts and will check up on the quota and what it really means.

 

[malaysia-islands]

Are the divers on Celebes Explorer counted in the 120pax quota? Because nobody can really control them as they use the ocean as their base, not any islands like Mabul or Kapalai.

 

[pakman]

Are the divers on Celebes Explorer counted in the 120pax quota? Because nobody can really control them as they use the ocean as their base, not any islands like Mabul or Kapalai.

I was wondering that too. Seems CE touts itself for 3 dives/day on Sipidan and boasts they'll be around in the afternoon while everyone is heading back to Kapalai and Mabul.

 

[farrakhan]

Are the divers on Celebes Explorer counted in the 120pax quota? Because nobody can really control them as they use the ocean as their base, not any islands like Mabul or Kapalai.

The army on the island needs to see the groups permits before diving on Sipidan, so regardless if your base is water or Island they will figure into the 120pax. I just got back from Sipidan, stayed with borneo divers on mabul. Of the five days we dived only two of the day did we get 3 dives at sipidan, so yes it is possible, just umlikely unless you start at 5:00 A.M. This was my second visit to sipidan and I will continue going back yearly.

 

[hiddenaughty]

Besides, Sipadan, Mabul, & Kapalai.. How about other place like Mataking? there're other place like Sakaran Marine park, Pompong Island... which located about 45 mins away from Sipadan Island ( towards the north ).. Wonder if divers will consider other island beside Sipadan? When people go for a dive vacation, what's the main focus? coral, reef, marine life, underwater scenery, resort, spa, other activities, experience or just relaxing? what make someone go to the same place over and over again? I'm just curious!