Mabul or Kapalai

[Cupavi]

My girlfriend (recently certified) and myself (300 dives) are thinking of going to Sipadan/Mabul/Kapalai.
Where should we stay - Mabul or Kapalai. Where do you find better (read: easier)diving for a novice.
I'm usually taking photos so any diving will be done at a leisurely pace.

Any suggestions, on any other place suitable for this mismatched (divewise) couple.
Lembeh, Nabucco, Bunaken etc?
I've done Caribbean, Red Sea, Graet Barrier Reef, Philippines, Thailand, Palau, Komodo, Bali,...

 

[lofish]

We went to sipadan last yr, except for a few dives with strong current, the rest was quite relaxing. I dont think a new diver would be disappointed there.
It doesnt matter where you stay at, you will end up diving around sipadan island. If you stay in Mabul, you can walk around the island. But Kapalai is built on a sandbank, quite unique.
Cant go wrong with either one.
We stayed in Sipadan water village, good shore diving (perfect for NEW diver), no a/c and bed bugs!

 

[Allison Finch]

I stayed in Mabul at Borneo Divers. Nice bungalows and they had A/C and no bedbugs!! Wonderful staff and food. Their house reef was quite good for critters, including two of the biggest giant frogfish I have ever seen.

 

[Rickg]

I stayed in Mabul at Borneo Divers. Nice bungalows and they had A/C and no bedbugs!! Wonderful staff and food. Their house reef was quite good for critters, including two of the biggest giant frogfish I have ever seen.

Plus they have a nice pool to relax in.

 

[Diver Dennis]

The great thing about Kapalai is the house reef just a few steps down from the dive shop. Very easy diving so I would recommend them.