Malaria in Mabul/Sipidan

[davidlkh]

Was in that area, Semporna and Islands Sept 2004.

Definately there are mosquitos. They did not bother me or my kids since we had insect repellent on.

Even super clean Singapore has mosquitos; once in awhile during the wet monsoon there maybe occurences of Malaria and Dengue.

This does not mean everybody has it, just a few unfortunate victims get it.

 

[moraygirl]

I stayed on Sipadan in December. I took Malarone as we were travelling inland after our diving. I was told by the BA travel clinic that the type of malaria in Sabah is the more hectic strain (in the sense that it takes hold more quickly and you have less time to get treatment). I thought it was worth taking the extra precaution as the mozzies tend to like my blood, repellent or not! (I always manage to miss a bit!) That said, I didn't get bitten on Sipadan and I wasn't aware of many mozzies. Lots in Semporna when we were there though. Malarone is expensive but I didn't have any side effects at all.

 

[Nikki T]

I know that Sabah is riddled with malaria....but what about the off shore islands of mabul/sipidan? I am off diving there in July but don't know if I need to take antimalarials! Are there mosquitos and do they carry malaria?? :06:

In Malaysia, there are sometimes bouts of malaria and dengue fever in different parts but don't be scared off. I live in Malaysia and none of us are very worried. The islands are fine - so many people go there all the time. I just got back from Sipadan a week ago. If you are still seriously worried about mosquitoes but would like to still dive, Kalapai resort is a good place to go to - 10 minutes away from Sipadan and 5 minutes from Mabul. The resort is completely built on water so and no mosquitoes in sight.