Malaysia Philippines Tourist Bridge

[World Wide Diver]

In the 1980's, Monty Python and travel journalist Michael Palin travelled from Zamboanga (Phillipines) to Sandakan (Malaysia) on the Danica Joy as part of his 'Full Circle' tv documentary.

We are now travelling the same route and want to post up to date information for travellers regarding schedules and logistics.

There are two ferries from Sandakan to Zamboanga; The Weesam Fast Craft and the Danica Joy II (Aleson Lines).

The schedules are as follows;

Weesam Express;

Depart Zamboanga on Monday and Thursday at 5.00am and arrives in Sandakan, Malaysia at 7.30pm on the same day. Prices are 2600 pesos standard and 3000 pesos first class (includes meals).

1. Departs Sandakan Tuesday at 5.00am and arrives in Zamboanga at 7.30pm.

2. Departs Sandakan Friday at 4.00pm and arrives at Bongao, Tawi-Tawi at 9.00pm. Overnight Tawi-Tawi (with meal) then departs Bongao at 5.00am and arrives Zamboanga at 1.30pm.

Contact Weesam Express on 0063 (0) 62 992-3756.

You can reserve a ticket over the phone and pay the day before you travel.


Aleson Shipping; Danica Joy II

Departs Zamboanga Monday and Thursday 1.00pm and arrives at Sandakan at 9.00am (20 hours later) the following day.

Departs Sandakan 11.00am Tuesday and Friday - arrives Zamboanga 9am Wednesday and Friday.

This is a roll-on roll-off ferry that accommodates 1000 passengers. Arrive in Sandakan/Zamboanga a day earlier to book a ticket. Tickets cost around 2800 for first class cabin with air con. There are cheaper prices for seats withour cabin.

There are good hotels in Zamboanga and good flight connections within Philippine Islands. There are also ferries to Cebu and Manila.

We are staying in the Lantaka Hotel near the port, which used to be a favorite haunt of Imelda Marcos,

We hope that this information might be useful to those travelling from Malaysia to the Phillipines from places like Sipadan, Mabul or Borneo.

Please PM us for more info.

Hope this is usesful.

 

[Gen San Chris]

You Changed your mind about going through Basilan and Jolo! This trip came about suddenly, why the rush!

 

[pakman]

WWD, good info! Just a shame about the permit issues going on in Sipidan. Although since the ferry goes to Sandakan, it's just a short hop to Lankayan Island and you've got Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary.

 

[World Wide Diver]

Just a shame about the permit issues going on in Sipidan. Although since the ferry goes to Sandakan, it's just a short hop to Lankayan Island and you've got Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary

Yeah, shame about the permit situation on Sipadan, but can understand this. We called a few operators there (and resorts) and ALL are all fully booked AND have plenty of divers on waiting lists!! It's their busy time and the economic downturn has had nil effect on business.

Seems like divers are increasing in numbers in this part of the World (inc the Philippines), so not really complaining too much about this.

Looked into Lankayan Island, but have a gut feeling (from various trip reports) that the diving there is not a good as Davao or Gensan. Plus think the resort will probably be full of honeymooners!!

So, we're off to look at orangutans instead!!!

Interestingly, there are a now several people posting on travel forums looking to make this same trip (mostly from Malaysia to the PI's).

We'll post more information when we return so it might help others.

Off in a few days, but not saying when (hush-hush)

 

[World Wide Diver]

Guess where we are?

a) Just arrived in Sandakan at the Sabah Hotel sipping a cool gin-tonic after 15 hours travel;

or

b) sat in the hotel coffee shop, Zamboanga staring across the harbour at our broken down ferry (100 meters away) and stuck here till Monday?

Clue:

 

[Gen San Chris]

You still believe that things are very simple here and that things happen! sorry for you, maybe the ship captain likes holy week in the Philippines or maybe the hotel really likes you as guests!
Do not worry, enjoy yourselves while you are there, I am sure that there is lots of Tanduay to be had, there was when I was there!
Do not think of us here having great dives at Maasim Reef and Sand Bar, that will only make you sad but Dave did say to tell you that the diving is great, also MJ enjoyed it as well!
I will be diving over the holiday so I will let you know how misserable we will all be!

 

[World Wide Diver]

maybe the ship captain likes holy week in the Philippines or maybe the hotel really likes you as guests

We think the former as the Danica Joy II is also not sailing for Holy Week. However, Weesam staff and others assure us that breakdowns are rare. That said, rather the ship breakdown here than off Jolo:shocked2:

 

[Mike Veitch]

i dunno about that... MILFs can be fun

 

[World Wide Diver]

i dunno about that... MILFs can be fun

You dirty boy!!!!!

 

[Gen San Chris]

I never thought of the initials of our favorite Islamic brethren in that concept! Yup, dirty thinking but fun!