Planning a trip to Sabah

[-Phoenix-]

Heya all!

Next april I will be going to malaysia for two months. I am thinking of flying to Sabah from the mainland for two 5 day dive trips (and ofcourse climbing mt. Kinabalu).

At this moment I have done some research about where and what but I - never being there before - don't really know whats fun and whats not.

Our intentions are to rent equipment, and if would have to be not overpriced (me being a poor student ).

At the moment I was thinking on diving 5 days in/near kota kinabalu and then do other stuff, and go dive 5 days on that oil rig at the east coast (Mabul, sea-venture oil rig).

How are these two locations? And do you know some better spots? I would love to hear suggestions etc so I can plan and book my divetrips soon!

Yours,

Rob

 

[morid]

Hey, what's fun and what not depends on you! What are you looking for?
Sabah and neighbouring Sarawak have a lot of diversity - beaches, culture, nature, trekking...

Mabul is certainly top for diving, if you are on a budget also have a look at Uncle Chang and Scuba Junkies.
The equipement there is ok, Malaysian standard .

 

[ezridermalaysia]

i m going to sabah kota kinabalu on 1st to 4th.. of december
want to dive near kk or nearabouts.. any divers there that want to join.. n share the cost for the dives? i have done 9dives with 6 hours total.. i think i am competent n would b ok for a dive buddy.
or is anyone with their friends doing dives during the period mentioned.. that i might join.. please.
i really want to dive
chem teacher
age 45

 

[Wisnu]

KK (TAR) is not very special for diving - just so so; 5 days diving there probably too much; You'll find more sea critters at portview seafood village in KK waterfront and be careful - it's delicious.

Borneo diver has an outlet in Sutera Harbour; normally they have enough divers to go for diving; no need to bring buddy for cost sharing.

If you have plenty of time, Labuan has 4 great wrecks - but you've to go to Labuan or Brunei.

Cheers

 

[ezridermalaysia]

thnks.. called them.. yes.. they do day trips...3 dives for Rm310.. ok le tu..

 

[-Phoenix-]

I keep hearing about borneo divers;

Is it this: Borneo Divers
or is it this: Borneo Dive Packages - Sipadan, Kapalai, Mabul, Lankayan, Layang Layang, Miri

 

[Wisnu]

I keep hearing about borneo divers;

Is it this: Borneo Divers
or is it this: Borneo Dive Packages - Sipadan, Kapalai, Mabul, Lankayan, Layang Layang, Miri

The first one has an outlet at Sutera Harbour resort - professional operation.
I have no experience with the second - Dive Borneo.

 

[OnTheSpot]

The Borneo Divers talked about is the first link - they have resort on Mabul near Sipadan that gets most of their attention, but they also run a fun-dive operation from Mamutik island, with a representative desk at Sutera Harbour Resort.

 

[kathydee]

Mabul is certainly top for diving, if you are on a budget also have a look at Uncle Chang and Scuba Junkies.
The equipement there is ok, Malaysian standard .

The gear is scary--stick near your partner! If you dive these companies come in for gear fitting early and make sure you snag the best stuff!

If you are really on a student budget Malaysia is not the best SE Asia travel destination & Malaysia Borneo is pretty expensive for backpackers - lots of 3 day 2 night vacation packages. Much cheaper living expenses & diving in other places such as Tulemben Bali.

But Sipidan is beautiful. If you're really on a budget-- I suggest diving with scuba junkies (but seriously check your gear!!), stay in the 12-person dorm for $3 eat the free really cheap breakfast and lunch & suppliment with local fruit from the market. A much better and $15 more expensive option is to stay at the scuba junkie homestay on Mabul - where you can rent a very simple but safe and clean private room (wood planks with contact paper floor) with a private bath in a traditional waterfront long house (house on stilts) and the dive boat will pick you up in the morning. I think there were about 8-10 rooms. I'd suggest booking well in advance because of the permit issues with Sipidan. Mabul diving is a good first day warm up. Sometimes air asia flights from KK are the same cost as the bus. Have fun!

 

[bockbong]

Hi guys,

Spent 4 days of diving around mabul and sipadan last june, and i'm planning for a return trip soon. Stayed and did some diving with Billabong Scuba.

Homestay accomodation are ok, when u are REALLY tight on your budget. Twin-sharing room with 3 meals per day per diver cost around USD18 only.

Agreed about those rental equipments. Most have definitely have seen their better days. GOt your own, bring em along. U won't regret it.

Guys, seriously, even with 800+ logged dives experience, the sipadan current did managed to scare the s**t out of me!! Big talk before going there?
Woud recommend u guys do at least 20 dives before going there. Mabul's a good place for 'warming up' .


Safe diving.
Bockbong