Sipadan Diving getting there

[Terryb]

Thanks Luko,

Yeah I did mean 3rd FEB, was working nights and had a brain fart.

It did not take much time for any of the boats we were looking at to fill up for that week. We had to really hussle to get a good boat booked, with email communication and the time differential of 12 hours.

 

[notyoung]

Hi Terryb

I travel often to Tawau. There are a few newer hotels. I usually stay in MB Hotel. Nice rooms + free wifi. Price range from RM98 - RM158. To travel between Tawau and hotel, ask the hotel to get a cab (red and white color) and it's RM45 to the airport.

If you need more details PM me. I dove in Sipadan 4 weeks ago

 

[Terryb]

Some info from a PM that might interest others:

1. MB Hotel - +60 89 701333 (tel)
+60 89 748103 (fax)

2. In Malaysia, all airports uses the voucher/ticket system. This is to protect tourist being fleece. At the airport you find the taxi counter and tell the person where you want to go (your case MB Hotel) and they will tell you how much you pay. Then they will give a a double copy of voucher. You go to the taxis and board one of it and give one voucher to the taxi driver and keep one for yourself. Tell the taxi driver you are going to MB Hotel. You are save.

3. MB Hotel is in the centre of town with shop and supermarkets around it. If you are not comfortable with the local food, ask the local for the direction of 'Secret Recipe' they have nice cakes and some western menu.

4. There are many DCs in Semporna (gateway to Sipadan). I took my PADI AOW with Sipadan Scuba. Sipadan Scuba - PADI 5 Star IDC - Diving courses and dive trips Semporna Borneo Sabah Malaysia I am bias when I say I like them and they are good. No complaints about them. Sipadan Scuba is between the backpackers and resorts. I saw your post on whats-his-name who went to Seaventure and posted his video. They are base in Semporna town. I stayed in their Sipadan Inn for the duration of my course.

I am between a backpacker and resort that's why I prefer them. If you are the backpacker type there are many to choose from in Semporna.

 

[Terryb]

Does anyone know if there is an ATM in Tawau airport to pick up some Malaysian currency?

Thanks,

 

[Luko]

Yes there is only one, located outside, once you've picked your luggage, in between departures and arrivals.

 

[Terryb]

Thanks again Luko,
Did you stayy in Tawau? If so at what hotel and if you don't mind what was the price of a room? Would you suggest booking a room ahead or wait till you get there?

Cheers

 

[Luko]

I stayed 2 or 3 times in Tawau at the Heritage hotel, which is conveniently located almost in front of a general store Milimewa and near Watsons in case you need essential things like sunscreen for the day, chocolate bars or cookies for making breakfast in your room, since Borneo Divers is coming to pick you up quite early .

If you want to have a quick dinner there is a muslim "restoran" just at the corner, it's local basic food but I pretty much like a murtabak (a kind of chapati) filled with eggs or chicken with curry sauce on top.

I suggest you book your room through Borneo Divers, they have prices, it should be around 40SD for a double room (and for this price I think it was a triple). Each time they lose the reservation at the desk, someone calls the manager and eventually ring Borneo divers.
Suddenly the booking is back and they show you the paper... the miracle of phoning.

 

[Terryb]

Thanks for the info Luko,

40SD? is that $40US or Malaysian? I was going to book on line but I will call Borneo divers and have them book for me.

Cheers,

 

[Luko]

40SD? is that $40US or Malaysian?

sorry, typo. I meant $40USD of course !

 

[hockeydad]

I am also going to Sipadan in late March, but on the way back we return to Semporna at 9 a.m. and our flight leaves in the evening, any recommendations on where to 'hang out' with the family, including two teenagers? Thank you!