Sipadan next weekend?!?

[mtnpool]

Hi All,

Been reading tons of great info on the posts here,, and have decided to go to Sipidan for diving. I've looked into most of the possibilities, SMART, SWV, Borneo Divers, Seaventures, Kapalai, etc.. Was thinking of staying for 6 days 5 nights somewhere on Mabul, but would like a little more romantic environment, since I'm going with my girlfriend, who is willing to dive twice a day, but not up for much more than that. Found out SMART is booked for the first week in April, while there's still some space at SWV. From what I've read here, it seems most agree that SMART's Water Bungalows are the tops in luxury, as well as food. I have a chance to get SWV's Grand Deluxe for just a bit more than SMART's water bungalow's rate, would I lose anything by going for SWV vs. SMART?

Also concerned about the permit situation, was told that they apply for them a day ahead, so they have no idea what's available beforehand, and they do the best to rotate clients. But I've also read here that going last minute, you may not be able to get a permit at all !!! I certainly wouldn't want to go all the way there to find out that I can't dive in Sipidan! Can someone please let me know what the facts are - am I taking too much of a risk going last minute?

Also, I was considering maybe doing a shorter stay in the Mabul area and possibly going to Lankayan as well for a few days, does anyone have any opinion of whether or not it would be worth it if I can only have a week total of diving (the other week we will want to climg Mt. Kinabalu and do some of the other topside attractions).

My main concern is that I might not be able to dive Sipidan, can someone please tell me how the permits actually work? And if certain resorts have a better shot at letting you dive in Sipidan than others?

Thanks very much to all for reading!

 

[kirikuru]

hi there,

resorts would get permits and have s few boats to go to sipadan every morning. what happens is you "book" a slot the day before on a board to indicate if you would would like to go.

I would recommend Kapalai for a romantic getaway. it's beautiful

 

[mtnpool]

hi there,

resorts would get permits and have s few boats to go to sipadan every morning. what happens is you "book" a slot the day before on a board to indicate if you would would like to go.

I would recommend Kapalai for a romantic getaway. it's beautiful

Thanks for the info and recommendation, Kiri, have you stayed there? I was worried that it would be too isolated, since it's entirely on stilts, and there's no where to go. Also, is the muck diving better at Kapalai, or Mabul?

 

[kirikuru]

yes, I was there in 2006 and 2007, loved it.
there is nothing much to do in the area besides diving that is true for almost all the resorts. diving around the resorts are all abt the same thou, but for relaxation and diving,
i like Kapalai and the staff there is great. they have wireless internet access if you need connectivity while you are there.

 

[mtnpool]

yes, I was there in 2006 and 2007, loved it.
there is nothing much to do in the area besides diving that is true for almost all the resorts. diving around the resorts are all abt the same thou, but for relaxation and diving,
i like Kapalai and the staff there is great. they have wireless internet access if you need connectivity while you are there.

Thanks Kiri,

I actually booked SWV last nite, as Kapalai was already booked (made my decision easy) . maybe if I get to go back someday I'll go to Kapalai next time.

 

[Robynne]

Hi There, Yes, we stayed at SWV in June for a week. The Sipidan Dive permits are allotted to the various resorts and the live-aboards one day in advance in the afternoon. When you book is irrelevant. Specifically, SWV rotates the permits among the guests at the resort so that each diver will have an equal opportunity to dive Sipidan if they so desire. Some divers actually prefer diving at Mabul or Kapalai, thus freeing up permits for other guests. We were there for 6 nights and were able to dive Sipidan 10 times. SWV is gorgeous and the people are wonderful. Enjoy your trip. It's worth the long plane flight. Hopefully you will get an opportunity to also see the wildlife on the mainland of Borneo such as the Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys.

 

[mtnpool]

Hi There, Yes, we stayed at SWV in June for a week. The Sipidan Dive permits are allotted to the various resorts and the live-aboards one day in advance in the afternoon. When you book is irrelevant. Specifically, SWV rotates the permits among the guests at the resort so that each diver will have an equal opportunity to dive Sipidan if they so desire. Some divers actually prefer diving at Mabul or Kapalai, thus freeing up permits for other guests. We were there for 6 nights and were able to dive Sipidan 10 times. SWV is gorgeous and the people are wonderful. Enjoy your trip. It's worth the long plane flight. Hopefully you will get an opportunity to also see the wildlife on the mainland of Borneo such as the Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys.

Thanks Robynne,

Good to know about the permits, hopefully there will be many divers that are willing to do most of their diving at Mabul or Kapalai, so I can dive Sipidan as much as possible! I also plan to be doing many shore dives on my own while at the resort itself - it'll give me a chance to practice my photography on the little critters.

Yes, we hope to see the Orangutans and the Proboscis Monkeys as well, booked Intrepid tours' "A Taste of Sabah" trip, waiting to hear back to see if they have the availability as it's an "independent" trip. Do you have any suggestions on tour companies or seeing sights on your own in case our tour with Intrepid falls through?

 

[mtnpool]

One more question - I've heard the waters are pretty warm, will a dive skin be enough, or will I need a 3mm shorty of fullsuit?

Thanks again!

 

[Eskasi]

Waters are warm....but if you are planning to dive a lot, wear a 3mm at least.....off Sipadan, it can chill down a little (but bearable) at depth. I dove there in Sept and Dec last year. Some people were in skin.... if you get cold easy, you will want your shorty at least. I wear a 3mm full.

Dont worry about permits...these guys are good at planning. The rules for permits are not written in stone. When they say they have a quota, they split it between divers. For example, If you dive Sipadan at in the morning, on your way back, another boat goes out and takes up your spot. ie, another diver fills your spot for the daily quota.

If you want something romantic....you should plan to stay on the chalets in the water. Mabul water bungalows (SMART owned), SWV and Kapalai are all good choices. If you choose Kapalai, ask for the newly renovated chalets. Very nice. SWV is also very very pleasant with the option to walk around on the Island itself. (Kapalai is on a sand bar and isolated). Mabul Water Bungalows is the priciest option but the ONLY ones to offer A/C and TV's in the rooms. A/C's are not entirely necessary though as it is fairly cool at nights.....I cannot imagine even having the time to watch TV with all the diving you will be doing.....

 

[Robynne]

Hi Again,

SWV has a house reef and hence you could use this as a shore dive. As far as suit goes, we were there in June and both used 3 mm and the dive masters were even in hoods. We noticed that people wore heavier wetsuits than if people were diving in equivalent water temp. in the caribbean. We were both fine in 3mm and no hoods. It was very rare for us to see someone wear a shorty.

We did 2 weeks at the front end (prior to SWV) on the mainland of Borneo. Our trip was planned thru MGTourCo.com (they are based in California). Most US tour operators actually contracted with Borneo Adventures based in Borneo. Hence, things could be booked directly thru them. Clearly you need to see Sepilok, (near Sandakan) the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. From there you can take a boat up the Kinibatangan River and stay at a number of small, rustic, (far from 5 star) accomodations in the Borneo jungle as jumping off points to see the other wildlife including the Proboscis Monkeys. Other highlights in Sabah include Kinabalu Park (Can even hike up to peak of Mt. Kinabalu if you have the energy and 2 extra days). We didn't have the energy!!!! We spent some nights at the Shangrai-La Tanjung Ara Resort in Kota Kinabalu which is the nicest hotel in Borneo. This was fantastic. Have you considered going to Sarawak as well? The Mulu Caves were spectacular. You must fly from Kota Kinabalu to Miri and then take a small plane to Mulu. It's very remote but so worth the while. You would need 2 nights in Mulu. We also did other parts of Sarawak including Kuching and the Batang Ai River. I know I have given you a great deal to absorb. Sorry about that, if you have any other questions I would be happy to help. NOTE: Despite weight limits of luggage, they were very lenient for foreign tourists. You will have a great trip. Keep me posted. Robynne