Sipadan on a budget?!?

[elsa]

Is it possible to dive at Sipadan on a budget??
The web pages about diving at Sipadan all have terribly high prices. Has anyone been able to dive there on a budget, for example by not booking from home but arranging it once you get there, by staying on another island and just going there on day trips, or are there cheaper dive centers that just don't have home pages....?
I'm planning to backpack around Asia for a few months around april-may and I would really like to go to Sipadan.
Also, what is the best season to visit Sipadan? Is it diveable during off-season?
Any info will be appreciated

 

[Shanhai]

I don't think it's possible to dive Sipadan on a budget. Bear in mind that the prices are not all that outrageous considering you get unlimited diving and pretty near 5 meals a day included in the package. I've been to Sipadan three of four times now, can't remember exactly, and the prices have dropped somewhat over the years, but I think it's the airfare.

The islands around Sipadan, mainly Mabul, are even more expensive than Sipadan. This place is really out in the middle of nowhere so they can pretty much charge whatever they like, but again, I think it's fairly resonalbe considering everything you get. It's over an hour by speedboat from the mainland so staying there is not really an option either.

 

[frogfish]

Not sure what prices you have seen. But I think Sipadan is relatively good value compared to many other places.
In terms of dive season, the best time to go is between April and October - otherwise you are looking at a fair amount of rain and reduced visibility.
Cheers

 

[Rickg]

Elsa,

If you aren't on a set schedule (and it sounds like you won't be if you are backpacking) you should be able to get what they call the "walk-in" rate by arranging your diving after you get to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau or Semporna.

When we were there in NOV 2001 there were "walk-in" divers that were paying quite a bit less than those of us that had advance reservations. Remember, "bargaining" is the name of the game if you are a "walk-in" and the resort has lots of open rooms. They are usually willing to go somewhat lower than the initial "walk-in" rate they quote because they are losing money on every open room.

We have been there in JUL, OCT and NOV. We had somewhat better weather in JUL but every trip was a great trip.

Hope you have fun.

Rickg

 

[Christian]

If you have the time to linger around in KK, it is better to book when you arrive. It will give you better prices. However, please note there are only 80 people allowed on the island at one time, and at high season (holidays) it can be hard to get space. You could go for something in between (it has worked for me), book a few days from home and then extend your stay while you are on the island. This can give you really good rates, but it is of course a bit of a gamble.

Another general advice: go in the low season. Diving is always good on Sipadan, year round.

On the contrary of what others have said, I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper to stay on Mabul. The resort on Mabul is also more luxorious than the ones on Sipadan. You can dive Sipadan from Mabul, however your access will be limited to 1-2 dives a day due to restrictions and logistics.

good luck

Christian

 

[Gno]

Elsa,

FYI, there are 3 options for you to consider where Sipadan is concerned:-

(1) you could choose to stay on Sipadan Island itself which has about 3 resorts I think. The best deal about this option is that you can dive off the beach from the resort without the need for a boat to bring you out to the dive sites;

(2) you could also choose to stay at Mabul Island (its called Sipadan Water Resort) wherein you get 4 star ++ accomodation and diving. The food is also great. Mabul is about 30 minutes speedboat ride to Sipadan Island;

(3) or you could stay at Kapalai Island which is also 20 minutes away from Sipadan Island.

Basically it depend on what you are looking for. I stayed at Mabul Island 1 year ago and was quite happy with the entire package i.e. service and diving.

Mabul and Kapalai islands offer more macro diving wherelse Sipadan is more for pelagic stuff!! i.e. baracuddas, hammerheads bumpheads

Hope this infor is of use.

HAppy travels!

 

[Diver ABC]

Hi,

I stayed once with Sipadan Dive Cerntre which is next to the Drop off. I am thinking to go again this year, just would like to know if you have any experience about the others such as Sipadan Diver Logde which I know is quite far from Drop off.

Thanks.

 

[clownfish]

look for North Borneo Dive in Semporna!!! you can dive Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan as day trips.

 

[kraken]

I understand from my travel agent that Boreno Divers have opened a new resort at Mabul and are offering special discount rates. Boreno Divers is the operation directly infront of the drop off and I had an excellent experience with them 2 years ago (10 days). After 7 days Sipadan got boring, definately suggest visiting the other two islands.

Dave

 

[travelem]

Use the budget airlines Air Asia (http://www.airasia.com) to fly to Tawau, bus to Semporna. A few dive shops in Semporna offer day trip to Sipadan and Mabul.

NORTH BORNEO DIVE & SEA SPORTS
http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/fantasy/132/

Seafest Inn:
http://asiaconect.virtualave.net/price.html

Budget Borneo:
http://www.bootsnall.com/asiatravelguides/sabah/jan00borneo.shtml
http://www.backpackasia.com/msia/city_east_semporna.html