Sipadan or Raj Ampat

[kneptoon]

I had pretty much settled on going to Sipadan this year. But I keep having second thoughts. I've been to Indonesia 3 years running and not been to Raj Ampat. Anyone been to both Sipadan and RA and have any comparisons? Photography is not my reason to dive so capturing a log of macro critters is interesting but not foremost. I mostly like the big hit of fish schools and the larger wide angle experience. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[ronscuba]

Never been to Sipadan, but just got back from Raja Ampat last month.

Saw great fish schools in the northern section. Getting it on video....priceless.

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Kneptoon,

Sipadan is great. Nowhere has such abundance in a small space but vis and diver soup can sometimes be a hassle for photographers. Not always, but sometimes.

However Raja Ampat is so vast that you are often in v small groups at every site. If you have been to Indo three times already then I reckon Raja Ampat is the place to go. It is unlike anywhere else on the archipelago.

For me, for a quick hop to somewhere excellent to spend a few days with big schools and plenty of colour, nowhere beats Sipadan, but for a decent length of time in a remote area where you have all the time and space in the world to get quality shots I would find myself a Raja Ampat liveaboard.

Whatever your choice I am sure you will have a great time. Look forward to seeing your pics here!

 

[Travelnsj]

I have been to Raja Ampat/Papua, Layang Layang and Sipadan. Malaysia has commercial fishing which the Goverment allows. Thus not a lot of fish. What I see in 25 to 30 dives in Sipadan or Layang Layang....I can see in a couple of dives in Palau or Raja....hope this helps.

 

[kneptoon]

Thanks much for the input. I am leaning toward Raja Ampat.

 

[Belushi]

I remember the good old days when I was on the only dive boat, when diving in Sipadan ...

Turtles, manta, hammerheads and 1000 barracudas ... (ish)

[sits down with pipe and slippers]

 

[mrscuba]

Hey there if you are thinking of Raja Ampat - check out Raja Ampat Papua - Scuba Diving Vacation - Misool Eco Resort - Scuba Diving Indonesia . There is awesome diving all around the resort which is the heart of the best diving in Raja Ampat. I have just come back from there and it blew my booties off!