US warns visitors to Borneo - do you have a view?

[Bronson]

Thanks to all the Folks that responded. It is nice of you to take the time to reply. The latest post by the US Embassy in Malaysia is based on new intel. Or at least it is as good as the day it was prepared. Things change daily and people move constantly. It is real. Things are heating up in the southern philippines. The american "advisors" are in place. There is a contingent of usa marines that have moved into the area to support local enforecement with permission of the Philippines Gov't. The bad guys move across borders when the pressure hits in Southern Philippines (Jolo). A couple of observations:

- The USA is a bit more dangerous than anything that can happen in Borneo.
- LIke our friend above speaking of Washington DC. I was knifed in the New York subway during rush hour. It happens and you do not hear about all the violance there because it does not make good press in USA and people are used to it. I had no problems in my 2 trips to Mabul/Sipadan.
- Like Kevrumbo above, i was in Mabul/Sipadan a few days before the infamous kidnappings. I left the day before. A coincidence. I noticed the non-locals arriving from southern Philippines. They stood out and you could feel the tension brewing. At the suggestion of the manager/operator, everyone at the Sipadan Water Village chipped into a kitty and a Malaysia cruiser arrived off the old oil rig the week we were there (the week before the kidnappings in 2000).

I took precautions then which i will suggest any non-asian consider when traveling to Eastern Borneo now:
- I carriy a 2nd passport and money with me at all times hidden that i could access on the run or buy my way out of a jam. Wont take much cash to buy your freedom from these guys.
- I had a detailed map of local trails on Mabul.
- I had contact names for s few locals that would get me to Taiwu in a hurry.
- i Studied the terrain in detail and knew what way to run/hid/swim just in case. Must be my old training.

Yes i knew then what could happen like now.

And yes, I am thinking of going to Mabul now because many non-asians will avoid the place for now and could get one of those prized spots to Sipadan.

Good luck and happy diving.

 

[gee13]

My view is that Issues and Warnings such as these could flame any fires and may exacerbate any underlying plans that the potential terrorists have. Could be some sort of fulfilling prophecy when they come across this. Of course we could dismiss this as 'pinch of salt' but it never is a 'pinch' when a major incident does occur. That said I felt absolutely safe when I was in Sipadan only 8 months ago. The military presence was reassuring and the army guys were friendly on the island. They have a rotation system around the islands and there is always a large army boat somewhere in the vicinity. What is not clear is what their level of experience is with handling any insurgencies. If it does happen how will this affect the diving fraternity? I certainly wouldnt want to be caught in the crossfire. Lets hope and pray there are no incidents. The irony is when you descend into Sipadan waters it takes you into a time and place where complications do not exist and the marine creatures seem more evolved than humankind in the way they conduct their everyday lives.

 

[Bronson]

agree

 

[The Wolf]

"The US Embassy in Malaysia has issued a travel advisory warning that criminal and terrorist groups were planning attacks against foreigners in the Borneo island state of Sabah. Sabah is located near the southern border of the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf militant group, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group known for kidnapping and beheading hostages, operates there."

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Does anyone have a view on this topic?

The warnings have been coming out from both embassies on a consistent basis at least twice a year for the past 9 years.

Security is significantly better than it was in 2000 and I honestly can't see another kidnapping incident because of the socio political situation between the Abu Syaff and the Malaysian government. Malaysia is mediating and playing an important role between the Moro and Philippine government.

Been out to sipadan/mabul consistently for the past 10 years and I feel as safe as I did last year, and the year before, and the year before that.

For the most part, the people who create panic and over hype these warnings have generally either never been to Sabah, nor have a clue about the people, the lifestyles or situation in reality out here.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Thnx for posting this. I have passed it along to a dive group that may be considering going there.