Between 2 and 3 weeks in Sabah, Any idea?

[exposure]

Hi There,

I'd like to plan a 2 to 3 weeks dive trip in Sabah from Kota Kinabalu. To do that I am looking for some idea/feedback. I guess a stop in Semporna is compulsory but what about Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan? Any other idea, tips?

Yvan

 

[Midget]

The diving near KK is only so-so. The excellent diving is Sipadan and Mabul near Semporna.

What is your budget so you can get feedback tailored to your needs better?

The only town/city in Sabah that has any appeal at all is Kota Kinabalu. The rest are blech!
However, there is amazing nature and wildlife to see in Sabah if you find that sort of thing interesting.
What do you like?

 

[exposure]

Thanks Midget. In this area, it seems that the best place for diving is for sure Sipadan, but 3 weeks in the same place seems maybe too long. So that's why I am looking for other area around Sabah. I think there is Layang Layang and nothing else. Any idea?

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi exposure,

3 weeks diving in Sabah, I'm jealous

Let me mention first that I live in Sabah and we run a dive business from Kota Kinabalu. My feedback is based on my experience of diving here.

Sabah is fortunate enough to have two world class diving sites - Sipadan and Layang Layang. Both offer fantastic dives along drop-offs. Sipadan is on the south east coast, Layang Layang is ~150nm offshore north west of Kota Kinabalu (you get a flight their from BKI). Near Sipadan you also have some impressive muck diving at Mabul and Kapalai.

There is only one Resort at Layang Layang, whereas near Sipadan you have a range of Resorts to choose from depending on your budget and quality of stay you want. LL is open from start March - end August each year. Sipadan can be dived all year round.

There is also diving from Lankayan Resort off the east coast of Sabah (accessible from Sandakan). There is only one Resort on the island and it's home to good muck diving, shallow reefs (no drop-offs) and some small fishing boat wrecks. It's great if you want more of an island resort feel with lovely beaches.

There are a range of diving options from Kota Kinabalu (depending on the time of year you dive in Sabah). It may not be world class but there is still a good variety of marine life and some interesting diving sites if you're willing to travel ~ 30 nm (1 hour on our RIB) to some offshore dive sites. The popular choice is nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (home to ~ 20 dive sites, all coral reefs). There's also some good diving at Pulau Tiga (south of KK), Mayne Rock (north of KK), WW2 wrecks (north of KK) and Mantanani (worth staing overnight as it's a 3 hour journey to get there).

So you could dive from each coast of Sabah during the 3 weeks. When do you plan to visit Sabah - it may inform where you choose to go?

Hope this helps. Enjoy diving in Sabah

Thanks,

DG

 

[Centrals]

How about those wrecks in Brunei?

 

[exposure]

Thank you for this advice. I have started to read feedback on this area. LL, Sandakan and Sipadan seem a good choice for 3 weeks. I am a bit affraid about the way they dive in Sipadan/Mabul. I mean, some resort seem to dive with a ratio of about 7 to 10 divers for one divemaster. It is an industry like in Thailand ?

I have started to put on paper some idea:
1) 2 days in KK to restart, then Layang Layang and Mabul/Sipadan
2) LL then Sipadan. It seems a long time on each place but why not
3) LL then Sandakan then Sipadan.

"Centrals" point a very good point, what about wrecks around?

By the way, my trip will be from the 3rd of August to the 24th.

 

[The Wolf]

How about those wrecks in Brunei?

They are actually off the coast of Labuan Island.

 

[exposure]

Actually, we have changed our plan and will go to Manado and Lembeh