Canceling Sipadan due to safety concern. Options in KK?

[fuggler]

I think I'm going to cancel my trip to Sipadan in November due to these kidnappings. Even though Scuba Junkies did their best to assure me of the security measures they have, I still don't feel safe, as a solo traveler. The only thing I'm going to lose is the $180 airfare from Manila to Kota Kinabalu/Tawau. So I'm wondering if I should still go to Kota Kinabalu and just dive that area and do some topside activities, or is KK just as unsafe as Mabul? I'm also considering going somewhere new - maybe Thailand, depending on how much it'll cost from Manila. I have one week. Any suggestions? :-\

 

[DSR-3]

Skip the extra flights and go to Anilao,or Puerto Galera, or ? from Manila. Or continue to Bali... Those are on my short list for next (solo) dive trip.
Have fun wherever you go!

 

[dirtfarmer]

I second DR|SR-3. Anilao or Puerto Galera. Just a drive from manila no more flights, just need a day to off gas and depending on your outbound time maybe even not skipping a day to off gas.
PG is a bit cheaper than Anilao due to price structures of diving in Anilao.

 

[fuggler]

What about staying in KK and diving TAR and other surrounding islands? Seems like the kidnappings have occurred only on the eastern part of Borneo. I would love to return to Anilao though!

 

[Searcaigh]

Can't really compare diving Sipadan to Anilao or PG as much as I like both of these destinations.

Go to Sipadan

 

[ScubaDutch]

Sipadan is safe, army everywhere and there hasn't been anything in the news for a long time now. So I wouldn't cancel it.

Otherwise check out KK if you really want to hang out in Malaysia. It's safe, friendly people, good food, nice bar scene, and plenty of average dive sites to keep you busy for a few days.

If you don't have to go to Malaysia, check out Bali. Great diving, way better than KK.

 

[rob1967]

Go to Sipadan, the diving is awesome! There will be an army of security looking after you! Less tourists will make it even better. Statistically you have a higher risk of getting hit by a car crossing the road tomorrow than getting kidnapped in Sipadan.

KK is lame, I did snorkelling there before going to Sipadan and saw more garbage in the water than fish.

If you really must cancel Sipadan, Anilao or PG offer way better diving than KK.

 

[ScubaDutch]

Go to Sipadan, the diving is awesome! There will be an army of security looking after you! Less tourists will make it even better. Statistically you have a higher risk of getting hit by a car crossing the road tomorrow than getting kidnapped in Sipadan.

KK is lame, I did snorkelling there before going to Sipadan and saw more garbage in the water than fish.

If you really must cancel Sipadan, Anilao or PG offer way better diving than KK.

Snorkeling is at another place where they do diving, so that might explain the garbage.

Sipadan is definitly worth it, and if you stay with Sea Ventures on their oil-rig you don't have to worry at all. And they give you free unlimited dives at their house reef.

 

[Freewillow]

Layang layang is maybe a good option. half military base / Half nature reserve, 40 minutes flight north of KK. But I am not sure if it is open since this would be ( I think ) off hammershark season. But even without sharks the walls are UNBELIEVALE!

 

[The Wolf]

Sipadan is safe, army everywhere and there hasn't been anything in the news for a long time now. So I wouldn't cancel it.

Otherwise check out KK if you really want to hang out in Malaysia. It's safe, friendly people, good food, nice bar scene, and plenty of average dive sites to keep you busy for a few days.

If you don't have to go to Malaysia, check out Bali. Great diving, way better than KK.

The kidnapping of the policeman on Mabul less than 2 months ago is a long time?

---------- Post added October 12th, 2014 at 10:07 AM ----------

G

If you really must cancel Sipadan, Anilao or PG offer way better diving than KK.

People only dive in KK when they are doing their open water 1 tests....go to the philippines and dive since you are already there.

---------- Post added October 12th, 2014 at 10:08 AM ----------

What about staying in KK and diving TAR and other surrounding islands? Seems like the kidnappings have occurred only on the eastern part of Borneo. I would love to return to Anilao though!

It's occurred in 1 small area of the east coast of Sabah. Between Lahad Datu/Kunak and Semporna.

The rest of Sabah is safe.