As an Instructor living/working in Thailand I've always wanted to dive Sipadan and I am about to finally "go for it"-will be going for 7-10 days over Xmas-New Years.
Anybody been there recently and can report about vis, temps and overall conditions and marine life? Will there be big "crowds" compared to other times of the year? After all this is Holiday time everywhere....or am I better off waiting a few months?
Lastly, I am on a budget and am planning to dive and stay at Scuba Junkie in Semporna---I realize it's no "high end" operation, but am I saving a lot compared to other places that are closer (diving & room rates seems very good)? AND, most importantly, will the boat ride from Semporna every day become a 'burden"--if it's just 45mins. each way then I can easily deal with that and as long as food is edible and there's drinking water I am A-OK...
Aside from 2-3 days ONLY at Sipadan, where else are "MUST SEE" places that I should dive? Mabul, Sibuan, Kapalai...etc...and HOW many days (or dives) would you suggest at each?? I do enjoy muck diving, as well as walls, reefs, and wide variety of marine life. I will be taking video as well....
Any advice/suggestions appreciated.
TIA,
HMB
Anybody been there recently and can report about vis, temps and overall conditions and marine life? Will there be big "crowds" compared to other times of the year? After all this is Holiday time everywhere....or am I better off waiting a few months?
Lastly, I am on a budget and am planning to dive and stay at Scuba Junkie in Semporna---I realize it's no "high end" operation, but am I saving a lot compared to other places that are closer (diving & room rates seems very good)? AND, most importantly, will the boat ride from Semporna every day become a 'burden"--if it's just 45mins. each way then I can easily deal with that and as long as food is edible and there's drinking water I am A-OK...
Aside from 2-3 days ONLY at Sipadan, where else are "MUST SEE" places that I should dive? Mabul, Sibuan, Kapalai...etc...and HOW many days (or dives) would you suggest at each?? I do enjoy muck diving, as well as walls, reefs, and wide variety of marine life. I will be taking video as well....
Any advice/suggestions appreciated.
TIA,
HMB