Instant Reader Report
on Sipadan Dive Centre / [same] in
Malaysia / Sipadan on
2002/08
by
Tony , Surrey, England
Report Number 020810035133858

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 Cayman, Red Sea, PNG, Barrier Reef, Turks & Caicos, Fiji, Belize 

Dive Conditions

45 mins max dive time. Most divers were forced to dive as a group, though
if your demonstrated experienced, the divemaster was flexible.  

Obviously absolutely shed-loads to take pictures of, but Sipadan Dive
Centre is not kitted out at all for the underwater photographer. There is
no decent, clean, well lit place to change films and clean kit, although
there is a dedicated fresh water tank. There is also nowhere to safely
store the camera on the boats - you have to carry the camera on your lap.  

Overall Rating

Good -

1. marine life was excellent / abundant / extremely varied with unusual
critters. Would definitely go back, though not to Sipadan Dive Centre.
2. Turtle central! Turtles everywhere! Love turtles!

Bad - 

1. Plenty of evidence of previous dynamite fishing, though reefs in
general were healthy.
2. Diving staff couldnt really be bothered (in general) - everything was a
hassle. They didnt go out of their way at all to make the experience
special.
3. Staff wouldnt not arrange trips to Mabul & Kapalai (nearby
islands), even with an extra charge - which is an absolute MUST for ANYONE
going to Sipadan (amazing photography)
4. Staff didnt know the dive sites particularly well (compared to Borneo
divers staff) and kept using the same dive site repeatedly.
5. Food at SDC was abysmal. Take plenty of chocolate.
6. Recommend Borneo Divers or Palau Sipadan Resort for far superior diving 

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