TRANSFERRING FLIGHTS IN KUALA LUMPUR
The Kuala Lumpur airport is one of the best organised in the world. If travelling straight through, you should be issued with boarding passes from where you are, one to Kuala Lumpur and one for the next flight to Kota Kinabalu. Make sure your luggage is checked all the way to Kota Kinabalu (BKI).
On arrival in Kuala Lumpur, change some money in the international terminal. You will go through immigration there; a shuttle bus takes you to the domestic terminal. It's a long walk so you might want to invest in a collapsible trolley. On your return trip, check in at Tawau, making sure your luggage is checked all the way to your final destination. Arriving at the domestic terminal in Kuala Lumpur a shuttle bus will take you to the International Terminal (Terminal #1) where you complete outgoing immigration formalities.
LENGTH OF VISIT
Most divers are happy with one to two weeks of diving around Sipadan Mabul/Kapalai Islands.
ACCOMMODATION
42 wooden duplex chalets (22 are stand alone chalet), each with private ensuites, hot and cold running water, fly screens, ceiling fans and airconditioning.
FRESH WATER
There's plenty of fresh water and no restrictions for its use. A huge freshwater bin is available for cameras and several rinse bins for dive gear.
EQUATORIAL
Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 27°C - 32°C. Humidity is high (85-95%).
CLOTHING
Very casual. Light cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts. There are no dress restrictions on the island.
CURRENCY
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
HEALTH
While still listed as a malaria-infected country, most literature states that malaria has been widely eradicated from many parts of Malaysia. Discuss your needs with an experienced travel doctor. Warning: divers should never take Lariam because of common side-effects including nausea and vertigo. Discuss alternatives with your doctor. Mosquitos are not a big problem on Mabul and the rooms are installed with fly screens windows. Sand flies are not a problem on Mabul, too.
ELECTRICITY
220v, 50 cycles using a plug with three rectangular prongs similar to British plugs. Power 24 hours a day.
TIME ZONE
Mabul is 8 hours ahead of GMT.
SHOPPING
SMART Divers Resort has a small boutique offering t-shirts, sunscreen and postcards. They also have batteries and a limited selection of film, but it's best to bring your own. They also have a selection of large coffee table books which are significantly cheaper than at the airport.
CREDIT CARDS
VISA and Mastercard accepted.
TIPPING
Once you've experienced the great service at SMART Divers Resort, you'll want to leave something to show your appreciation. If you were happy with the service, then US$5.00 per guest per day would be appropriate. All tips should be placed in the box at reception to be divided equally among all staff. This ensures everyone involved gets something, not just the most visible personnel.
DIVING
Three combination boat dives a day, unlimited jetty diving on Mabul Island. Water temperatures range from 26癈-31癈. Thermoclines exist, especially on Sipadan, and divers should be prepared with a range of protection. As a minimum, pack a woolly-lined lycra suit and possibly a 3mm one-piece neoprene suit. Visibility averages 15 to 30+ metres around Sipadan and is extremely variable; without warning it can drop to three to six metres. Around Mabul it sometimes no more than 6-7 metres, especially if someone has kicked up the silt.
BOOKING
Please contact your favourite travel agent or to Explore Asia Tours today!
