Splitfins for diving Sipadan

**mobeeno** · 04-24-2008, 21:33

Has any one used split fins diving Sipadan? How was it swimming against current? My last trip I brought paddle fins instead because they fit in my luggage.

**leesanhua** · 04-25-2008, 00:34

when are you going to sipadan? or your already been there.

**Quero** · 04-25-2008, 04:40

Originally Posted by mobeeno

Has any one used split fins diving Sipadan? How was it swimming against current? My last trip I brought paddle fins instead because they fit in my luggage.

Yes, I took my splits last time I dived Sipadan and surrounding areas. Splits are actually better in a current than paddles, in my experience. I'm not trying to start any paddles vs. splits debate here. I own and dive both types (therefore I'm not biased), and they are both good for different sorts of diving.

**leesanhua** · 04-25-2008, 14:45

where did you guys stay at?

**Quero** · 04-25-2008, 15:26

Originally Posted by leesanhua

where did you guys stay at?

I have stayed at Sipadan Water Village, Kapalai Dive Resort, and SeaVentures. Next time I'll stay at SMART, I think.

**leesanhua** · 04-25-2008, 17:15

im deciding betweent kapalai and sipadan water village. which one would you recommend?

**Quero** · 04-25-2008, 18:40

Originally Posted by leesanhua

im deciding betweent kapalai and sipadan water village. which one would you recommend?

You would probably enjoy either one. A few points:
Kapalai is a bit simpler; SWV is a little more upscale. Kapalai is associated with a resort at Sepilok, so you can do a joint thing and go see the orang-utan sanctuary there pretty easily. SWV is on Mabul island right in front of the oil rig and right next to SMART Water Bungalows, so it's more central; Kapalai is more isolated and is not on land at all.

**Athena2c** · 04-25-2008, 20:26

Quero-We are looking at SWV for a future trip (I really want to stay in huts over the water). Why would you stay at SMART next time? What did you think of SWV?

Thanks!

**leesanhua** · 04-25-2008, 20:36

hahaha auctually im from borneo. hehehe... but i never been there. shame on me. .. my home town is kota kinabalu.
i have 2 non divers with me... so where would you recommend to stay?

**Quero** · 04-25-2008, 22:54

Originally Posted by leesanhua

hahaha auctually im from borneo. hehehe... but i never been there. shame on me. .. my home town is kota kinabalu.
i have 2 non divers with me... so where would you recommend to stay?

OOOH, non-divers! Actually, for non-divers, none of the Sipadan-area resorts is really all that great. They are just so totally focused on diving and divers that there's really nothing else to do. No swimming pool at most of them even! However, it may be possible for non-divers to do some snorkeling around Mabul island or Kapalai, but I guess that would get old pretty fast, too. Instead, you might consider going to a place like Mataking that actually offers "normal" resort facilities, wildlife sanctuary, beaches, hiking, kite flying, spa and whatever else. Plus great diving, including Sipadan if you wish.

Even though you're from Borneo originally, I'd be glad to help you with your arrangements, if you like. It's my business to know the resorts, you see....