Hi Leander and Steve,
Thanks for looking at the pics and replying positively. And thanks to you both for answering my many questions before we left.
A few years ago we did a very short trip in the Similans and I had time for one dive in Belize on a recent trip. All those trips were pre-housing, so all I have are topside shots. Other than that, we’ve both only ever dived temperate. We’re now seeking recommendations for future trips, although be warned, we’ll find it a challenge to resist the stunning water village at Kapalai.
Visibility probably averaged between 10-15 m on Sipadan and 3-6 m on Kapalai/Mabul. There seemed to be a lot of particles in the water at all locations and it took me a few dives to get around the backscatter issues (you’d think I’d be used to it). I still had to do the occasional clean up in PS.
We had a fair bit of rain while we were there, and until the last day, didn’t see the sun. It was temperate dark and I found I ended up at ISO 400 on some dives to maintain 5.6 or better and a reasonable shutter speed. However, the marine life was just superb and all new to us (other than pictures we’d seen on here and in books), so we still had a great time. It was always a risk going on the shoulder like that. I’ve no regrets at all. It was truely incredible.
We did the 530 am dive once, but found it way too dark for decent images. We encountered plenty of bumps and ‘couta on later dives anyway, so couldn’t really see the point. Of course now someone will chime in and explain that we could have seen whale sharks, hammers and blue whales if we’d cared to get up. 
Leander – as you predicted vegetarian options were limited, but were certainly better than most other places we visited in Malaysia. Classic quote from a restaurant who had prepared us a ‘veg meal’ in the Perhentian islands….â€But they’re only little fish…and prawns aren’t animalsâ€. This was after a prior explanation from me listing fish and prawns as in the no-go zone. I find it difficult to justify eating the very critters you are there to see - but don't begrudge folks who do eat them – they are very tasty.
I dived myself silly and squeezed 30 into just over a week. Ears were less than happy at the end, but seem to have recovered now…. What’s that you say?... Must remember to bring ear drops next time. Is it just me, or do others find this an issue? Resort had home brew remedy consisting of some gin/vodka concoction which seemed reasonably effective. At first I followed the recommended method of application via ear canal, but efficacy was greatly improved through oral administration…
Say Leander - we were thinking of doing a drive up your way in Feb - wouldn't be worth bring our dive gear would it?
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