When is the best time of year to visit Sipadan?

We're planning a trip to Sipidan for 2009 and would love to get some feedback from people who have been there on what the best time of year is to go. Looking for best water visibility, warmest water temps, least amount of rain, etc.

We'll also be looking to do some land tours. Any suggestions?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Hi,

We were at Sipadan some years ago, in April/May timeframe. I think that it was a pretty good time of the year.

If you want currents, then make sure that you are there during Full moon.

We made a trip up towards Sandakan. We then visited Sepilok and spent a couple of days at Kinabatangan.

Sepilok is an Orgutang rehabilitation center. At Kinabatangan you spend your time mostly in a small boat going up and down the river

looking for Probiscis Monkey, Orangutangs, Birds & Snakes. That was quite enjoyable.

/Erik

We visited Sipadan last year in June, the visability was not at his best. As we heared from the local dive guides April was the month with the best conditions.

Have fun,

It's really one of the best places to dive in the world!!!!

scubariga

I guess that it is good year-round: I had a great time in February 2007, and there were very few divers about. Water was clear and 28 Celsius, despite it being the wet season. Of course, rumour has it that Sipadan is about to collapse into the deep, so you had better go sooner rather than later...

Tim

Of course, rumour has it that Sipadan is about to collapse into the deep, so you had better go sooner rather than later...

 

Tim

 

what do you mean by that Tim....

The best time is not right now, apparently.....

Recent thread on SB

All the best, James

The best time is not right now, apparently.....

 

Recent thread on SB

 

 

All the best, James

thanks for that link. we were there last may and stayed on the dive platform. we were lucky and we dived sipadan every day for a week. most days there were only 4 divers on our boat. some days there were only another 2 boats at sipadan. i think it is a good idea to reduce the numbers, i havent witnessed large numbers diving there myself but i have heard it does get over crowded though. i would suggest stearing clear of it for the time being, and try and look for an alternative.

what were you going to mabul for ? if it was to dive mabul and kapalai, then there are better places for critters anyway. lembeh is much better than mabul. if it was to dive off of sipadan, then i guess it is a bit of a lottery if you go ahead and book your trip.

i was offered a trip to mabul staying and diving at smart with a 30% discount and said no to the offer a few months ago. now reading the above link i am glad that i did.

A suggestion for things to do in the Sabah-area: visit and trek in Danum Valley. This is a rainforest reservation which you reach by car from the city of Lahad Datu in the northeast. There is a lodge inside called Danum Valley Rainforest lodge. It was 7-8 years since I was there, but it was a very nice experience.

cheers

/christian

what do you mean by that Tim....

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?ar..._id=31821046957

i guess thats what you were refering to