Hey guys,

Heading with the missus in April to a place called Sandakan which is eastern Malaysia as she wants to go diving with the turtles at turtle island.
Has anyone been to Malaysia before and is there any do's and donts? Dive areas would be great but any other things to do would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Geoff

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Hi Geoff,

Currently there are some sort of rebellion/unrest going on in Lahad Datu, which is not far from Sandakan, I would not be too sure about the safety there. But the presences of heavy army and police forces will be noticeable. The dive sites on the kota kinabalu side will definately be safe. However the dive site at sipadan and surrounding is still unmatch but safety is questionable.
I think sandakan and turtle island would be a safe bet to visit, i would just stay away from sipadan semporna or anywhere near. And btw, Malaysia got a no spearfishing law imposed dont even think of bringing ur gun in, consficate at custom almost imediately.
Oh ya,weather in malaysia is hot and humid all the time, with ocassional downpours.
Hope this helps, take good care and read for any travel restrictions/warnings from the gov.

Wilson

Thanks for the info.

We're staying we'll clear of southern areas such as Lahad Datu and sipadan dive sites. I think we have 4-5 days in Kota Kinabalu, 1 day Sandakan, 4 days in Lankayan Island. And yeah I knew about the spearing restrictions it's all marine park most of the dive areas . Just taking free diving gear(fins, mask, snorkel, stinger suit) + camera. Lankayan island from what I've read have military personnel day & night there. So should be right.

Geoff

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Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnsjOA1G3wE&sns=em

Hey guys/gals,

Carly and I head off tomorrow. Best man at a mates wedding up in the mountains in Thailand for five days. Then heading across to Borneo Malaysia for 10 days where we will be diving for nearly half that time and hopefully release some baby turtles in to the sea. (We need more turtles fricken jellyfish everywhere last week at Beaumaris) Will be back mid April.

Spewing that im missing more events but good luck to all that participate in the newhaven and cape conran comps and hope the 1st meeting in the new club rooms goes well. Great work Clint.

Will take lots of pics and yes Brett I will make sure there are pics of tatas for you from chicks that aren't packing sausage and two veg.

See ya

Geoff

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Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnsjOA1G3wE&sns=em

Just some pics of our trip. All underwater pics taken by Carly while freediving. Going to take me a while to learn how to edit all my underwater videos.








Proboscis Monkey

Hornbill


Lankayan Island -2hr boat trip north of Sandakan (North East Sabah)

Accommodation


Doubleheaded Maori Wrasse, Bumphead or Napoleon Wrasse easily 100kg 1.3-1.5m they grow to 200kg 2.3m

Spinecheek Anemone Fish

Lionfish or Red Firefish


Quoy's Parrotfish

Foxface

Beaked CoralFish

Batfish

Moorish Idol

Checkered Seaperch

Harlequin Sweetlips

Green Turtle

Scissortail Seargent and one with touch of yellow is a Sergeant Major

Humbugs

Wrasse not sure which type maybe Bullethead

Checkerboard Wrasse

Some sort of Surgeonfish

_________________
Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnsjOA1G3wE&sns=em

looks like a great trip mate, glad you had a ball!

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See You In The Water