Snorkeling in Sabah

There is little attraction unless you dive below that warrants a trip there over an easier place to get to. If you are in the area go for it. If you are not then I wouldn't make plans to head there. The snorkeling in Rendang and Tenggol is just as good but the diving can't be matched.

I went to Pulau Tiga last week and whilst it is not Sipadan there is enough good coral to spend a fair few hours on and it is right off the beach. I stayed at Pulau Tiga Resort (owned by Sipadan Divers) which is OK and there is another - Borneo Survivor Resort (?) but it is about 2km around the island so I never saw it. Tiga is a 2 hour road trip south of KK to Kuala Penyu then a 30 minute speedboat trip. I believe the other resort does boat trips directly from KK but Google it for details. The beaches there are pretty good too and you can go bathing in volcanic mud! PM me if you are interested in more details.

You must be looking at the Mabul Island resort prices. Indeed they'll make you gasp if you're not a diver.

It's not painful to get there. Semporna is only about 5 hrs from Batu Putih on the Kinabatangan River.

There are two acclaimed budget operators that do Sipadan snorkel trips that won't break the bank. They are Scuba Junkies and Uncle Chang. The latter is famed for providing a blast of a time.

There are amazing shallow coral gardens around Sipadan Island, especially at low tide. I've spent many dives at <3 meters just marvelling at all there is to see. The place is teaming with fish, turtles, reef sharks. even giant cuttles.........

Also, Mabul Island has a population of local sea gypsies living on it. You can spend a few hours walking around having a glimpse into their daily life routines, playing with the children, etc. Just be respectful and dress appropriate....ie: don't wear a bikini to do an island walk about!

What you can see snorkelling Sipadan will beat the pants off what you can see scuba diving many other popular places in SE Asia.
And there's no way in hell Uncle Chang would be more expensive than a trip to Pulau Tiga.

I've heard from far too many snorkellers that they loved Sipadan and Mabul to call you off going there.
Also, since you're not diving you can fly from nearby Tawau back to KK.

I say go for it!!

bitingbums - thanks for your info. Would you suggest Dragon Inn at Sempora and day trips snorkeling? Thanks everyone!

Muddy

was anyone scared of the sharks when snorkelling with them??? I want to snorkel in sipadan but i'm scared about the sharks!!!!

White tip and black tip reef sharks.......no worries snorkeling with them.

Ok thanks for the reassurance...and the schools of barracudas would be ok as well? rays as well?

I've never snorkelled with these kind of beautiful marine animals so i'm just wanting to a lil more info from ppl who have done so...