Tip of Borneo to Sipidan

[Pelagic]

I am planning a cruise next spring down the east coast of Sabah from Kudat towards the Sipidan area.

Our interests are primarily scuba diving and the Orangutan sanctuaries.

Has anyone cruised in those waters recently?

[bewitched]

I was down there in July 2008 - its great. No...it's fantastic - really nice people, none of the troubles that you find just a bit to the east and very little tourist activity outside Semporna / Mabul / Sipidan.

Very friendly Yacht Clubs in Sandakan & Tawau. I don't think I saw more than two or three other sailing boats the whole time I was there - no idea why - It's one of SE Asias best bits

Highlights:
Sandakan & Turtle Islands
Kinabatangan River
Bohay Dulang (anchor in a volcano with miles of coral to snorkel or dive and no-one there)
Diving at Sipidan is busy, but worth it

I have some brief cruising notes if you PM me your email.

[DHHong Kong]

Pelagic, You might also try the website of Alishan www.syalishan.com - they were there in late 2009/early 2010 and also have good things to say about the area.
Cheers
Paul

[Pelagic]

Thanks Bewitched, very encouraging and I will PM you my email.

I have only been as far as Kudat on the East side and they were very friendly there and a nice place to clear in from the Philippines. We seemed to have had a better experience than the friends of Alishan

The places you mentioned are all on my list, so any logistics are greatly appreciated as I have not yet laid out a route or even a final destination, before returning to Subic, so we are wide open to suggestions.

I do remember seeing in Kudat all those fast RIB patrol boats which I imagine was mostly for anti smuggling purposes, being so close to Palawan, so I am very interested in your sense of security further along the East Coast of Sabah and the route you ended up doing.

When I look at all the fantastic photos from the 2009 trip of Alishan www.syalishan.com it just gets my juices flowing.


Look forward to any more advice from others

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

I do remember seeing in Kudat all those fast RIB patrol boats which I imagine was mostly for anti smuggling purposes, being so close to Palawan, so I am very interested in your sense of security further along the East Coast of Sabah and the route you ended up doing.

I didn't even think about security the whole time I was there. Everyone was really really easy to get along with. Cars stop and offer you a lift when you are walking beside the road. Kids come up to chat, not for a handout - just to chat and you can tell they're really good kids from good families.

I once asked someone in the street in Sandakan where I catch a bus and he took me there in his car - about 20km away! would not take any money and I really had to work hard for him to let me buy him some lunch.

I'm going back next year