Saturday, November 28, 2009

Pulau Sipadan - The jewel in the crown of diving in Malaysia

In the borderland between Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines there are three world-class dive destinations located within sight of each other. Sipadan is a tiny oceanic island less than an hour from the mainland where rich currents bring food which brings fish, which brings bigger fish, which brings more and more fish, sharks and turtles.

Sipadan Shark
Photo: dailyscubadiving.com

The dive sites are peppered around the island and none is more than a short speedboat ride away from the nearby dive resorts. Kapalai with a resort built on stilts in the middle of the sea, and Mabul - an enchanting island where every coconut tree has its own number. The geographic position of Sipadan puts it in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world, the hearth of the Indo-Pacific basin. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems.

Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles which gather there to mate and nest and it is not unusual for a diver to see more then 20 turtles on each dive. Another unique feature to dives visiting Sipadan in the turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that became disoriented and then drowned. For environmental reasons this tiny island has now closed its resorts. This means the best way to dive here is by staying in on one of the resorts on the nearby islands of Mabul or Kapalai.

The maximum depth at Barracuda Point is something you just don't need to explore, but for experienced divers it's worth dropping to 40m to see which big animals might be there. Reef sharks explore out in the blue and, occasionally, hammerheads are seen. Meanwhile back on the wall, the fans, corals and sponges are equally spectacular. The real appeal is actually further up at shallow depths. Here divers encounter huge schools of jacks, as turtle flit around; and as the point approaches you see the reason diving at Barracuda Point.

Barracuda Point
Photo: guardian.co.uk

You can dive here all year round. Overall, the best conditions at Sipadan Island exist from April to December, especially July and August. January to March can see some unsettled weather and a decrease in visibility but the resorts still see plenty of guests at this time as the diving can still be fine.

Sources: divetheworldmalaysia.com, malaysiadiving.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Home to the best diving and snorkeling in Thailand

The Similan Islands National Park is known for long white coral sand beaches, crystal blue waters, warm tropical nights and cooling breezes coming off the Andaman Sea. Nine Unihabited islands with some of the best scenery in Thailand. The Similan Islands are very easy to visit. Located only 50 Kilometers from Khao Lak - The Similan Islands may be visited for one day, overnight or on tours. It's now open (on November 1 each year) with a time to visit.

Similan Diving

There are no resorts or stores on the Similans - only a couple of ranger stations and a few bungalows available for rent. The Similan Islands are home to a huge variety of marine life and incredible opportunities to see rare and endangered species. The Similan Islands are scattered with uninhabited white sandy beaches, the waters glow aqua marine blues and emerald greens, the corals are covered with many types of small marine life. The Similans offer you some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Often referred to as one of the best dive spots in the world - you will probably agree after visiting. While the underwater world may attract some people, there are also many varieties of birds and animals on the Similan islands. And of course, the long beaches! With wonderful underwater scenery and rather shallow sea level, the horseshoe-shaped island, partly encircling a small bay in the west, is suitable for skin diving to look at coral reefs and colorful fishes. In the north, large stones of different shapes and sizes are noticeable from a distance. Similan island is the largest island amoung the Similan Islands.

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.

Similan boats

For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.

Sources: similan-diving-safaris.com, similans.net, tourismthailand.org