scuba diving

Posted by CathyTan (59 days ago)

plan to go Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for scuba diving. Would appreciate if someone could offer some advice i.e. where is the best place for scuba diving in KK and which hotel to check into. Beginner for scuba diving.
Thank you

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Tags kota kinabalu, malaysia, sabah, scuba diving

Posted by Dive bum (58 days ago)

There are some pretty islands just off KK but apparently very poor visability so probably not much good for diving. I didn't bother but did speak to a dive outfit that had just got back in from a trip to one of the islands further off the coast (2 hours or so). They were getting 10m vis and it also sounded as though they were doing some well dodgy depths on nitrox. Also put me off going. Most divers head to the south of the island, to Sipadan. I've not been but all I've spoken to rave about it. Don't know how suitable that place is for beginners. Stayed at the Shangri La in KK - it was fine and very close to KK. In summary, I probably wouldn't plan to go to KK for diving - I'd go for another reason. For diving, I'd go to Bali, Thailand or Sulawesi (or Sipadan though it's a bit of pain to get to).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (54 days ago)

Hi Cathy,
I will also go to KK on October and plans to stay at Shang Tan Jung. I am currently searching for good dive sites. A friend of my cousin who's based in KK who's also a diver is saying there is no good dive spots but that's his opinion. Try checking this site www.sabahtourism.com. If you you find any good dive sites please let me know.

I agree with Dive Bum, Bali is a nice place to dive. I was there was April and went to dive at Tulamben. You can slo try Philippnes - Bohol, Apo Island and Malapascua.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Dive bum (53 days ago)

In Bali, Tulumban and Amed (nearby) is good for beginners, as is Padang Bai (near Candi Dasa). However, quite a few sites are not so suitable - very strong currents can develop very quickly. But, a reputable dive outfit should not take you to these sites. Bali is also a wonderful place to stay. We're going to be there in October for Mola Mola season - the weirdest fish you will ever see.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by CathyTan (47 days ago)

Thanks guys for all the info. Looks like I won't be going to KK for scuba diving judging from all the comments I have read.

Would HK be a better place for scuba diving?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Dive bum (46 days ago)

Not from what I've heard (poor vis not much fish life) but I've not done it yet. However, I'm hoping to try soon. We're moving out to Sai Kung way pretty soon and that's where the dive boats seem to go from so I'll definitely try it out.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kbx3ntl (39 days ago)

Hi Cathy,
It might be too late as you've made up your mind not going to KK. But if you are still considering...I had one of my best dive holiday at Sipadan last October. Forgot what the hotel I stayed at was called but it's on an island (took us a couple of hours to get there) and the island itself is about 40 minutes boat ride from Sipadan. Went for 5AM dive and saw a big whale sharkk - first time in my life, not to mention zillions of other fish & turttle. Excellent viz and not too difficult dive (I am also a beginner)

(I am based in Beijing)

Posted by Philly Cheese (38 days ago)

Bohol is good and cheap.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (22 days ago)

kbx3ntl,

can you pls give me your dive operator in kk? i will go to kk this october to dive if weather is ok. how far is sipadan from kk proper? we will be staying at shangrila tanjung.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (22 days ago)

dive bum, pls check you inbox..thanks

(I am based in Unspecified)