Sipidan

We arrived two days ago in the place we have been told has the best diving around-Sipidan. Sipidan is an island off of the coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo (the eastern state of Malaysian Borneo). Noone is allowed to stay on Sipidan anymore since it is now a marine park and also has some political relevance since the Phillipines have been trying to claim it as their own. So now only military men live on the island, and others are granted permits (only so many per day which is why it's necessary to book ahead for snorkelling and diving) for the day for 40RM each or $10. We luckily got to go to Sipidan diving yesterday since some other people had cancelled. We saw reef sharks, many turtles (big huge ones), angelfish, and triggerfish. It was a great 3 dives-one was right off the coast of Sipidan where there is a really deep dropoff-the reef just drops for 2,000 meters not far from the beach. It's a beautiful island-and kind of nice to see from the boat the whole unspoiled side where there are no buildings or people allowed.

Semporna, the town we are staying in is very sleepy. There is not much to do despite the many tourists who come to dive famous Sipidan. We found a good place to stay with a tv which was probably a good call since there's little to do.

We were supposed to go diving today but woke up to pouring rain and cancelled-i know we're wimps but i just didnt feel like being out all day in the rain. Now we are looking into our options for exploring the rest of the region. I will be posting pictures later today.