UK CRUSTCORE - WAR ALL THE TIME (SHOWCASE)

SIPADAN ISLAND

The late Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan Island as 'an untouched piece of art', while divers around the world voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world.

Malaysia's only oceanic island, it is very small - only 12ha. in size. A 25-minute walk is all that is required to circle the island on foot. As an oceanic island, it rises about 700 metres from the sea floor, attracting diverse marine life from the blackness of the open sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing marine animals.

Declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the Colonial Government of North Borneo and re-gazetted in 1963 by the Malaysian Government, the dense vegetation on Sipadan Island supports a large variety of tropical birds which include sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. Exotic crustaceans including the amazing coconut crab roam the beaches and scurry among the undergrowth.

When diving here, encounters with turtles, resident schools of jacks, bumphead parrotfish and barracudas are almost assured around the tiny coral island.

Key Tips
Try to be part of an early-morning dive to Sipadan at the famous Barracuda Point. In the early hours of the morning, you are most likely to swim amongst big schools of swirling barracuda...

How to get there
By Air
The jump off point to Sipadan Island is Kota Kinabalu or Tawau.

By Car
Continue the journey by a 1-hour drive to Semporna town.

By Sea
A 30-minute speedboat will take you to Mabul, which is the jump off point for Sipadan Island explorations.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview

Since last year, Sipadan has been turned into a sanctuary so accommodation is now only available on nearby islands like Mabul.

Dive Season

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

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A copy of a letter from the General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, dated 26 September, 2000, regarding safety and security in the Sipadan area can be viewed by clicking here. STPC Letter from Irene Benggon Charuruks 

In the 1st week of July 2000, a contingent of 12 top American and Canadian diving firms came to Sipadan. Upon the completion of their stay, they have the following comments to make on the security as below. 

We hope that the group's feedback will reassure you of the security of Sipadan Island and convince you that Sipadan is safe and ready to welcome you for your diving holiday. 

No Big security problems for clients in Sipadan: Diving firms

Fred S. of New York, on his 20th trip in a space of ten years to Sipadan Island. 

"The incident is isolated. There was never any question on our mind including divers from Europe, Taiwan and Japan that there was anything unsafe about Sipadan. I saw absolutely no difference. Everyday we saw patrol planes, patrol boats which reinforced the idea that the government is keeping the areas safe. Just because one incident happens in one area, it is no cause for alarm. It's an exciting place to come." 

In fact, Fred S. concluded that Sipadan would be 'the safest' place to go almost immediately after the incident, after analysing news clippings and information available on the extra security measures taken in response to the incident. 

David W. of Tennessee, who has visited Sipadan on numerous occasions, felt totally secure. 

"The odds of it happening again would be just incredible. What I saw in the area was the presence of the navy and the police. It was totally safe. I would go back. It was something that couldn't be foreseen." 

Fred N. of USA 

"I never felt threatened. It was relaxing, security was very visible. So, there's no problem coming back. People know what's there now and we will be able to tell them that everything is wonderful. All my customers know. And they wanted to know whether I was afraid to go. I said no. I have no fear at all. It's just one time. Everything happens everywhere one time. Someone gets hurt and never happens again. It's an isolated incident." 

Frank N. of New York 

"The diving was pleasant. I did not see any security problem at all." 

Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation General Manager, Irene Charuruks, said there is increased security not only in Sipadan but also the whole territorial waters off Semporna.
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THE MADAI CAVES

The Madai Caves, accessible by land from Lahad Datu or Tawau are the habitat of countless swiftlets whose nests are harvested twice a year for the famous Chinese speciality, the birds nest soup. The nests are harvested by the Ida'an people, who have owned harvesting rights in the Madai Caves for more than five centuries.

Madai is one of Sabah's most important archeological sites and traces of human existence and inhabitation can be traced back over the past 15,000 years, preserved in the layers of guano (bat droppings) found inside the caves.

Madai is easily accessible as it is only located 1.6 km from the main road. Some wooden houses are located outside the caves, which are seasonally occupied (during harvesting). The caves are guarded by a few local residents against illegal harvesters. 

Located near the Madai Caves, just besides the highway from Lahad Datu to Tawau, is the Madai Waterfall. Another 16 km from Madai is Baturong, another huge limestone massif of archeological importance. Baturong was once part of the Tingkayu Lake, which drained away over several thousands of years around 15,000 BC. The Baturong caves were periodically inhabited over some 5,000 years, until they were abandoned around 10,000 BC. They were occupied again, together with the Madai Caves, until the end of the Palaeolithic Age. Baturong is only accessible by a one-hour drive and an hour's walk through palm oil plantations. For those who wish to go to Baturong, it is highly recommended that you engage the services of aguide, or sign up with a tour company. On the way to Baturong there is also a Mud Volcano.

Key Tips
The most valuable - and rarest - nests are the white ones, which can fetch RM2,000 or more per kg.

How to get there

By Road
The caves are near the Lahad Datu-Tawau Highway. The turn-off is 69km from Lahad Datu. Watch out for the signpost that says 'Gua Madai'. From the turn-off, it is 3km to the caves.

By Bus
All buses between Lahad Datu and Semporna or Tawau will pass the turn-off to the caves. From here, you'll be able to find a minivan to take you to the caves. But you might have to walk back out to the highway to catch your ride back.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview
These caves are between the towns of Lahad Datu and Semporna. As such, you would be day-tripping from either place where the full range of accommodation is available.

p/s: Transportation to the area is only available by land from Lahad Datu/Tawau town through hire or rental. If you purchase a tour package from a tour company, transport will be ready to pick you up from the Lahad Datu / Tawau Airport. Other places you should visit along with this destination are Tawau Hills Park, Danum Valley, Sipadan and the Tabin Wild Life Sanctuary. Make sure you bring the following gear: insect repellent, long trousers and long-sleeved shirt, raincoat, sunhat, swimming suit, trekking boots or trainers, flash light, binoculars, camera & water bottle.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman park comprises a group of five islands located only 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which is sea.

The five idyllic islands, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya and Sapi have soft white beaches and are teeming with fish and coral, perfect for beginner divers as well as snorkellers and picnickers. Gaya and Sapi Islands also have hiking trails through their pristine jungles.

These islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including one of the most intriguing birds, the Megapode or Burung Tambun, a chicken lookalike with large feet and makes a meowing sound like a cat.

Manukan Island has the best infrastructure. This includes lovely chalets where you can spend the night, as well as a small dining facility and barbecue pits near the beach.

How to get there ?
Take a boat from the Central Market Harbour jetty in Kota Kinabalu.

Accommodation Overview...
There are a couple of very nice eco resorts on these islands, but most day-trippers opt for accommodation in the nearby capital of Kota Kinabalu, just 10 minutes away.

Who to contact?
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

“SUPREME SONIC REVISITED 2008” - SABAH