Scuba Diving Sipadan

FAQ'S   Entering Malaysia To enter Malaysia, visitors must have a national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents with a validity period of at least six months beyond the length of stay in Malaysia. All passports and travel documents must be endorsed for travelling in Malaysia. Most visitors, either on business or pleasure trips, do not require visas to enter Malaysia but this really depends on how long you will be in the country. Please refer to the following information on visa requirements to see if you will really need a visa. Climate: Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 78°-89° F. Humidity is high at 85-95% Clothing: Dress is casual throughout Sabah.  Tropical wear and light cotton clothing wis typical.  There are no dress restrictions on the islands however in this Muslim nation conservative dress in urban settings is respectful. Currency The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes of denominations of RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM2 and RM1. There are coins of RM1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen (cents). Major credit cards are accepted in almost all major merchant establishments in urban and suburban centres. Many commercial banks throughout the country, except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, operate Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Some, however, close at 2pm on weekdays. In the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, commercial banks are closed on Friday and operate from 9.30am to 11.30am on Thursday. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. All commercial banks are authorized foreign exchange dealers. Most of these banks, through their branches, buy and sell major foreign currency notes. Licensed foreign money-changers are found in urban centres, key entry exit points and shopping complexes. All major hotels are licensed to buy, but not sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and travellers cheques.    What kind of diving can I expect? Usually you have the opportunity to take three boat dives per day. Visibility averages 45-90+ feet but it can change without warning.  Sipadan offers a huge variety of dive sites and since it is the tip of underwater mountain it attracts all different types of fish.  It is also a turtle nesting sanctuary so there are turtles everywhere.  Mabul offers the opportunity for some great "muck diving".  Both areas are perfect for advanced and beginners. What is the water temperature? Temperatures range from 78°-88° F.  Thermoclines exist, especially on Sipadan and you need to be prepared with a range of protection.  A minimum would be a fleeced lined lycra and possibly a 3mm neoprene suit. What are the tipping guidelines? Tips are shared by all the employees and a general guideline is $5 per person per day.  As always tipping is option but appreciated. Electricity & Water Most parts of the country have electricity and piped water supply. Malaysia is on a 240-volt 50-cycle systemCommunications Communications Peninsular Malaysia, Saban and Sarawak have efficient modern telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex and airmail communications, both internally and with the rest of the world. Religion Although Islam is the national religion (approx. 70%), the Malaysian Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Islam, Christianity, Hiduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sikhism are the main religions in Malaysia, and there are many mosques, temples and churches throughout the country.