Malaysia - Diving, Working, and the Rainforest in Borneo

So, Mr. Chad Hermandorfer and I are spoiled - we flew into Kota Kinabalu (KK) spent a day and a half recovering from jetlag and were the only Western folk on a plane, shuttle, and boat ride to Kapalai-Sipadan. We successfully completed or dive certification and completed 8 dives, albeit, Chad is still like a little bobber in the ocean - buoyancy-bouyancy. We were joined by native Malay dive masters, Moroccans, Brazillians, Spaniards, Lebanese, and British folks all venturing to see the great 2000m wall at the Sipadan.

Could you pick a better view for a bath?

Chad and Steph during our first evening at Kapalai-Sipadan

Chad and Steph during our day of diving at Sipadan



Chad and Steph during our day of diving at Sipadan

Steph and Chad on our last day at K-S

A little one on our boat ride over to Kapalai-Sipadan

Our first evening at Kapalai-Sipadan

Our first evening at Kapalai-Sipadan

Kapalai-Sipadan

Hello Chad - from our chalet

our morning stroll to breakfast

Steph reading near the water at Kapalai-Sipadan

Chad and I left Kapalai-Sipadan, which is truly another world back to the hustle and bustle of KK. I am sitting in my hotel room looking out over the pool, ocean, and islands at KK. The scenery is divine juxaposed with a elaborate resort Western style and 80's music blaring from below. Malls are popping up everywhere, some of the building empty with large plastic Santas and deer.

Chad, my friend from the Forest Service, just left after we spent a week diving at Kapalai-Sipadan. Chad - how are your ears? We just learned to dive and took our classwork in the U.S. and completed our open water dives at the resort.

Last night Ben, my coworker, aka "Frenchie" from the States flew into KK and we walked the town and local markets in search for some food and drink. Malaysia is so diverse - locals, Muslim, Chinese, and Asian tourists.

I have another week in Malaysia including 3 days at the Bornean Rainforest Lodge and a field visit to the Danum Valley Conservation Area and our field visit to Malua then I'm off for another long plane ride to Sydney for a week of meetings and New Forests' annual Christmas Party.