Sipidan is…

This is my first blog posting from almost the exact opposite side of the earth from where I normally reside. Actually, this is my first blog posting ever. I’m sitting at the resort bar under an amazing night sky as I write.

I was just in Beijing for 12 days helping train local people to deal with security incidents in support of the Olympic games. I could write for days on Beijing, China and the people, but I’ll spare you for now. Let’s just say that Beijing is big on a scale even hard for Americans to imagine. It’s loud, chaotic and the air is foul. The food was decent.

As part of my grand trip to Asia, I managed to sneak in a few days of vacation. Now, I knew exactly what I wanted to do… dive, dive, dive. Ever since I saw an amazing special on the reefs of Irian Jaya, I have dreamed of diving South East Asia. Well, this trip is a dream come true in a way. I never expected to be here so soon. The Universe is funny that way.

Anyways, I eventually settled on a resort in Malaysian Borneo that was highly recommended by my local dive shop. The resort is called Sipidan Water Village. It’s actually located on the island of Mabul, but Sipidan island is not far. To get here was quite a trek. Three flights from Singapore (KL, KK, Tuwau), a two hour bus ride and a 45 minute sometimes-bone-jarring boat ride. Imagine lost South Pacific tropical islands, and you get a feel for the general setting. Very green. The weather is humid but not too hot.

The resort is a Balinese-style water village. The whole thing is built on stilts over the water. Peer over the side, and you’ve got corral, fish and sand. Really amazing place. All the rooms can be opened to the breeze. Almost outdoor living. Best part, no phones or TV. The staff and dive shop are great. Malay people are very friendly (turns out most of the staff is actually Phillipino). I’ll post some pictures as the trip goes on to give you a visual reference.

So far, I’ve just told you the basics. Let’s get to the really good stuff:

1) After I checked into the dive shop, I just popped in off the dock for a quick dip. I knew it would be good diving, but I was not prepared for what I encountered just off the resort dock. I saw more different kinds of fish than on all but the best Caribbean dives I’ve ever been on. I can’t actually wait to get out and see the actual reefs. More on this to come.

2) It was cloudy tonight at dusk, but I can already tell this place will have some of the most fantastic sunsets that I’m sure I’ll ever witness. The reds and yellows in the sky were truly magical. My room faces West. Fantastic. Pictures from my lame iPhone camera to come. Hope to capture more. I’m sure the sunrise is great as well, but I’m not sure I’ll ever catch it in all its glory…

3) Stars and the Milky Way. I cannot remember the last time I actually saw the Milky Way and stars so clearly. The night sky here is as black as a coal mine. The stars shine like diamonds. We pay a high price living in cities missing out on this treasure. No camera can do this justice. You’ll simply need to come to Sipidan to see for yourself.

Anyways, I’ve rambled enough for a first blog post. I’ll try to keep this interesting and post semi-regularly. Especially this week. Send slings and arrows my way. Cheers.