Borneo - Semporna

To end our trip in Borneo, we went to Semporna to get our Scuba certification. Instead of learning in the bottom of a pool like you would in Canada, we got to learn in the tropical South China Sea. We took our first real diving trip on Christmas Day. We went to Sipadan Island - one of the best dive sites in the world. It was amazing... diving along a 600m deep wall of coral. We were surrounded by brightly coloured tropcial fish the entire time, highlighted by at least 10 green turtles, a school of barracuda and 3-4 white-tipped sharks.

A view of our accomodations in Semporna: The Dragon Inn. The best part of this hotel was that you knew whenever anyone was using the shower or the toilet, as you could see the water trickling out under the room.

I'm not quite sure what S.O.T.C. stands for... but at least we can say we've been there!

Before we could go diving, we had to get sized for our equipment.

Vanessa getting geared up. You know what they say about someone who has big feet....

Yes yes... you are going diving... we get it...

This is Our Island... also known as Sibuan Island. While learning to dive here we were able to see a ton of different things - sea snakes, puffer fish, clown fish, angelfish, a moorish idol and even a green turtle!

Atta girl Di. Work that outfit!

Don't worry Di, I look ALMOST as retarded.

The view from Sibuan Island.

A small house off the coast of Sibuan Island.

Di and Vanessa displaying the correct signal for "find your buddie".

Jeffrey - one of our Dive Masters.

Clearly those scuba suits do wonders for your tan lines - or perhaps I should say burn lines.

Christmas Day Night - Time to get some gifts!

Later that night, Jeffrey took us out to a local karaoke bar, where at least half the songs were sung in English!