Borneo [Malaysia & Indonesia] – July 2009

My short stay on the small Indonesian island of Derawan last July allowed me to attend no less than two weddings! Two almost identical weddings, with kitschy decor and pop-marshmallow orchestra.

A new little film, for lovers of mantas rays ... I finally got down to editing my videos, brought back from Sangalaki! This small Indonesian island, located off Borneo, is part of the archipelago of Derawan, where I stayed for ten days last July.

Guilhem, my dive buddy in Derawan (Borneo), was kind enough to send me two underwater videos he made this summer in the sea of Celebes.

Derawan's kids are mischievous kids. They love to take the pose and then look into the screen of digital devices. "Photo, photo! "

In July, during my stay in Sipadan (Borneo, Malaysia), I had prepared two short underwater videos. Here they are !

Back to Derawan ... under the surface. The reef of the island, even if it is not the most spectacular of the sites of the corner, deserves some dives. The little creatures that I adore abound. But watch out for diving safety ...

It's glory. I am recognized at the end of the world thanks to this blog. I even have fans. If, if ... I swear to you.

During the day, turtles from Derawan Island (Borneo, Indonesia) swim under the jetties. At night, they lay their eggs in the still-warm sand.

Flashback. July 13, 2009. My stay in Mabul is coming to an end. Ultimate and fabulous dives, again, in Sipadan. On the way back, between the two islands, a school of dolphins accompanies for a moment the race of our speedboat ... Ultimate happiness.

It is a desert island in Indonesia near Borneo. In his mangrove necklace, Kakaban holds the water jade of a huge lake, filled with jellyfish ... which do not sting! The proof in video and in photos.

A day to lose in Kuala Lumpur, before flying home? All the better. Because KL, there are lots of things too cool to do ... 

I left Derawan and its archipelago today. I realized this dream that I had since the beginning of this Indonesian trip to Borneo: swim with rays-mantas, in the waters of Sangalaki!

Do you dream of tropical beaches? Do not go to Tawau! People are nice, but this Malaysian city in northeastern Borneo is a mochissime. Its only attraction is to be the entry point to Indonesia ...

I'm one of those divers who can spend long minutes enthralled by a nudibranch. These delicate little sea slugs abound in Mabul and Sipadan.

I released my last bubbles in Sipadan on Monday. Ultimate and intense underwater emotions amidst sharks, turtles and barracudas...

When I'm not posing with the sharks of Sipadan, I stay in Mabul, the neighboring island. I live in a longhouse on stilts in the heart of the village.

I had a dazzling memory of my dives in Sipadan three years ago. Today's ones amaze me just as much. Turtles, sharks and barracudas are still there. It's spectacular!

No more Perhentian. On to Sipadan! I'm taking two flights on Air Asia this Monday to reach Borneo. At last!

Last evening on Perhentian Besar. I'm not the only geek with a computer... All around me, lots of people are typing on Facebook or downloading photos onto their laptops.

The Perhentians are an excellent choice for a gentle "return to the fins". Shallow dives, generally without too much current. And lots of nice little creatures to flash around.

And here I am, on my island in Malaysia! Perhentian Besar, "the big one". Opposite Perhentian Kecil, "the little one", where I had already spent ten days three years ago.

I finally decided the stages for my Malaysian-Indonesian trip of July: Perhentian, Mabul (Sipadan), Derawan. Nothing but islands! These holidays will be insular and aquatic.

I dream of it, I want to see them, the mantas of Sangalaki. Will they be there? Will I have the chance to meet them, to admire the graceful underwater ballet of these harmless giant?

I'm leaving for Malaysia in July, and I still do not know what my route will be. Only certainty: I go back to Borneo, dive to Sipadan.