Question:
I am planning a trip to Sabah, Malaysia in september.I was hoping to dive off Sipadan on the east coast but hear that there have been kidnappings in recent months. Does anyone know how safe it would be to go there or is it best avoided altogether?

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I was on the east coast of Sabah two years ago, when the Abu Sayyaf first began their kidnappings - grabbing tourists in Malaysia rather than their home country the Philippines). Since then, the security has been tightened on the islands (though nothing is 100%). We went to turtle island as well, and as we were sunning on the beach big men with big guns were patrolling (though I suspect they were protecting the turtles as much as the tourists). Check with your government to see what it is recommending - if Sabah is on its "don't visit" list, or if it is okay. It is a helplessly beautiful part of the world, though you haved to be careful in Semporna (the mainland town from which you get to Sipidan); because it is such a beacon for tourists, the crime rate is very high. but the dragon inn is great - a floating hotel where accomodation ranges from dorms to beautiful rooms, and the view on a clear day goes on forever. abu sayyaf was looking for money, pure and simple (and publicity).
Here is what the Canadian government says about travel in the region:
ATTENTION

Canadians should not travel to the islands off the southeast coast of Sabah, including Sipadan and Pandanan. The Abu Sayyaf Group from the Philippines kidnapped foreigners from a diving resort in Sipadan and Pandanan in April and September 2000, and from the resort island of Palawan in the southern Philippines in May 2001. Malaysian authorities have increased security in the southeastern part of Sabah in response to these incidents. Canadians should exercise caution in areas around Semporna and Tawau on the Sabah mainland

thank you, this is very useful...........we'll stick to the mainland and west coast.

hiya, just got back from borneo last weeek what an amazing experience. We went as far east as sepilok in sabah and found no problems. But we were warned about the danger on the east coast so look after yourself. Have a good trip I totally recommend the kinabalu climb (and mulu if you go to sarawak). Happy travelling!

I'm originally from Borneo so I guess I'm pretty biased :)

I'd probably stay away from Sipadan for now. Though M'sian govt has tighter security around that area, it's still pretty much a hit and miss thing. Lahad Datu still gets visits from pirates. Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Center is great.

If you love nature and don't mind roughing it a little, take a boat into Sg Kinabatangan Reserve and stay for a few nights. It's an amazing experience. You can arrange this at Travellers Rest Hostel in Sandakan (089 216454). From memory, transportation costs RM $150 and RM $15-20 a day at the reserve including meals. Uncle Tan's used to be pretty good but reviews have deteriorated over the last few years. Sunday morning market at Kota Belud is colorful, lively and interesting. Most traders are Bajaus. I would definitely recommend Kuching, Bario (if you have time and $$) and Mulu caves. Hope this helps.