The Mandawa Haveli Hotel is an absolutely STUNNING heritage hotel!! It’s fairly basic in terms of accommodation but it more than makes up for that in charm. I have never stayed anywhere quite like it. The walls are all covered in frescoes and the rooms are set around a big open-air courtyard.  Dinner is served by candlelight up on the roof. It’s so amazing! Every room is different. Mandawa itself is full of beautifully frescoed havelis – but one night there is definitely enough as there isn’t anything much else!

The Jama Masjid is definitely worth a visit as it's an impressive and beautiful building, however I would warn people to be prepared to encounter some attitude there. I've visited 3 times now and have always had some kind of bother there – nothing major but just annoying.  Be careful someone doesn’t act as your guide without you asking them to or wanting them to. This happened to me – I kept telling the guy I didn't need or want a guide but I couldn’t get rid of him and then he wouldn’t let me leave without paying! I protested hard but a whole group of guys appeared and gathered around me and it was so intimidating I just gave in. Not what you expect in a place of worship! It completely ruined the experience for me. Usually I find mosques very peaceful and tranquil places to be, but this is the exception. On another occasion they wouldn't let me in because I had a camera (even though I didn't even care about taking pictures since I'd been there before). There was nowhere I could have securely left the camera so I simply couldn't go in.  Remember if you visit that you'll need to take your shoes off and be covered up – including headscarf).

This is a scuba-diver's dream! I had done my open-water dive course in Thailand and was lucky enough to do my advanced course here. I think I am now spoilt for anywhere else.  Sipadan is incredible!! Turtles galore, a whole school of barracuda,  reef sharks (even a distant leopard shark!), big eye trevally...  the list is endless & overwhelming. Crystal clear waters and incredible marine life... It's an absolute paradise.  Bare in mind though that permits to the island are limited so it's worth booking with a dive school in advance of your arrival. You do not want to get to Semporna and find you can't get out to Sipadan!!! However, if you do find yourself in that position, the neighbouring islands of Mabul and Kapalai certainly wont dissapoint! I dived with Scuba Junkies in Semporna and would recommend them. They also run a hostel across from the dive shop (scuba junkies backpackers)