From the dirty, dusty city of Semporna we got all our gear together and headed to the beautiful island of Mabul to ready ourselves for our advanced open water course.

Our instructor Marissa was lovely, if a bit vigilant on the filling in of the log books! Our accommodation was one of the most upmarket places we've stayed in (not including when our parents visit). It was right on the beach, had a spacious bathroom, big bed and the price included buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In the next blog I will attempt to describe some of the fantastic dives we experienced. This one I'll save for onland shenangians.

We completed our dives around the area of Mabul and had put our names down for a trip to Sipadan, a National underwater park only a short boat ride away. We hadn't realised that there is a strict limit on the amount of people allowed to visit on a daily basis. We didn't want to visit if we hadn't completed our advanced dive as you can't go as deep. So we put our names down on the drop out list not really thinking anyone would not go. Just as we completed our advanced course and had been on one fun dive around Mabul we were told we were in! We couldn't believe our luck. The next day we spent on Sipadan and it was the greatest dives we have ever (and probably ever will) experience.

On a more English note, we also caught the Wimbledon final of Andy Murray, finally winning!