Malaysian Airlines departs out of the states from Los Angeles and New York to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. From the capital domestic flights on Malysian Airlines operate flights to Tawau via Kota Kinabalu for divers who will be diving Sipadan Water Village, Sipadan Island, Kapalai and Lankayan Island. From Tawau, it is a one hour trip from the airport to Semporna. From Semporna it is a one and a half hour trip to Sipadan Island by boat. Mabul is reached by boat in an hour from Semporna. For divers that are going to Layang-Layang, it is a two hour flight to the resort by charter flight from Kota Kinabalu. Singapore Airlines may be reached from San Francisco/Los Angeles/Chicago and New York to Singapore connecting on to Kota Kinabalu with domestic flights on Malaysian Airlines to Tawau.

Tipping is not common in Malaysia. In most hotels and large restaurants a 10 percent service charge is added to the bill along with 5 percent government tax. A U.S. passport is required for travel to Malaysia. Most major credit cards are accepted in larger towns, and travelers checks may be used. If you are getting off the beaten track make sure you have local currency on hand.

The Malaysian currency note is the ringgit or Malaysian Dollar. Malaysia's seasons follow the monson winds which splash rains inland from September to December on the west coast of the peninsula, only to be overtaken by sunshine within the hour. Rains arrive latter, between October and February, on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and in Sabah and Sasrawak. Layang-Layang's diving season is from March until September.