Best equipment and DMs for short dive holiday?

[FrogNYC]

I'm starting to plan our Christmas 2011 trip to Borneo and have been researching dive resorts in Borneo on this thread. Unfortunately, we won't be able to spend a whole week diving, since we only get about 2.5 weeks for the whole trip (from NYC) and want to spend some time at Borneo Rainforest Lodge and also in a couple of cities in the region.

I'm having a hard time identifying a clear winner in terms of dive resorts for the 4-night stay we're planning, since most reviews I've read raise some significant issues in terms of quality of equipment, quality of DMs, quality of food, quality of acommodation (value for money), garbage nearby, etc. Because we won't be able to carry much equipment on this trip, the most important priority for me is quality of the equipment (e.g., BC, regulator) at the resort, with a close second being quality of the DMs. We're OW-certified vacation divers with about 50 dives each accumulated over 10 years. We'd prefer to dive with engaged DMs who provide good briefings and do show us around a little. The next highest priority would be overall quality of the accommodation. We don't mind paying for nice rooms; in terms of ranking accommodation, we're more interested in the higher end properties than budget accommodation. Food - I'm not too fussed about food: I just don't want to get sick. Finally, I've read that while the resorts themselves are often clean, they can be located very close to areas that are garbage-strewn (either on the beach or in the water).

Any recommendations would be appreciated. I have been considering Pom Pom resort, even though it sounds like they have less access to Sipidan than others, because the reviews of the equipment and DMs are very good.

Thanks

 

[FWADIVER]

You are probably SOL on garbage, that is life in malaysia, culturally they just dump their trash on the beach, in parks, in the forest. Privately owned beaches that are cleaned/combed daily is you best bet if you want a clean beach. I have not dove in Masia yet so cant really comment on dive ops, and I am not a fan of borneo in general, as I prefer to stick to places like pangkor or gem island for vacations.

 

[Luko]

Because we won't be able to carry much equipment on this trip, the most important priority for me is quality of the equipment (e.g., BC, regulator) at the resort, with a close second being quality of the DMs. We're OW-certified vacation divers with about 50 dives each accumulated over 10 years. We'd prefer to dive with engaged DMs who provide good briefings and do show us around a little. The next highest priority would be overall quality of the accommodation. We don't mind paying for nice rooms; in terms of ranking accommodation, we're more interested in the higher end properties than budget accommodation. Food - I'm not too fussed about food: I just don't want to get sick. Finally, I've read that while the resorts themselves are often clean, they can be located very close to areas that are garbage-strewn (either on the beach or in the water).

Firstly, do not take my response as arrogant, but with all due respect I feel that you are not asking yourself the correct questions or that you may have a wrong idea of the locations.

I understand that you are not experienced divers and so that you are worrying not to be able to handle any situation where your equipment would fail, that is why you put equipement in first place.
Well it's a big difference between used and totally worn out equipement. Nowadays equipment is quite reliable, you could say that 95% of the dive centers propose rental equipment that won't let you down in the midst of a dive.
Of course, it won't be flashing new but at least it will be serviced from time to time and working... I am not sure it should be a criteria : either the equipment works or it doesn't... if it doesn't, eliminate the dive center, it it does, color wearness shouldn't be high in your selection.
having said that, it qualifies all the dive centers located in Mabul/Kapalai/Mataking/Pom pom area.

Dive guide quality, that is the main factor. I make no mystery in this site I am loyal and faithful to Borneo Divers' guides : some were already around 7 years ago, imagine they know all the remote corners of the reef and call the critters by their little name.
For me I think the ones that were established first are the best at that, it is quite obvious that the guides dwelling on Mabul/Sipadan know the reef better than the ones based further, hence I would rather encourage you to stay on Mabul/Kapalai based centers.
For each dive center there will be better dive guides than others, discuss with them, they'll love to show you their underwater backyard.

Take it from a french man, food won't be a problem either, you won't get sick wherever you go. Malaysian food may hurt your taste but it's fresher than most meals they serve you in western countries (I might even say I always eat better in M'sia than in NYC which is for me the ultimate carb food disaster). Food on the islands is not gourmet kind, don't expect anything.

Garbage thing : this is NOT a beach resort. I repeat : Mabul is NOT a beach resort, don't expect fancy dresses and studio54 nights. Mataking might be a better bet for beach but MAINLY people on Mabul/Kapali come here to experience some of the best diving in the world, not the best beaches.
Mabul and the area is a Bajau area (sea gypsies) who are born, live and die in their small boats or on stilt houses. Hence they throw all their garbage, piss or poop at sea, understand they don't have integrated sewers in their boats, etc. hence there might be some garbage floating around but don't expect a beach resort. Oppositely, Sipadan is free from any garbage as nobody except a few miltary staff live on the island, it will provide cristal clear sea and a gorgeous white beach, for the full day you're diving Sipadan.
Kapalai would be virtually garbage free as there is no land on Kapalai is a stilt built hotel.

Accomodation, the most luxurious is probably Mataking island (I don't know Pom Pom) but it's far away from Sipadan, and to me it would come second for the guides knowledge criteria, there's a risk you won't get much of Sipadan and nothing of Mabul/Kapalai area.
Located on Mabul, I would say Sipadan Mabul Water bungalows, Sipadan Water Village and Kapalai resort are tied close for accom comfort. Borneo Divers would come only after (while I would rate it first for guides).

that is life in malaysia, culturally they just dump their trash on the beach, in parks, in the forest. ... I have not dove in Masia yet so cant really comment on dive ops, and I am not a fan of borneo in general, as I prefer to stick to places like pangkor or gem island for vacations.

Looks like you don't know much about Malaysia, what a generalized and simplified vision of abroad. Your so-called "cultural" statement is just gross :shocked2:, you would have better stuck to the fact you can't really comment... not surprised you don't like Borneo. Borneo needs to be deserved.

If Pangkor Island is what you look for as a gorgeous beach, it shows you haven't seen much of Malaysia!