Heading there in September and is still researaching. From what I have seen both SMART Water Bugalows and SWV has got very nice accomodations..but Borneo Divers seems to have a better dive shop? What is the scoop? I was checking out Borneo Divers on the net and on one of the travel sites it says it is "the only legal dive operator" on Mabul Island. What does it mean? Any tips and comments??
Borneo Divers vs. SMART vs.SWV
- Thread starter Bunnyhon
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pakman
Contributor
To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with any of those three. Although the Borneo Divers Mabul bungalows just doesn't look so nice on their website in my opinion(but it is relatively new..)
My experience with Borneo Divers dates back to 98 when they were still on Sipidan. Great service, DM's/ instructors, excellent food, etc. I've had friends who have been to the other Sipidan resorts over the years and each one will rant n rave about their services. I forget if SWV is the one that tends to get mostly package Asian divers (Japanese/ HK/ etc) vs more European/ Americans over at Borneo/ Smart.
My experience with Borneo Divers dates back to 98 when they were still on Sipidan. Great service, DM's/ instructors, excellent food, etc. I've had friends who have been to the other Sipidan resorts over the years and each one will rant n rave about their services. I forget if SWV is the one that tends to get mostly package Asian divers (Japanese/ HK/ etc) vs more European/ Americans over at Borneo/ Smart.
OnTheSpot
Contributor
SMART has quite a bit more in the way of facilities than Borneo Divers, but they are both good. The stand alone chalets at SMART are the best rooms on Mabul with the exception of the Mabul Water Bungalows. However, Borneo Divers (maybe considered almost a backpacker option a couple of years ago) are continually improving and have some new deluxe rooms now as well as massage service and a pool, all new in 2006.
OnTheSpot
Contributor
Yes, Kapalai is another good option, especially if you like a bit of seclusion - no other resorts around.
Malaysia Dive Resorts
Malaysia Dive Resorts
Scuba Susie
Guest
I vote for Smart! They have great chalets and fun space on land to roam around!
Borneo Divers looked like a new strip mall a year ago but maybe they have changed.
If you go with Borneo...look up Haris, he runs the dive shop! He is fantastic and easy going! Tel him the Happy Divers from California say hello!
Susie
Borneo Divers looked like a new strip mall a year ago but maybe they have changed.
If you go with Borneo...look up Haris, he runs the dive shop! He is fantastic and easy going! Tel him the Happy Divers from California say hello!
Susie
plc
Registered
SMART...the restaurant is much better to hangout. Other than that I think they're not much different
Allison Finch
Contributor
I'm heading to Borneo Divers, Mabul in 10 days. I would like to know how they run their boats. Do they have gear lockers? Do they schlep your gear or do you don it for the ride? How are the boats? In general, I would like to know how their day to day operation runs. I'm usually on liveaboards and can be very lazy as a result.
Thanks for any info....
Thanks for any info....
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