Dive Sipadan- North Borneo DSS or Scuba Junkie?

[Aquarora]

Hi, I'm organising a trip to Sipadan next year for 6 divers (so their lives are in my hands, gulp!)
and due to budget retraints we've narrowed it down to either North Borneo DSS or Scuba Junkies...
From previous posts both have mixed reviews ie raves to uh ohs...
So we can't decide, especially since we've all never been there before...

So any info anyone (especially if you've dived with either of these 2 operators before!) can provide would be great, like how professional were the DMs, equipment maintenance, any safety issues, etc

Also, the owner of North Borneo is Jerry Reichart, but I heard he's stationed overseas and the person actually running the dive center there is a local woman, is that true?

Thanks in advance for your help and hope to hear from you soon!

Warmest Regards,
Aquarora

 

[Aquarora]

oh yeah, the trip is from 4th April to 11th April 2007..8D/7N, 18 Dives
Yes, we're booking early due to the fact its peak period (many japanese) and the limit on the number of divers (120 to be exact)...
ANyone is welcome to join, trip starts in SIngapore..or we can meet up at Tawau Airport on the 4th itself..

Cheers!
Aquarora

 

[t-rocks69]

north borneo just recieved some pretty bad report if you are going to use there equipment or try and get your DM from them.

 

[malaysia-islands]

I've dived with North Borneo DSS. I couldn't really vouch their equipment maintenance. In my case, my three dives went pretty well. I mean, there wasn't any incidence that require the diver resurfacing for leakages or what not (but I've seen that in Tioman).

Take it with a little grain and salt. My experience was just a minute sample of the dive operator's record.

No experience with Scuba Junkies. How much they are asking for 3 dives?

 

[Aquarora]

Hi, malaysia-islands, just saw your private message...
thanks for your input... just glad that your dives with them went well...

Scuba Junkie is offering RM2358 for 8D/7N, 18 dives...all inclusive, except air fare, all hostel accomodation...
North Borneo DSS is offering RM2060 (all inclusive except Air Fare) also 8D/7N, 18 dives, staying at Dragon Inn Floating Hotel..
what you think?

 

[malaysia-islands]

Hi, malaysia-islands, just saw your private message...
thanks for your input... just glad that your dives with them went well...

Scuba Junkie is offering RM2358 for 8D/7N, 18 dives...all inclusive, except air fare, all hostel accomodation...
North Borneo DSS is offering RM2060 (all inclusive except Air Fare) also 8D/7N, 18 dives, staying at Dragon Inn Floating Hotel..
what you think?

Whoa, 18 dives! What kind of budget traveler are you?

It seems little to differentiate between the two accommodations. Although I think Dragon Inn Floating Resort (see my resort review + photos: http://www.malaysia-islands.com/html/sipadan/resort/dragon-inn.shtml) offers quite a different resort experience overall ie: floating room, superb sunset and cultural stuff. But I think the hostel at Scuba Junkies is quite well-appointed for a "hostel", especially if you take the non-bunk-beds type.

To be honest, I'd love to try out one of those Scuba Junkies private rooms the next time I'm in Sipadan.

 

[Aquarora]

oh, North Borneo DSS owner Jerry Reichart just called me up ahhahaa...
he's offering a safari too...
Roach Reef RM250/night extra

Anyone recommends diving Roach Reef?

Love Aquarora

 

[Aquarora]

May i also add that someone else dived with Scuba Junkie before and got kicked out of Sipadan after just 1 day cos they didn't have the proper permits, that has got me worried too...
anyone else have a similar experience?

Love, Aquarora

 

[scubadudee]

May i also add that someone else dived with Scuba Junkie before and got kicked out of Sipadan after just 1 day cos they didn't have the proper permits, that has got me worried too...
anyone else have a similar experience?

Love, Aquarora

Hi,

If North Borneo Divers' boss has actually called you. I am sure he meant business to regain his reputation back. April to June is a good time to dive; I very doubt that permits will be that easily available during that period. Not even surprised that resorts have to bid even higher behind closed doors among themselves.

That's business and they are pretty competitive...another diver operator is popping out over there. Heard is run by ex-DMs and Instructors from the resorts.

Why not give it a try and keep the rest posted? I'll probably be going there during that same window but with my own group of divers. Missed my boat out in November at South Point. sigh....

 

[dm_junkie]

Hmm...6 divers plus yourself...tell North Borneo Divers to give you another 15% discount for all then. I am sure he can make it. haha.

Staying in dragon Inn think cost is alittle higher. You might as well as for package on just the 18 dives. And Check-in to Seafest hotel at about 110 RM per room (2 pax include breakfast)

Or for budget, RM 50 per room w/o breakfast at Lee's Guesthouse or simply stay with scubaJunkie's neighbour backpackers accomodation w/o breakfast. Both have Kopi shop like in Singapore but of course not as much variety.

I heard there will be some adjustment soon; hopefully for the better.