Sangalaki Dive Lodge

[Eryk]

Yes I know Sangalaki is in Indonesia, but a fellow diver tols me that there's lots of info also in this section. So I thought I'd share my comments on this page as well....

Having looked through all of the negative reports on this resort, I'm surprised that Ron Holland didn't close the resort earlier.

However, I understand that the resort has undergone extensive rebuilding & renovations over the last 6 months. The are new chalets and all others have been renovated, as has the main Lodge & Dive Station. It's now open again for diving!

Jeremy Stein and his wife Caroline have become partners in the resort and are now in day to day control of all activities. Having seen what Jeremy has achieved in Vietnam with Rainbow Divers over the last 15 years, I have no doubt that he'll bring the same level of professionalism & service to Sangalaki.

The diving there I think, is still undoubtedly the best off the East coast of Borneo!

Have a look at their revamped website Sangalaki Dive Lodge Homepage

Jeremy can be contacted at jeremy at sangalaki.net and is happy to answer all your enquiries & comments personally.

 

[scorpenesub]

Thanks for the update on Sangalaki and the www link, Eryk....

I have heard of stories that local fishermen are killing mantas by the dozens and some divers say, there are fewer mantas today compared with a few years ago. Planning to check out these reports sometimes this year.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

 

[Eryk]

I contacted Jeremy Stein who is now running the Dive Lodge.

He says he's unaware of Manta killing around the Island. There are apparently still loads of Mantas there on a daily basis both for diving & snorkeling.

 

[MartianBeerPig]

the site says it closed in 2005, but i stayed there in April 2006

 

[scorpenesub]

I contacted Jeremy Stein who is now running the Dive Lodge.

He says he's unaware of Manta killing around the Island. There are apparently still loads of Mantas there on a daily basis both for diving & snorkeling.

Was told of the mantas killing by Singapore divers who went there late last year. Fishermen came from other nearby islands.....

I havent seen it myself which is why i thot a checkout dive is warranted. Besides, if true, it would make a good National Geo story...

 

[diver69]

the site says it closed in 2005, but i stayed there in April 2006

I think they "officially" closed in 2005. But Aima and Ron Holland would still take your money if and whenever they felt like "re-opening" the resort after it "officially" closed.

 

[MartianBeerPig]

I should also mention that the diving there was fantastic. Bit of a pain to actually get to, but worth it in the end.

 

[DivePhotoGuide]

Just FYI - the resort was purchased and revamped by Jeremy Stein. He owns Rainbow Divers in Vietnam and runs a solid operation. Sangalaki reopened in 2008 under this new management.

I'm sure that Jeremy has renovated the resort, and as a consummate professional that he is, I can bet that it is being managed properly.

The place has an ugly history of being mismanaged and run down. That is no longer the case, and I wish Jeremy the best of luck with the new resort.

 

[drbill]

I mirror the comments of others that under Jeremy and Caroline this resort should now be a highly professional operation. They have done a great job in Vietnam from everything I've heard (and I hope to see things first hand when I can).

 

[waubay]

I stayed at Sangalaki in June 2006. The diving was absolutely phenomenal. I am excited to see it under better management and now would love to visit again. Hopefully the Indonesian government does not meddle with the current management/employees.