Sipadan: Borneo Divers, SMART or Scuba Junkie....

[MALAYSIANNARCO]

Agreeing to DevonDiver.. But somehow at certain homestay they just manage to grab a permit or two. I don't know how they work it out but from the reports that I have, guests are often being secured with the desired permit.

From what I know, during high, divers will normally will at least experience a day of sipadan (3 dives) at all the named medium - high range resort. Upon request, they will negotiate with other permit holder in order to allow the requested diver to do sipadan again.

For those doing sipadan, be ready to be up early as the best dive is always in the morning!

 

[scheep]

Gee, the vitriol against Scuba Junkie shocks me.

Here's what I gathered from my stay with them three months ago. Everyone there is mainly white (I doubt that's a bother for many people, but it's a completely different atmosphere compared to a place like, say, Uncle Chang's); it's one of the cheapest places to live and dive; the accommodation is more than fair (I stayed in both an air-conditioned and fan room); the Sipadan permits that they're given don't number in the high heavens but I did manage to dive Sipadan three days in a row for a week's stay; the ground staff at the Semporna office can be chilly but they're more than efficient; and as someone else mentioned, the food is chicken, chicken, chicken - no seafood in protest against the unsustainable fishing methods of the locals.

 

[chooitan]

Edited to reflect personal bias and financial motivation to the advice.



More expensive resort, more expensive food and more expensive accommodation.

Whilst quality of service is a factor in determining 'better'... it is also important to realize that some (many?) customers also prioritize cost amongst the factors that they associate with the 'best' choice for them.

Cost I agree is definitely a factor in most decisions. My listing was based on the best overall place in the area in terms of overall rating from a comfort, conservation and attitude point of view. The ultimate deciding factor will of course be weighed out by what experience you want to have at the end of the day.

How so? Do they go to different dive sites to all the other scuba operations in the area?

Actually they do. If you request to do the Si Amil islands and other less known dive sites. The guides are also career guides and not transitional ones found in many places around Asia. This gives them more experience in knowing the sites well.

Paying top-notch prices, I'd expect a lot more guaranteed Sipidan diving than that.

Paying top notch prices will get you mor top notch comfort and service. Getting additional permits is surely entirely a different category altogether. Although having said that most top notch resort will always try harder to please their clientele. That is why people go to top notch places- for the service.




Oh... will it? Based on what criteria? Yours?

Yes. Based on my opinion. I definitely have a vested interest. It is a business after all. But I am a diver first and foremost. And as a diver I tend to make decisions on certain criterias. Conservation, contribution and attitude runs high in my list.
I have used every other facility in the area and have made more than 500 dives over 15 years here. So, yes, I think my opinion matters.

Personally, I don't need fresh water lillies floating in my spa bath, or silk-clothed waitresses pouring my wine at night. Any cost beyond a comfortable bed, a cold beer, a home-cooked local meal and access to world-class diving is waste of cash to me. I'd rather spend that money on more diving... or diving kit... or diving books.... or even more diving kit...

I suppose the operative word here is "Personally". Some of us like to equate world class diving with a great resort as it may be the only time you ever get to dive Sipadan. So why not make a meal of it and spoil yourself?




Now... if I was on a honeymoon, then I'd probably choose SMART. If I was there to dive, then I'd go with the most cost-efficient operator who offered sufficient safety and hygienic facilities.

If I was on my honeymoon, I think I'd find other more interesting activities to indulge in.


The point being = it is wrong to adopt an arrogant attitude based on ignorance of the market focus of a business. Likewise, it is wrong to assume that every customer has the same values, or desires the same services, or is willing to pay the same prices as the market you are targeting.

I will never have the audacity nor the arrogance to tell someone how to run his business. I never assume that every customer has the same values. I always believe that if you want to do something, then do it in the best and most pleasurable way you can. Affordability obviously will play a big role but sometimes it's just nice to let splurge on yourself on a once in a lifetime trip. Make better memories, don't you think?



These are all accusations that should be supported... especially when you have an obvious vested and financial interest in promoting the competition. Tut Tut.

I found Scuba Junkies to be very good as a dive operation. Of course, they target a different market (backpackers), so the fripperied spa-dwellers might find that to be a bit of a culture shock. Young people, having fun... friendly, inclusive and down-to-earth... with an emphasis on diving, not luxury living.

My only comment for this is- ask the locals in Semporna what they think of them. I am not concerned about their market. Just their arrogance and shoving down their mightier than thou opinions to the locals. Respecting the locals and their traditions, no matter how different it may be to yours, is vital. I am sure you wouldn't like me to come into your home and tell you how to do things. Vice versa.



I've seen SMART running scuba lessons. Wasn't impressed to be honest.

I won't even want to reply to this.

Not sure what you mean by 'respect for locals'... or how that impacts on their guests. The only 'negative' inter-action I saw on their behalf was the discrete campaigning against destructive fishing practices (shark fining, dynamite fishing etc). On that note, I don't see what 'big-bucks' SMART resort is doing for the locals either... the prosperity certainly doesn't seem to be transferring to the resident population?!?

I am curious to know the amount of time you spent here to make these opinions.
Or whether you have looked into the history of the island of Mabul.
When resorts were setting up in Sipadan, SMART decided it was not a good thing and set up in Mabul.
Then continued to employ the coconut harvesters. They set up a waste treatment plant- one of the first few Malaysian resorts to do so. They employed the locals, trained them and contributed heavily to the school you see on the island. I knew Ben, the manager, when he was working as a boat boy. They helped the village with their electricity in the early days and helped organize piped water to some of the poorer houses. They have one of the best and well documented artificial reef in South East Asia. I can go on.

It is because of these contributions and then some, that I choose to support SMART.
i don't support resorts because they are cheap. I support resorts because they are good. I also choose local owned resorts do that the money funnels down to the locals.

Most dive ops are anti shark finning. So are most divers. But we cannot have the arrogance to force this opinion on anyone.

Conservation does not start from there. It starts with the ability to win hearts and earn respect.

 

[Quero]

CT, those are all good reasons. However, the impression you made in the first line of the post you made was one of financial benefit to you, not benefit to the locals, the environment or anything else. You wrote "Book with me." I think if you had left that simple sentence out, the entire post would have been interpreted with more acceptance. Many of us here on SB are owners of businesses in the dive industry. We are most successful in winning bookings when we don't overtly solicit them. IJS.

So I'm glad you expanded your reasoning, and I hope you will continue to share your knowledge and expertise with us without the blatant commercial overtones of sentences like "Book with me."

 

[Uli Kunkel]

I agree. I think it's easy to flame a resort that doesn't have an internet presence. I know for a fact that some of the things you wrote here;

Why is Scuba Junkies last?
A. No respect for the locals when they opened in Semporna.
B. Rude guides with little respect for divers from other resorts.
C. Again no real positive impact now they are in Mabul.

... aren't REALLY true.

Considering their share of the "dive business pie" for a budget resort, Scuba Junkies sure do put a lot of money and effort into conservation. The other resorts.... are a lot less visible on the conservation side, that much is for sure.

Heck, one of the ones that made the top of your list keeps captive turtles in cages for tourists to look at. Some of them are rumored to sell shark fin soup during certain holidays. Others don't care when their divers walk all over the reef. You might have your own list which reflects your employers, but I wouldn't go around saying that the other resorts don't do as much as the one you work for.

Video from Marine Week 2011

Semporna Shark Sanctuary

Mabul turtle hatchery

 

[DevonDiver]

Gee, the vitriol against Scuba Junkie shocks me.

Industry politics - always nasty when it rears its head.

I am curious to know the amount of time you spent here to make these opinions.

A season. I worked there.

It is because of these contributions and then some, that I choose to support SMART.

That's your perogative. However, it bears little relation to the typical concerns of a visitor/tourist.

i don't support resorts because they are cheap. I support resorts because they are good.

Again, you seem to have a basic comprehension difficulty with the issue of 'relativity'.

Assuming a base-line of safety, and visiting the same sites, what is "good" for one person may not be "good for another".

You recommend SMART. That's your right and your prerogative. Others have recommended Scuba Junkies. Respect those people's rights to express their opinions also.

We all have different perspectives...different requirements... and this different definitions of what is "good" for us.

Scuba Junkie manages to hit that definition of "good" for a whole lot of people - as their customer figures, return visitor and continued successful expansion illustrate.

 

[chooitan]

I really did not post to have a debate with anyone.
So I shall leave it without additional comment.
I have said what I wanted to say and life goes on..
Happy safe diving, one and all!

 

[peeweediver]

Ummm, can I still ask a question? Seems the debate has cooled enough. We are looking at a 2014 trip for our LDS. Numbers will be 10-16. Experience ranges from instructors and DMs to 100+ dives. Singles, married couples, 30s to high 50s. We don't want to talk about being 60 yet. Here's the question, is there a middle ground between a backpacker place and lilies on our beds. We have stayed at 60s style motels (San Salvador, Bahamas) that were clean and loved it and liked a few upper scale places...again, no lilies or chocolates on the bed.
Having a simple house reef where folks who want 5-6 dives a day can go in sounds great.
Given all of this, any thoughts?
DevonDiver, you posted a long discussion about the Philippines and the reasons people travel there, including sex. I was talking about it to our shop owner when a resort operator called about this trip we're researching. He actually said that if any of the single male travelers wanted "companionship", he could arrange it. I was appalled and, obviously, we won't be going there. My shop owner was slightly skeptical while I relayed what you were saying and, literally, 10 minutes later we got the call. Unbelievable.
Thanks for any help you can give regarding Mabul.

Rob

 

[Quero]

Rob, on Mabul, for your needs, I would say that the SMART resort (not the water bungalows) would fit the bill. It's a mid-range place (with Kapalai, Sipadan Water Village and Mabul Water Bungalows being the high end). Borneo Divers isn't quite as nice as SMART, nor quite as basic as the backpacker places. Alternatively, you could charter the Celebes Explorer for the whole group.

 

[peeweediver]

Quero:

Thanks for your advice. I read SB about twice a day and have always been a big fan of your posts. They are thoughtful, helpful, and packed with good advice. From an SB reader who doesn't post much, but reads a lot, thanks! Someday, I'll steer our trips in your direction.

Rob