Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort $$$
( 088-222226;
www.borneodivers.net
; per person twin/single RM1148/765;
RESORT
)
The oldest dive centre in the region offers lodging in a horseshoe of semidetached ma-
hogany bungalows with bright-yellow window frames. Open-air pavilions with gauzy net-
ting punctuate the perfectly manicured grounds. Wi-fi is available in the dining room.
LODGE
Scuba Jeff $
( 019-5855125, 017-8690218;
www.scubajeffsipadan.com
; r RM80; )
Jeff is a very
friendly dude who maintains this large stilt house in the Malay fishing village. While his
place is a little tatty, it reminds us of the fun of backpacking - staying in a flophouse and
meeting random folk on a budget (including quite a few backpacking Malays).
Sipadan Adventures $
( 012-822 9984;
www.sipadanadventures.com
;
dm/r per person RM70/90)
Clean, re-
modelled rooms and a focus on budget travel make for a fun diving joint. Staff will help
arrange dive trips for you and the owners cook up some mean fish.
HOMESTAY
Uncle Chang's $
( 089-781002, 017-895 002, 089-786988;
www.ucsipadan.com
; per person dm/d
RM70/90, per person d with air-con & bathroom RM100; )
A Sipadan backpacking
stalwart catering to the like-named dive operator, Chang's is a fun, sociable spot that peri-
odically throws kicking little parties. The air-con rooms, clocking in at RM90, are good
value for money.
GUESTHOUSE
Seaventures Dive Resort $$$
( 088-261669;
www.seaventuresdive.com
;
4-day, 3-night dive package from RM2160;
)
This oil rig (no, really) sits just off Mabul's silky shoreline. There are two schools of
thought on Seaventures' aesthetic impressions: 'A worthy attempt at giving tourists a
unique accommodation option, and 'That thing? Forget it.' Honestly, we're not sure where
we fall in this debate, but its diving staff comes very highly recommended.
RESORT
Billabong $
( 089-781866;
www.billabongscuba.com
; per person r with fan/air-con RM70/120)
Chill with fishermen, watch the sunset over the plankboards and set out for some diving
adventures with associated Billabong Scuba at this homestay.
GUESTHOUSE
