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Malaysia's Dive Resorts | Live Aboards | Land Based Adventures

Malaysia Dive Resorts

Borneo Divers | Smart Divers Resort | Mabul Water Bungalow | Sipadan Water Village | Kapalai Dive Resort
Lankayan | Layang Layang Island Resort

Borneo, Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is Malaysia's only oceanic island. This island is actually a rocky outcrop that rises dramatically from the ocean floor. Except for an encircling narrow sand beach, the island, which is covered by a think crop of rain forest, has a low profile and is less than a mile in circumference. It has an area of 30 acres. Presently, the island is in the care of the Wildlife Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental development. Several park rangers are stationed here to oversea the affairs of the island.

Sipadan was declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the colonial Government of North Borneo and reorganized again in 1963 after Independence by the Malaysian government. There have been quite a large number of bird species spotted on and around Sipadan such as Frigate bird, sea eagles, reef egrets, kingfishers, wood pigeons, starlings and sunbirds, and the Nicobar pigeon.

The most notable feature of the invertebrate fauna is presence of the robber or coconut crab. These large animals live in the strand vegetation and are voracious and robust scavengers. There are trails on Sipadan Island for those who like to explore the whole vegetation and wildlife that exists.

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

About Borneo Divers

Borneo Divers, founded in 1984, was the first full service professional dive operation in Borneo. Our company headquarters are located in the modern city of Kota Kinabalu, and our outstanding dive destinations include the world famous Sipadan and Mabul on the East coast of Sabah and our training centre on Mamutik, just a 15 minute boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu where regular courses are conducted at all levels from Open Water Diver to PADI Course Director. With years of experience and a leadership role in professionalism, Borneo Divers is still the first choice of discriminating dive travelers who want the best that Sabah has to offer.

Our Destinations

Sipadan
Diving on Sipadan was Pioneered by Borneo Divers. Above the water, it's just a tiny 40 acre spot of jungle with a white sandy beach. But below the water, Sipadan's vertical topography and abundant marine life make it one of the world's most desired destinations.

Now Sipadan is entering a new age of conservation. As of January 1st 2005, all resorts will vacate the Island and it will become a fully protected conservation zone. Work is in progress to list Sipadan as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Borneo Divers is proud to support this conservation effort and is working with the Malaysian government to secure Sipadan's future protection.

Diving at Sipadan is not rated as the best in the world without good reason. The waters are calm and warm, visibility is generally good, and the quantity and variety of marine life is astounding. On an average day of diving at Sipadan, you would expect to see at least 50 Green Turtles, a dozen sharks, large schools of Barracudas, Jacks, Fusaliers and Batfish. A mere 50 ft. (15M) from the beach, a vertical wall starting at a depth of 10 ft. (3M) and plunges straight down 2000 ft. (600M). No single dive site epitomizes the diversity of Sipadan quite like Barracuda Point. Named after the huge schools of Chevron Barracuda that are frequently found there, diversity is always the rule. In addition to the Barracudas, large schools of Jacks, Batfish and scores of huge Bumphead Parrotfish can also be seen there. Turtles abound as well as dozens of sharks. You never really know what you will see at Barracuda Point from one dive to the next, you just know that whatever it is, it will be good!

The Turtle Cavern is located on the dropoff in front of Borneo Divers resort. Its massive opening on the wall leads to a huge room extending over 200 ft. (65M) back into the island. The first surprise is the sheer size of the cavern that is literally right under the resort. The second surprise is the skeletal remains of Turtles which have lost their way in the cavern at night and drowned while trying to find the way out for air. The cavern was exposed to air during the last ice age when the sea level was lower, so it has Stalactites and Stalagmites in the far reaches. Schools of Fusaliers gather at the mouth and to dart into the shadows to hide from marauding Trevally.

Sipadan is famous for its wall diving. Walls surround 90% of the island, and most are sheer drops that extend out of sight into the blue depths. Many of the walls have ledges that the turtles use as resting places. Some of the walls are so steep that they are actually undercut and slope inward toward the island creating overhangs encrusted with soft corals.

Mabul
The underwater topography is vastly different than the sheer walls of nearby Sipadan. The waters surrounding Mabul are shallow and sandy bottoms are prevalent. Gently sloping fringing reef surrounds the Island. Located closer to the shore of Mainland Borneo and on the "Continental Shelf", the waters are rich with nutrients and crowded with life.

Mabul is a wonderland of strange exotic marine creatures. You can see dozens of species of Nudibranchs, Shrimps, Crabs, Eels and Fishes. The bottom tends to be sandy, so it's not quite so "Mucky" as other Macro Sites. Rare creatures such as Blue Ring Octopus, Flambouyant Cuttlefish and Mandarin Fish can be found in the area. Also present are several species of Sea Horses and Pipefish.

Our experienced dive guides will help you fill your wish list of unusual creatures. If you are an Underwater Photographer or Videographer, Mabul offers amazing opportunities for macro photos and video. Fantastic photo and video opportunities are just a short boat ride away. If you'd like to hunt critters on your own, our house reef is just a 3 minute swim from our beach. In addition to the dive sites surrounding Mabul, you also have access to the prolific macro dive sites at Kapalai too.

The many dive sites surrounding Mabul are shallow and afford the opportunity of extended bottom times. Generally the current is mild allowing you to enjoy easy drift dives. Several different ecozones exist at Mabul so you can explore for a variety of creatures that you've previously only in books and films. Mabul has sloping fringe reefs, sandy bottoms, rubble fields, grassbeds and even the pilings of the jettys are home to countless Macro Subjects. The prolific marine life coupled with the local knowledge of our professional dive guides will make Mabul one of your most productive Macro experiences.

Mamutik
Located a short 15 minute boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Mamutik, in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine park offers a perfect site for Scuba training as well as some fine Macro diving.

It's a great place for a couple of easy refresher dives if you've been out of the water for awhile before heading over to Sipadan or Mabul. PADI Courses are offered at all levels of training from Discover Scuba Diving resort courses up through Instructor ratings. Even if you've never tried SCUBA before, the warm, calm, shallow waters surrounding Mamutikk is a great place to learn from our professional staff.

Best Diving in the city! Mamutik is so close to the modern city of Kota Kinabalu that you can get from your 5 Star Hotel's breakfast buffet to Borneo Diver's 5 Star PADI dive Center in and easy half hour. Nowhere else in SE Asia can you find such a convenient location in a National Marine Park practically in the city limits. Macro afficianados will enjoy the strange creatures that can be found in the Marine Park, and our experienced professional guides know just where they are all hiding.

Borneo Divers operates a full service dive center in the luxurious Sutera Harbour Resort which provides fast and easy access to Mamutik and the rest of the Marine Park.

Our Resort

Borneo Divers Mabul Dive Resort occupies a beautiful streach of white sandy beach. Easy access to the water provides for effortless shore and boat diving. Originally designed to be a second base of operations in the region to complement our Sipadan Resort, with the new conservation project in progress, BDMR has been promoted to our flagship operation and base for diving both Sipadan and Mabul. BDMR was built with divers needs in mind. Every detail is layed out to make your stay memorable. Accommodations are provided in attractive and comfortable chalets, all with a view of the beach and the Borneo Mainland in the distance.

The resort is set in a quiet uncrowded location which allow you to really relax and unwind. Each Chalet consists of two rooms. Since the dive sites are close, frequently you will return to the resort for your surface interval so you can enjoy the balmy tropical breezes on your private veranda.

The chalets are constructed of beautiful hardwoods in a local style. Ceiling fans and balmy tropical breezes provide ample cooling, but each chalet is also fully air conditioned for your comfort. The chalets are constructed of beautiful hardwoods in a local style. Ceiling fans and balmy tropical breezes provide ample cooling, but each chalet is also fully air conditioned for your comfort. All units have either twin or double size beds. Private ensuite bathrooms provide modern hot showers and toilet facilities. Amenities such as hair dryers and reading lamps are available in all rooms. Each room has a comfortable sofa for relaxing with your favorite book.

Between dives, you can soak up some sun on the powdery white sand of the private beach in front of the resort. Enjoy a stroll around the island beneath the palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. The warm waters are perfect for an afternoon swim or snorkeling. Even the local kids make great photo subjects, always ready to ham it up for the camera. Mabul's population are warm and friendly and always have a smile ready for guests to the island. In the evening, relax in the quiet comfort of our warm tropical nights. Get plenty of rest, because our dive staff will keep you busy tomorrow.

Facilities at BDMR

BDMR has a well equiped conference center catering to the needs of any meeting or exhibition. We have the capacity to accomodate 80 attendees and have on site an LCD Digital Projector, Slide Projector, Overhead Projector, PA System,Podium and White Board for professional presentation support.

Our gift shop is well stocked with sundries and accessories as well as a good selection of the "Must Have" dive T-Shirts. You can't prove you've "Been There, Done That" without the T-Shirt

Our fully equipped Dive Station is designed for your convenience. You will find the dive schedule here and plenty of space for rinsing your gear. If you aren't traveling with your own dive gear, we have plenty of top quality equipment at a reasonable rental price. The dive station has plenty of space to hang your gear to dry, plus private lockers for your small items.

When it's time to go diving, you won't have to go far. Our fully equipped dive center is just a few steps from the beach. You won't have to carry a lot of heavy gear around either. Our friendly dive staff will have tanks ready for you on the boat. Our fleet of fast modern speedboats ensure that whether you are going to one of the macro sites surrounding Mabul, or to the famous dive sites of nearby Sipadan, your transportation will be fast safe and comfortable.

Dining at BDMR

Our Dining hall complex is the center of social activity at the resort. It also serves as our "Front Desk", entertainment center and the conference center is attached. When you check in, you can relax with a chilled coconut while your rooms are assigned. Diving burns a lot of calories, so your dining experience can be just as important as any other aspect of your dive vacation. Borneo Divers Mabul Resort pampers you with delictable entrees and impecible service. Our Chef and his team specialize in Malaysian, Asian, Japanese, Chinese and Western Cuisines. You'll even find frequent "Steamboat" and our BBQ dinners are very popular. Get the day started right with a breakfast cooked for you by one of our chefs just the way you like it.

Our staff organizes frequent entertainment including cultural dance presentations Karaoke contests and farewell parties for departing groups. The spacious dining hall also serves as a meeting place for socializing. You can relax and enjoy the evening with your friends or watch an Underwater Video to prime you for the next day's dive schedule.

Sample Itinerary

Here is a sample itinerary of a typical trip to Borneo Divers Mabul Resort. This is for general information only, the specifics of your trip may vary depending on changes in transportation schedules.

5 Days / 4 Nights sample itinerary in Mabul island:

DAY 01
Meet and greet by Borneo Divers staff at the hotel lobby for flight MH 2121 @ 0700/ 0745 hrs for Tawau or meet at Tawau Airport at 7:45 a.m. in the morning. Transfer to Semporna by van / coach for approximately 1 1/2 hours journey. Arrive in Semporna and proceed to Mabul Island by boat around 10:00 a.m. for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour journey, depending on the sea and weather conditions. Estimated arrival at Mabul Island at 11:00 a.m. and proceed for briefing, registration and check-in. Lunch will be serving at noontime.

There will be 2 boat dives on your first day arrival. One of the boat dives will be an orientation dive with our Divemaster. (Subject to 1st Scheduled Arrival)

2nd Scheduled Arrival - 2:20 p.m. from Tawau Airport to Semporna. From Semporna to Mabul Island will be at 4:00 p.m.

NOTE: For those who arrive on the 2nd Scheduled Arrival will not be able to do any diving on the arrival day. They will do 3 boat dives on the 2nd day, the first boat dive being an orientation dive.

DAY 02, 03, 04
3 boat dives a day at Sipadan, Mabul or Kapalai.
One Sunset Bonus Boat Dive without Divemaster at Mabul HOUSE REEF
* Sipadan Dives subject to Quota and Weather permitting.

DAY 05
Free at leisure in the morning. Checkout.

We have two departures from Mabul to Semporna. First schedule at 06:30 a.m. and second schedule is at 11:30 a.m.

Note : Diving is not advisable on the last day. However, if you wish to do so, you will have to sign a separate Liability / Release Waiver form. All the guests are advised to take a rest of at least 24 hours, minimum 18 hours before fly. However, Borneo Divers recognizes that people, agencies and even computers and tables differ on this. If you want to maximise your diving on the last day, you can either overnight in Tawau or overland from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan. You will then be able to do 1 boat dive only around Mabul island.

For those who do a morning dive (one morning boat dive at MABUL ONLY) on departure day, please note that your Bar Bill must be settled the night before. All baggage and personal belongings must be cleared out of your room and and you must check out before the first morning boat dive as we need to clean the room to allow incoming guests to check in on time.

Cost of your trip includes:
· Scheduled ground transfers within Tawau airport / hotel - Semporna - Mabul island and return by van coach and boat.
· Twin - share challet with ensuite bathroom, air condition and private verandah overlooking at the Celebes Seas.
· 3 meals a day PLUS light snacks served all day and beverages while at the Dive Resort ( excluding alcoholic and / or carbonated soft drinks ).
· 3 boat dives a day between Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan island with our professional Divemasters.
Boat , tanks , weight and weightbelt.

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Malaysia's Dive Resorts | Live Aboards | Land Based Adventures