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Dive Review of SMART/Mabul Water Bungalows in
Malaysia/Borneo

SMART/Mabul Water Bungalows, Sep, 2008,

by Michael Igoe, CO, USA (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 9 reports). Report 4497.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling 4 stars
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments A very good diving and resort experience. Friendly, eager, polite staff. This is definitely a dive/snorkel destination - very little to do on the island for non-divers. The best diving was around the island of Sipadan. There were also good things to see diving and snorkeling around Mabul and Kapalai. A multi-cultural destination, with guests from northern and southern Europe, South America, Asia, and a few from the USA. The current manager (Eva Alcabes) ensured that you had everything you needed or wanted. No hairdryer? Just ask and one appeared in your bungalow. Our dive leader (Christina) excelled at finding little critters, plus she had a fun-loving personality. The boat crew were there to help with whatever you wanted assistance with, and with a smile. They took care of your gear from arrival to departure.

The journey from the USA is a long one so be prepared. Our itinerary involved Denver, Los Angeles, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu (worth a vist), Tawau (not worth a visit), a van ride to Semporna, and then finishing with a 40 minute launch trip to Mabul. Once there everything worked like clockwork.

All in all an excellent experience.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Southeast Asia, Caribbean.
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, rainy, cloudy Seas calm, choppy
Water Temp 82-83°F / 28-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-80 Ft/ 15-24 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Environmentally strict. Once you displayed your ability as a diver you were able to do your own thing.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 4 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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