Dive The World offers Malaysia resort diving in Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Layang Layang and Lankayan Island, and also PADI dive courses in Mabul and Kota Kinabalu.

Dive The World Head Office
Song Roy Pee Centre
210/26 Ratuthid Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)76 344736
Fax: +66 (0)76 344736
E-mail: info@Dive-The-World.com
http://www.divetheworldmalaysia.com/

Rating :

Scuba Junkies
By the market in Semporna
Sabah
Malaysia

"Definitely worth checking out Semporna as a base for diving Sipadan - especially as Sipadan has now been cleared of the operators on environmental grounds - it is likely that a few more local operators will set up in Semporna. Using Semporna as a base firstly has the advantage of economy - we paid around Rm300 each for 3 boat dives, plus accommodation (we stayed at the pretty basic, but ok Dragon Inn) is virtually free. In addition, you have the option of hanging out in Semporna vs. being stuck on Mabul in the evening and can take a rest day without feeling guilty about all the money you've shelled out.
We spent a day diving around Sibuan with another operator and then two days diving at Sipadan/Mabul with Scuba Junkies. They were enthusiastic, professional and had very new gear. There was a maximum of 12 divers on board. Would definitely recommend them - they're situated between the waterfront area where all the stilt hotels are and the market.
The comment about people getting kidnapped from Sipadan is highly alarmist. Whilst it's a true story, you're probably in greater danger in Paris or London-- we saw several police/military boats in the area patrolling for illegal fishing, smuggling, pirates etc."
Peter Jackson

"The newest operator in the area but with two instructors, Tino and Ric, that have lived and dived in the area for a number of years working for another dive company. Their equipment is all brand new and regularly serviced. They operate around Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and the other Semporna Bay Islands. All worth checking out for the varied marine life available. As an Instructor who has dived with them prior to them setting up on their own I can highly recommend them as highly knowledgeable, passionate divers and very professional. If Tino and Ric are unable to fit you in they will give you the best advice on who to try next."
Graham

"Excellent, professional outfit, would dive with them again without doubt. Did 21 dives around Sipadan with them in October 2005 and had a great time."
Iona Hill

"These guys were brilliant! Myself and the missus did our PADIs a year ago and so we booked for a refresher dive with Scuba Junkies before heading off for a posh dive resort, but after a fantastic day with Scuba Junkies we really wished we'd booked with them instead. The equipment was great and it was a great three dives, and their rates were very reasonable, but what really made it for us was the brilliant atmosphere on the dive boat. We could have easily spent a week in their company. Can't recommend them enough."
Gareth Daet

"Having dived with Scuba Junkie in March of this year I can thorougly reccomend them to anyone interested in having fun and seeing as many of the great species that Sipadan and Mabul has to offer. I dived with them for one week and felt like a part of the crew by the end of it! Another great thing is the dive shop is pretty much the only place open after 9pm so everyone just hangs out there for a drink!They have recently opened up a hotel/backpackers where i was staying in a dorm room for 10 ringgit a night! My room had aircon and was lovely and clean - quite a change from other places ive stayed in while in Malaysia! Ten out of ten guys!"
Steve, 2006

" My feel for Tino (the manager) is that he is good people. SJ is the newest shop in Semporna and being run in a safe competent manner. Tino has the ability to become the number one operator in Semporna. His shop is certainly going to spell the demise of several other poorly run shops along the causeway.
I run my shop SCUBA-AZUSA in competition to SJ, but actually we are not serious competition for each other. The reason Tino and I will never be blood-thirsty rivals is it is hard to compare and apple and a orange. Tino is functioning as a large scale operation. He is motivated by reality to need to train and process as many divers as possible. I, however, am still happy just cranking out a few divers each week.
So I certainly recommend SCUBA JUNKIES as one of only several great operations in Semporna. My shop SCUBA-AZUSA is one of the others. LOL"
Matilda Jean Duffy

"Scuba Junkies is definitely one of the best dive operators I've ever come across. Took my Open Water course with them in May 2007 and they've got me hooked! My 2 instructors Tino from Germany and Cle from South Africa were definitely experienced and enthusiastic. 3 cheers to the various divemasters too! Very warm, friendly and interested! It really differs from those big so called 'professional' dive companies you find simply processing out schools of fresh-eyed divers for the sake of profits! I've even come to the point of putting up a big Billboard in the Backpackers hostel that I run in tribute to them, definitely recommending them to every single diver that that comes thru my door. Definite thumbs up to Scuba Junkie. Planning to do my Divemaster there the end of the year!!"
Dylan L, 2007

"I personally would NOT dive or take any course with this company. Having undertaken my Divemaster course with them their standards and services were below expectations. They can not organize a piss up in a brewery. As for booking in advance, Ha, the amount of times they gave the same excuse that they had not received the information. This left many customers waiting an extra day or two to dive. As for the comment of hanging around in the evening it is the only operator I know that makes all it's customers go back to try their gear on!
Safety and management are very negelected and this is very worrying when your divemaster is really a Trainee! The diving is excellent but only use this outfit if you are looking for assistance or have little confidence in diving on your own. Lives depend on it so be at your own risk!
Check out the other operators and don't fall for the trick SJs use on customers by saying that the other dive shops promise to go to Sipidan then go some where else. They all get a certain number of licences, scuba junkies the least!!!"
Paul, 2007.

Rating :

Causeway Road Semporna
P.O. Box 246,
91308 Semporna,
Sabah
Malaysia

"A group of six of us spent six awesome days diving Sipadan from our base on Mabul courtesy of Uncle Chang. The Divemasters and instructors were simply superb, taking care of everything for us, and Mabul backpackers lodge was simple yet outstanding. It has a real sense of community. Would recommend to anyone."
Steve Burt 2006

"Great place to stay at uncle changs place at mabul island. However the equipment is poor! Old, leaking material and the bcd was sometimes not properly working (air in knob did not release after pressing, so I was inflated and went straight to the surface!) Even the boat was held together with bolds since the back board on which the engine was fixed had been broken off in the past. The price for diving is the same compared to other companies. The hostel although simple is rather cheap and of great value specially because of the friendly ambiance, people and music in the evenings. Mabul Island is a great place to be (cheap, simple and very friendly)."
Frans, Netherlands, 2006

"I checked all operators in Sepmorna who were open for business and decided to try Uncle Chang. I stayed with him for the duration of my holiday. I delivered my equiptment on Monday morning. Each day it was taken to the boat; tank changes were made and it was then taken to the offices where it was rinsed, dried and stored until the next day. On my final day it was delivered to my hotel.
All dives were accompanied by two highly experienced instructors or one instructor and a divemaster. One instructor had over 6000 logged dives and the other was not far behind. The number of paying guest divers in the boat never exceeded 5 and all staff involved were justifiably proud of the friendly and very competent service which they provided.
I have dived in many places in the world and know that it will be hard to find better service. This is a local business, owned and run by locals and is the longest established in the area. It is also the most conveniently positioned.
Prices were very competitive and food was good too! Freshly grilled fish, chicken, fresh fruit and several interesting local delights.
A dvd of some of my dives was available and will be a constant reminder that I must return as soon as possible. "
Morris Burgoyne, UK, 2005

"Hey! Have to say something really nice about Uncle Chang... Heard that some others had bad experience. I booked my dives with him together with a school of students from Singapore in spring 2004. He gave us extremely good prices and we had no problem with the equipment at all! He also collected us from bus station and set us up on the boat, was awesome. He's one of the old smaller local vendors that is not running it like a industry! (And seriously, he don't want to either.) Uncle Chang for president! And yes the diving is great and Barracuda point a must.
Have fun!"
Rikard

"Great people to deal with: very helpful. The other companies are very hard sellers and run the other operators down saying they are the best which I did not like. Uncle Chang I would use again."
Noel

"Hey Uncle Chang was simply great... In fact he has real caring Dive Masters who really track you every minute of the journey. In fact his ratio is like 2 Divemasters to a Group of 4. I have never seen a better ratio anywhere. And they are ALWAYS watching over you. I was particularly impressed with Mr Armando Gelan (MANDO) who really made sure we had a fabulous time. I shall MOST definately recommend Uncle Chang to everybody... Besides that Uncle Chang also throws great parties at night - and it is dinner and people and music with a most unconventional drum... Love it... "
Bikram Vaskar

"Uncle Chang's diving organisation was brilliant for us. We did 8 dives with them for a rediculously good price and he was the most generous and friendly host possibly imaginable. I have every faith in Uncle Chang, so much so we are going back to dive with him this month (nov 05). As someone mentioned previously, great parties after a superb days diving."
Amie Beushaw

"We stayed on the Mabul Island with Ungle Changs divers which was excellent."
Neil McCallum

"Uncle Chang's was a great experience. New equipment and boat with quality staff on Mabul island. It can't be beat in terms of atmosphere and quality. Highly recommended. Better than any other place I dove in south east asia."
Amber, USA, 2007

"Uncle Chang's Mabul Backpackers is simply the best. Diving at Sipadan at backpacker prices is crazy (my only problem was some equipment was a little old, but perfectly safe) they are really friendly. I could always get Sipadan permits etc as Uncle is the only true local Malay operator, great stuff, will go again if I'm lucky enough to be in Borneo again. Since I've been staying there they have, for the 1st time in their 8 year existence, got a website....ye ha!"
Peter Sissions 2007

"I've just returned from Semporna- Sipadan and Mabul. I completed my PADI advanced with Scuba junkies, but was unimpressed with their service, so on recommendation I decided to complete a few fun dives with Uncle Chang's on Mabul Island. I can definitely recommend Uncle's for both the diving, the quality of staff and the atmosphere. I felt at home and I learnt more in 4 dives with Uncle's then any where else. I will definitely be returning to this little slice of paradise!"
Amber, USA, 2007

"It was certainly an experience diving Mabul/Sipadan with U.C.! The equipment was very old and unreliable, not a problem for experienced divers.....NEWBIES BEWARE! Staff were friendly but it doesn't matter how experienced a divemaster is, groups of 12+ people is a problem waiting to happen. The free food is ok but the rum drinking at night might make some nervous about doing 3 deep dives the next day. The boats are falling to bits, but just work. Make sure you're not inexperienced as a diver. Large groups of divers with tatty old equipment panic...(it happened on 2 out of the 9 dives with Uncle Chang)"
stella star,uk, 2007

Rating :

Jalan Kastam (at Semporna Ocean Tourism Centre - Dragon Inn)
Semporna
Sabah
Malaysia
Tel: +6 (089) 942788, 942988, 769950
Fax: +6( 089) 768531
E-mail: borneo_tours@hotmail.com

"I went diving with North Borneo end of April 2006 for 3 days - perfect. They are located at the Dragon Inn Hotel so a bit difficult to find but worth looking for. We were diving in small groups of not more than 5-6 with plenty of space on the boats and very knowledgable divemasters and instructors. They also have NITROX which is a benefit for divers like me who want to get the most out of every dive. Their rates are RM300.00 per trip plus a national park fee which only applies to Sipadan. Excellent value for money. I stayed at the Dragon Inn Hotel next to the dive centre - basic but clean and right at the water. I can only recommend those guys - they fulfilled everyone of my expectations."
James, 2006

"North Borneo DSS located at the waterfront at the Dragon Inn Hotel was an excellent choice for us. They appear to be the first established dive centre in Semporna and the only real PADI dive centre there. Accordingly are their equipment and expertise. We did a PADI advanced course with them as well as a few days of diving at Sipadan with them while staying overnight at the Seafest Hotel. I also checked out Scuba Junkie nearby but they were much more expensive and, as it turned out, much less experienced. "
Steven Roberts, 2005

"Now of course take this with a grain of salt as it is one dive professional reporting another. I fail to see that North Bornio is more experienced than the other professionally run shops or dive club in Semporna. Diving is big business folks and I have yet to see North Bornio or any other dive business living up to a level of business expertise sufficient to be better than Scuba Junkies. Tino of Scuba Junkies is very experienced. So are the staff at North Borneo, but their experience is tied to the need to make money. The only dive provider in Semporna who is providing low cost professional level dives to Sipidan is my Dive Club SCUBA-AZUSA (now closed). But I am into diving for fun not profit."
Dive Instructor Mrs. Matilda Jean Duffy SDI and PSAI, 2005

"Did my OW and AOW here- EVERY person I dealt with was professional, fun, and friendly. Everything was top notch, and they easily adapted to my schedule. I cannot imagine a better place to learn SCUBA."
erica,usa, 2007

Rating :

Owned and managed by Chrissie Mazzei.

Borneo Action Dive Center
G19, Wisma Sabah
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Malaysia
Tel: +6088246701
info@borneoaction.com

"I did my Advance and Rescue Course Total RM 800 including all gear. Great set up in the middle of town with the best sunset view. want to go back for my DM training."
Christine, 2006

"10 out of 10 to BORNEO ACTION. I found out about them from the Lonely Planet Guide, and they turn my trip to Borneo into an unforgetable adventure. Professional, well organized and the greatest thing the owner Chrissie - she truly knows everyone !!! Thank you for teaching me dive and to appreciate spicy chilli and wierd looking food. One day I'll be back."
Tusin, 2006

"Wow...what a great experience!
I dived with Borneo Action in Kota Kinabalu and trained from Open Water to Rescue Diver over 3 weeks training. Chrissie the owner is probably the best kept secret in Borneo! Not only she operates a very professional and fun Dive Center, but she is connected to everyone...and I mean EVERYONE. She was able to organize an amazing 2 weeks trip for me and my girlfriend across Sarawak and Sabah, we rafted, we climbed, we dived and dived and dived some more...we experienced true local hospitality escorted by the most amazing tour guide - JOHN NAIR - He won Best Tour guide for Malaysia and he was knowledgeble, fun and very experienced in jungle and trekking environments. Borneo Action took care of us not as clients but as friends, we reccomend them to every one who want to truly experience the Spirit of BORNEO!
They have the best Diveshop in town for gear (Mares, IST, Seac Sub and OMS), they are the only ones who carry computers in town and they also offer photography ."
David, 2006

Rating :

"Sipadan Dive Resort were not very tolerant of inexperienced divers. They do get more accepting as you dive with them. Cost was fairly ok with unlimited shore dives."
Kay Anderson

"Excellent dive resort - would take issue with previous comments about attitude. If you go to Sipadan as an inexperienced diver - it's your own fault, read about the place before you go - common sense! The resort, although basic, had a great friendly feel to it - we were very happy there. Diving was excellent - staying at resort enabled us to do several shore dives in addition to the boat dives - diving the drop-off from the shore was awesome every time. Was up at 6 am almost every day to get as much diving in as my computer would allow! Good value for money."
Phil Knox

The following is from a Sipadan dive operator
"I'm and instructor very experienced with Sipadan prior to my first trip and I thought the attitude of the dive masters and staff was terrible. You know Mr. Knox the dive industry pushes inexperienced diver to dive at the Sip. It is a no open water training zone for good reason. But most operations turn the new divers loose on Sipadan without a moments reflection. So what you get is a mix of experienced and inexperienced divers. The Malaysian dive master are also of dubious training background, this certainly doesn't help. So no Sipidan Dive Resort charges big money and I expect to have divers treated properly regardless of their experience level. So I give a thumbs down to Sipadan Dive Resort, because of their bad attitude. Sipadan Dive Resort is a premium resort, costing way to much for the service they offer."
Matilda Jean Duffy, SCUBA-AZUSA

Rating :

Run trips to Sipadan. This PADI centre is in Bangi, just outside Kuala Lumpur.

315G, Kompleks Diamond, Jalan Medan Bangi
Bandar Baru Bangi
Selangor Darul Ehsan
MALAYSIA
43650
Tel: +603 - 8210 1363
Fax: +603 - 8210 1377
E-mail: info@oceanelements.com

"Responsible instructors, I took my advance Open water with them. They just been awarded as ECO operator by PADI. "
Muzie Mulim, 2006

Provide a full range of PADI courses.

Kampung Tekek
86807 Tioman
Pahang
Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +60-9-4191228 or +60-13-352-3389
E-Mail: enquiries@tioman-dive-centre.com

For more on the Tioman Dive Centre, and accommodation options, read our Tioman report .

B&J Diving Centre
No. 46 Kampung Salang
Pulau Tioman
Malaysia
Tel: +60 9 419 55 55
Fax: +60 9 419 55 54
E-Mail: bjsalang@divetioman.com , bjabc@divetioman.com

"I did my Rescue with them - very professional instructors and cheap, some 30 US per dive but I did 10 dives so I paid only 22 US per dive.
I had tons of fun with their dive team and will surely go back next year."
Martin,2008

PADI Dive Centre.

Sibu Island Cabanas
No25, Jalan Jalita 15
Taman Pelangi Indah
81800, Johor Bahru
Malaysia
Tel: +60-177-5526-90
Fax: +60-177-5526-90
info@sibuislandcabanas.com

Scuba Schools International Dive Centre.

Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base
Pulau Sibu
Malaysia
Tel: +60 7 222 8642
Fax: +60 7 221 0048
divebase@siburesort.com

"Mr Dive Malaysia is a freelance PADI Instructor working close with 2 of the resorts on the Island , discerning discrimination on your behalf , ie: you will Pay the same price as a Malaysian will pay, If any company asks for your passport info as you ask for a quote they are going to charge you DOUBLE or TRIPLE . There are NO double standards with Mr Dive Malaysia. Accom is basic but clean , the food is good and the service is freindly.. and the diving ??? you will not complain thats for sure .. Happy Travelling."
Mr Dive Malaysia, 2008.

No. 8-1
Jalan 24/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
50480, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +(603) 2300 9060
Fax: +(603) 2300 9070
info@scubadynamics.com.my

"I would strongly recommend Scuba Dynamics for any divers planning to explore diving in the South East Asia region. My husband and I found out about Scuba Dynamics from a friend whom had just got back from Malaysia. Scuba Dynamics designed a few dive trips for us during our short 3 weeks holiday in Asia. Being a one-stop-dive center, they have made us very happy by organizing wonderful trips to Puerto Gallera in the Philippines, Perhentian Islands on the East Coast of Malaysia as well as the famous Sipadan in East Malaysia. The trips were planned out very well by Scuba Dynamics and their recommendations and advice were very much appreciated. "
Angeline Stuart, 2006

Offer PADI, PSAI, TDI, IANTD and NAUI courses, normal sport diving and technical diving. Go on one of the group trips or book your own trip for resorts all around the region or go on a liveaboard trip to the WWII battleships HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales.

10-1, Jalan 22A/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +60 3 6201 4726
info@recntec.com

Founded in September 2004. They aim to make add divers feel welcome and above all, to have safe fun while SCUBA diving. Offer PADI diving courses, snorkelling trips and underwater videography.

Orca Blue Dive Centre
Apt M4, Tingkat M
Plaza Ampang
Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603-2148 5803
Fax: +603-2163 5142
E-mail: admin@myorcablue.com

Offer day trips to Pulau Payar Marine Park ; short holidays to Perhentian and Lang Tengah, South China Sea; longer dive holidays in both East and West Malaysia, plus further afield like the Maldives, Indonesia, Phillipines, Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea.

East Marine Holidays Sdn Bhd
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Jalan Dato Syed Omar Kuah
07000 Langkawi
Kedah
Malaysia
Tel: 6-04-966 3966
Fax: 6-04-966 4966
info@eastmarine.com.my

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