Spheredivers Scuba & Leisure

The dive sites are really nice and in good shape, but the equipment available for rent was very old and not sufficient. My wetsuit, leaking tank, and lack of fresh air were concerns, and there was no information about the equipment’s last service. The inventory was limited, so the fins ordered for my wife weren’t available. There was no safety sausage, and the BCD had no release valve string to pull. The next day, a guest who was a dive instructor also had to get other tanks from the neighboring dive shop. The rooms are basic, around hostel level, and the water bungalow shook a bit when waves came from boats. Be careful on the wooden walkway from the bungalow to the beach: some planks are broken, and it moves as you walk. At times it was noisy, with the one-cylinder boats passing and generators running all night on the island, of course this is Asia and a small island. The food was very simple and had to be ordered one to two hours ahead. Breakfast was noodles, a boiled egg, and a pancake, and there was no coffee. Management communication was only through WhatsApp and slow. The local staff didn’t speak English, and the freelance dive instructor didn’t know about the equipment situation.

I liked the island atmosphere, and the owner is funny and experienced. But the dive equipment was handled badly. I went diving for one day, and every piece of gear I got was dangerously faulty. On the first dive the BCD leaked air, on the second the regulator hose bulged and burst, leaving it free flowing, and on the third my first stage clogged and I was completely out of air. An experienced diver might be able to manage it, but otherwise it could kill you. Check your gear carefully before going underwater.

The people here made the place for us, even though it’s simple. We spent five peaceful, relaxing, fun nights and were well looked after both at the accommodation and on the dives. We did almost three dives every day with very observant dive masters, and the hospitality felt sincere and friendly. We’re so glad we chose this dive school among the other fancy ‘corporate’ dive resorts around the island. I’ll be back for my tuna sashimi!

We meant to stay three nights, but ended up adding two more because we loved it so much. The staff were friendly and helpful, and for us it was the best accommodation at Pulau Mabul. It’s a hidden gem among the local people. We also went diving with them for a day. I had trouble equalizing on the first dive, so one of the dive masters took me aside and helped me descend more slowly than the others. We joined the group again later. A friend of theirs came along too and took beautiful photos with a professional camera. I’d recommend this place, whether you dive or not!