Photos of resort are misleading. Huge oil derrick 1/2 mile off shore. Newer, and nicer looking over water resort built next door. And, unfortunately, a refugee camp on the beach adjacent to the resort. There for 8 nights in Jr. Room by the dive shop. You share a balcony w/ room next door, so be sure to know your neighbor.... more

We did a land/dive trip to Borneo. Spent one week in the rain forest and then one week of diving. Phenomenal trip! (See my review on the Borneo Rain Forest.) We learned about diving Sipadan from a friend who lives in Kuala Lumpur. She has been diving in all areas in Malaysia and Indonesia. She said that Sipadan is her... more

I first saw SWV several years ago when I was staying at another resort on Mabul, so this time I booked it. It looks very nice, with bungalows over the water on stilts but I have to tell you, staying there is simply spectacular! The rooms are well-built, well-appointed, spacious, and have wooden balconies....and the VIEW!!! OMG!! Open sea, coral... more

SWV is a stilted resort built over crystal clear waters with plenty of fish and the odd turtle swimming by. This is definitely a dive resort and although it’s attached to the island of Mabul, you’ll struggle to find much else to do other than dive or sunbathe. We were here to dive and it was fantastic. Well run and... more

Stayed for 5 days diving. Rooms were large & cool, even though they dont have air condioning, but dont need it Diving is great around the 3 main islands of Mabul, Kapali & Sipadan. Diving was very organised, small groups, all with similar intrestes, ie macro, big stuff, dive masters very knowlegable. All the staff say good morning/ afternoon &... more

Sipadan Water Village in Mabul Island is a little paradise at the Celebes Sea, off Semporna. From the 40 minutes boat ride to the socialising with the staff at the Diving Centre, all seem to be perfect. All the staff would make a line at the jetty to welcome you soon as the boat reach the turqoise clear water as... more

Stayed at the resort with my wife and two teenage sons. We had a great time and while it isn't a luxury resort, the rooms are good and so is the food, service, friendliness, maintenance, cleanliness etc. etc. The location is spectacular as is the diving. Our sons took part in a Padi dive course with a very good, very... more

From the agreed pick up from our hotel, to the pleasant boat trip out to the resort and everyday thereafter....this place is just magic. The staff make you feel welcome and can't do enough to make you enjoy your stay. As we arrived on the early transit, our room wasn't ready so they put us into a temporary room while... more

I last visited SWV in Dec 2005. Then I complained about bed bugs, the food, and the not so good snorkelling. We visited SWV again last month. This time there were only 2 of us, so we had to opportunity to test for bed bugs, but the food was much better. Also, when we went out on the reef just... more