DIVERS ALERT : You must know about this great dive homestay I know of on Mabul Island called Spherediver’s Lodge. Mabul Island is accessed via Semporna, with the closest international airport being in Tawau. Sabah, BORNEO… their passion for what they do gives them the edge over their diving counterparts. This is my 3rd visit to this awesome homestay and it’s been a diving bliss every visit.
The population of Mabul Island is a majority of immigrants from southern Philippines. They are mainly Bajau Laut and Suluk Muslims who live a nomadic lifestyle, or better known as sea gypsies of Mabul. Spherediver’s Lodge is built amongst the Bajau village which are kampong houses built on stilts. The full frontal view from the lodge boasts a spectacular view of the South China Sea facing the West… yes, where the sun sets beautifully against the horizon.
Upon arriving at the homestay, you can immediately sense the passion the owners have put into the setup of their dive lodge. I appreciate the way the place is very organised and functional, comfortable and convenient, just very well-thought out and as a result, I am sure most can agree, gives that home-away-from-home feel.
Mabul Island famed internationally for it’s muck diving is ideal for a photography expedition offering photographers the opportunity to shoot unusual little critters like multi- coloured nudis, boxer and mantis shrimps, frogfish, ghost pipefish, eels, sea snakes, seahorses, turtles and list keeps going.
If you love diving and underwater photography, Stanley and Azhar, who are not only seasoned divers and talented in spotting rare and captivating sea creatures to capture on camera, gives that added touch and makes my stay at Spheredivers Lodge the ultimate dive vacation. You can add Azhar, Stanley or Spherediver’s Lodge on Facebook for more visuals of the underwater encounters.
After a great day of diving and waiting for the sun to set, I would walk around the Mabul to capture more photography moments of the sea gypsy village – observing the scenic beach with traditional sea gypsy boats that line the shores, and their way of life as the perfect backdrop ..these are but some of the scenes that await you and your camera.
Spheredivers Lodge continues to be my choice of accomodation for amazing diving in Mabul Island. If you dive and you have a camera in hand, this promises to be a spectacular dive experience. They also offer diving courses if you are not already certified. Spheredivers is a package deal, taking into consideration safety and dive ethics to ensure the ultimate dive vacation you will surely enjoy. You couldn’t get better aquainted with Mabul’s diverse and unique marine life without Azhar and Stanley. Just for price indicators, I paid RM1200 for 4 days 3 nights inclusive of your dives & gears, 3 meals a day and snacks, complimentary hot drinks all day and island transfers.
Check it out yourself!
ABOUT SPHEREDIVERS
Spheredivers Lodge and Tour Sdn Bhd is a Homestay constructed within the Bajau Village on stilts. Their Homestay offers a reasonable budget for fundives and PADI courses and a more laid back way to snorkel or dive to the Islands surroundings such as Sipadan, Si-Amil, Kapalai and Mabul, home to their homestay.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Spheredivers
Contact person/s:
Azhar – +6-012-285-7043
Stanley – +6-019-668-3731
