We arrived at the village after the 1+hrs on the bus from Tawau airport and then the 30 min boat trip to be pleasantly surprised with the village. All the staff were very welcoming and the rooms were very comfortable with wonderful outlooks over the water.
We were a family of 5 adults, 3 divers and 2 non divers, however, this is really a holiday for diving people as there is no real area around the village where nondivers can snorkel or just lounge on the beach. As a result of this the two non divers did an assisted dive and followed this then by completing the PADI OPen water certificate, which we really enjoyed. The dive masters and instructors were first class and very patient and informative with the students, and completely professional with their approach to the diving. Well done Bobby, Valentine, Froi and everyone else. This was a great experience, especially at Sipadan where the divers were lucky enough to have two days with amazing underwater life on show.
The rooms were completely comfortable with a nice Malay feel to them. We had a standard bungalow and a delux bungalow, the latter being slightly larger with a larger bathroom, but both were well set out and had all the amenities we needed. Each bungalow has a wrap around verandah which can be incorporated into the room by opening the shutters across two sides of the cottage, making it breezy with fabulous views of the clear water and coral all around the bungalows. It is truly picturesque.
The food was plentiful, delicious and with great variety. Buffet style was well done as there was such an array of dishes that there was plenty for everyones tastes. Again the staff were so pleasant and keen to serve us, thanks Harry and Rosie.
We stayed for 5 night but could have stayed longer and considering the diving and food was incorporated in the price, we think it was very reasonably priced for the level of service we had. We had stayed the previous week at a much more expensive resort in a different area of Borneo and the SWV was as good and the service really much better.
The whole time here was a most pleasant experience and we will be looking to return at some time, especially to bring the other two non diving members of our family so they can also learn to dive and experience the fun we had here.

This is my second time to SWV and it was was as amazing as the first time i staryed there. on my first visit i was a lone traveller and the DM's, staff & manager looked after me. The second time round, it was the same and i had the most amazing holiday. it was the best i have ever had.

xmas day was great- amazing food, great entertainment and lot's of fun and laughter.

new year's eve was the best new year's eve i have ever had. it was such a laugh, there was entertainment, games and lot's of dancing. they really went to town & put loads of effort into it.

the staff are the friendlist i have ever come across, the manager can't do enough for you and i would consider him and the DM's friends after my 2 visits to SWV.

Junior in the dive centre was so helpful... he went that extra mile. he is such good fun als.

all the DM's are funny and have amazing sense of humour as well as exceptional marine life knowledge. they are super funny and we spent most of our time there with them, having a laugh.

the food was great, xmas day and new year there was lamb, turkey, sushi amongst many other things.

the rooms are amazing... such a great view looking onto the sea... so peaceful and relaxing.

and lastly.... wow, the diving is A star, the best place i have ever been. sipadan 515 is the best dive i have ever done. so much stuff to see. the dive centre is very well run and organised and the DM's are amazing to dive with as they are chilled and funny under the water also.

anyway, thanks SWV for making mine and my hubby's new year and xmas one to remember and for looking after us so well when we were there. i think i have made some great friends and i hope to see you again soon :)

I joined a group of Malaysian Chinese scuba divers and enjoyed 4 nights and 4 days of dives with Sipadan Water Village.

The transfer was well organized to and from Tawau airport. Nice comfy air con van. Then private speed boat. It is about 2+ hours.

On arrival, staff lines up at the jetty to meet and greet. It would be a much nicer experience if they could throw in a round of icy cold soft drink on arrival.
Same happen on your departure. They kept waving to you until you are so far away that you can't see them. Very professional good bye wave! LOL.

The room is nice and clean of good size. The furniture is very old school. Be warned that there is no air conditioning. To achieve max air flow, I preferred to sleep with my door open. But my room mate is not too fond of my care free idea. The bath room is actually dated. But hey ppl come hear to dive. I particularly enjoyed the hugh balcony for sun bathing in between my dives.

There is a mini mart selling drinks at the same price you would pay for your mini bar.

There is a lack of entertainment at night. There is no TV in your room. The bar has no noticeable music.

Buffet style of meal is included. The selection is good but I had MSG overdose after my trip. Watch out! The staff at the restaurant can do the standard smile and greet. But they are not interested in carrying a conversation or sell you drinks.

At nite, the house keeping staff will come around to put on the electrical mossie repellant.

If you are not a diver, bring your book and you will have a peaceful holiday.

Actually as per my knowledge, this resort is situated at Mabul Island and NOT Sipadan Island. We have to take a boat ride heading to Sipadan for diving. The room's condition is quite cozy for me; but don't have overly high expectation that the wood fixture would be looking in tip-top condition or new. Some rooms are small and some even have outdoor pool / jacuzzi. So it depends.. If you are lucky like me, you will be able to see green sea turtles visiting your sun-deck / balcony around sunrise; coming up close for some inhaling / exhaling ;) You may also walk around the villages; you will see many wooden mini houses , kids with minimal clothing playing, adults selling seashells souvenirs etc.

The food (from bread, bun, pizza, plain porridge with chinese assortment of some-kind, freshly cooked eggs from sunny side up to scrambled with tomato etc, various salads & fruits, desserts from cakes to jelly / pudding, soup, white rice, stirred fried vege, tasty cooked meats from fish, chicken, beef, lamb, prawns for almost every day deserved thumbs up) and beverages (coffee / tea / fruit juices / cold water) served were great enough for me.

The staffs there are warm, friendly, great with smiles and greetings. The Mother Nature's gifts are so kind; yet some human are bad in keeping the water area clean. So do know where to dispose rubbish (that's in the bin) and do be aware that most sunblock are harmful for the corals. If possible, do purchase and use ONLY those which are biodegradable & coral-friendly ones.

Be prepared too for the ride from Tawau Airport to Semporna port (about an hour or so), then about another 45mins boat ride to Mabul Island. Do consume traveling sickness pill as you alight from the plane if you are sea-sick etc. Lastly, enjoy Sabah :)