Hi,
I am planning 3 days in January around Mabul/Katalai/Sipadan to go snorkeling with my girlfriend, as we have zero diving experience (in fact, I have only snorkeled once before). We'd like somewhere comfortable to stay, and to have the flexibility to try snorkeling in a few different areas. I'd like some advice on how to best plan this:
I was looking at the (very) expensive resort options, and while they look nice, it's not clear from their website that they offer anything for snorkelers. It seems the non-dive package is basically just the room plus the option to "go snorkeling around the resort" (snorkeling gear often isn't even included). Given how much it costs, this seems very limiting, and I don't really want to shell out the kind of money they are asking, plus then have pay extra every time we want to go snorkeling somewhere different. Would you say that there is plenty to do around Mabul island that we could just walk around the island and snorkel in places on our own? Or would it be better to find an operator which takes you out by boat to various locations (keeping in mind that we're there for 3 days)?
For example, Scuba Junkie offers boat trips if you stay at their accommodation (Mabul Beach Resort), unfortunately it's full for our dates. They also have the option for people without diving experience to try it out (for a fee), which is interesting, we could do that for one day.
Any other options? We don't want to stay in dorms and rough it, this is meant to be a relaxing and fun holiday. Are there any homestays with character, our own bathroom and relative privacy/peace and quiet? From photos, the homestays seemed pretty spartan (nothing wrong with that, we just felt like something a little more... mid-range this time around).
Thanks!
Greg