Dive Op Tipping

[dmc78]

I will be spending two weeks diving at Pom Pom Island resort and Seaventure Dive rig. What is the recommended tipping etiquette for the dive boat crew in MYR ?

 

[Hoag]

I don't know what (if any) the local customs are for tipping there, but as a rule of thumb, I tend to go with the following as a starting point:
If staying on a live aboard, 10-15% of the cost of the booking
If on a shore based trip, $10-$15 per day paid daily if the dive boat crew changes or paid at the end of the trip if the crew is the same.

These amounts will vary (up or down) depending on the level of service.

 

[Wingy]

Nothing?

 

[Saldiac]

Having worked on Perhentian Island and visited Scuba Junkie and Seaventures in Mabul: there are no expectations of tipping. Of course, tips are always welcome but it's not required.

 

[Wingy]

@Saldiac thanks for explaining the lack of tipping culture so nicely. If I didnt tip you cash if I encountered you along the way at Seaventures thanks - I may not have left a cash tip but I have certainly sent many people to Seaventures.

 

[Saldiac]

Oh, I didn't work in Mabul but went diving for fun for a week at Scuba Junkie in 2015 and a week at Seaventures in February this year. For what it's worth, my wife and I did leave a tip on the last day of our trip but the amount is usually just spur of the moment.

 

[dmc78]

I don't know what (if any) the local customs are for tipping there, but as a rule of thumb, I tend to go with the following as a starting point:
If staying on a live aboard, 10-15% of the cost of the booking
If on a shore based trip, $10-$15 per day paid daily if the dive boat crew changes or paid at the end of the trip if the crew is the same.

]I have been doing the same amount for live aboards. As for boat dives in the Caribbean I usually tip the dive master $5 USD per tank/dive.

 

[Samma]

What can you tell me about getting to Seaventures? I'm heading there for 4 days in March from Singapore. It looks like I'd need to fly into Lahad Datu? Or Tawau. I'll be traveling on my own, so hoping to find an airport shuttle, then stay somewhere in Semporna to get the first boat transfer to SeaVentures.

Can you share what you did, and if you have any recommendations?

Oh, I didn't work in Mabul but went diving for fun for a week at Scuba Junkie in 2015 and a week at Seaventures in February this year. For what it's worth, my wife and I did leave a tip on the last day of our trip but the amount is usually just spur of the moment.

 

[Saldiac]

What can you tell me about getting to Seaventures? I'm heading there for 4 days in March from Singapore. It looks like I'd need to fly into Lahad Datu? Or Tawau. I'll be traveling on my own, so hoping to find an airport shuttle, then stay somewhere in Semporna to get the first boat transfer to SeaVentures.

Can you share what you did, and if you have any recommendations?

You should book with Seaventures and fly into Tawau. If you inform the Seaventures main office about your expected arrival time they will arrange airport pick-up and boat transportation from Semporna harbor to the oil rig. Easy peasy
You won't want to spend more time in Semporna than is absolutely necessary!

 

[Wingy]

Oh another fan of Semporna lol - must say Tawau is one of the crappiest places to be walking around trying to find something to eat late at night - which is why the airport pick up is a great idea.