Edited to reflect personal bias and financial motivation to the advice.
More expensive resort, more expensive food and more expensive accommodation.
Whilst quality of service is a factor in determining 'better'... it is also important to realize that some (many?) customers also prioritize cost amongst the factors that they associate with the 'best' choice
for them.
Cost I agree is definitely a factor in most decisions. My listing was based on the best overall place in the area in terms of overall rating from a comfort, conservation and attitude point of view. The ultimate deciding factor will of course be weighed out by what experience you want to have at the end of the day.
How so? Do they go to different dive sites to all the other scuba operations in the area?
Actually they do. If you request to do the Si Amil islands and other less known dive sites. The guides are also career guides and not transitional ones found in many places around Asia. This gives them more experience in knowing the sites well.
Paying top-notch prices, I'd expect a lot more guaranteed Sipidan diving than that.
Paying top notch prices will get you mor top notch comfort and service. Getting additional permits is surely entirely a different category altogether. Although having said that most top notch resort will always try harder to please their clientele. That is why people go to top notch places- for the service.
Oh... will it? Based on what criteria? Yours?
Yes. Based on my opinion. I definitely have a vested interest. It is a business after all. But I am a diver first and foremost. And as a diver I tend to make decisions on certain criterias. Conservation, contribution and attitude runs high in my list.
I have used every other facility in the area and have made more than 500 dives over 15 years here. So, yes, I think my opinion matters.
Personally, I don't need fresh water lillies floating in my spa bath, or silk-clothed waitresses pouring my wine at night. Any cost beyond a comfortable bed, a cold beer, a home-cooked local meal and access to world-class diving is waste of cash to me. I'd rather spend that money on more diving... or diving kit... or diving books.... or even more diving kit...
I suppose the operative word here is "Personally". Some of us like to equate world class diving with a great resort as it may be the only time you ever get to dive Sipadan. So why not make a meal of it and spoil yourself?
Now... if I was on a honeymoon, then I'd probably choose SMART. If I was there to dive, then I'd go with the most cost-efficient operator who offered sufficient safety and hygienic facilities.
If I was on my honeymoon, I think I'd find other more interesting activities to indulge in.
The point being = it is wrong to adopt an arrogant attitude based on ignorance of the market focus of a business. Likewise, it is wrong to assume that every customer has the same values, or desires the same services, or is willing to pay the same prices as the market you are targeting.
I will never have the audacity nor the arrogance to tell someone how to run his business. I never assume that every customer has the same values. I always believe that if you want to do something, then do it in the best and most pleasurable way you can. Affordability obviously will play a big role but sometimes it's just nice to let splurge on yourself on a once in a lifetime trip. Make better memories, don't you think?
These are all accusations that should be supported... especially when you have an obvious vested and financial interest in promoting the competition. Tut Tut.
I found Scuba Junkies to be very good as a dive operation. Of course, they target a different market (backpackers), so the fripperied spa-dwellers might find that to be a bit of a culture shock. Young people, having fun... friendly, inclusive and down-to-earth... with an emphasis on diving, not luxury living.
My only comment for this is- ask the locals in Semporna what they think of them. I am not concerned about their market. Just their arrogance and shoving down their mightier than thou opinions to the locals. Respecting the locals and their traditions, no matter how different it may be to yours, is vital. I am sure you wouldn't like me to come into your home and tell you how to do things. Vice versa.
I've seen SMART running scuba lessons. Wasn't impressed to be honest.
I won't even want to reply to this.
Not sure what you mean by 'respect for locals'... or how that impacts on their guests. The only 'negative' inter-action I saw on their behalf was the discrete campaigning against destructive fishing practices (shark fining, dynamite fishing etc). On that note, I don't see what 'big-bucks' SMART resort is doing for the locals either... the prosperity certainly doesn't seem to be transferring to the resident population?!?