Bubbles Dive Resort

We have been touring thru Borneo for some days and wanted to enjoy some days off in the beach. Chose Bubbles due to excellent feedback from other travelers. Not disappointed. The place is small, kept as much untouched as possible, and far away from other resorts, so basically there is not much to do other than enjoying the beach, marine nature and resting. Staff are super friendly and attentive. Had some chats with the owner who set the resort up. He struggles to minimize human impact. Luckily, no plastic bottles allowed as we have seen endless bottles floating on the sea and rivers, so sad. I would recommend this place. Do not expect luxury, just enjoy the paradise. Despite we were not lucky with the weather, this is beyond anyone.

Pros: 1. Great food, great variety. 2. Great staff from frontdesk, kitchen, diveshop and dive school, 3. facilities: good beach equipment/activities 4. Weather: perfect 5. Make friends 6. Learning nature Cons 1. Depends on expectations. The rooms are not luxe pampering. If you expect that. 2. Maybe good to have free flow coffee?

We found Bubbles via a search engine as we were looking for somewhere to join a turtle conservation program. It not only fulfilled all our wishes for turtle conservation but was also a first class dive resort and fantastically chilled holiday resort. We arrived at the Kuala Besut jetty and easily found the Bubbles shop. We were found an earlier boat and 30 minutes later were pulling up to a pier jutting out from the beach (which was basically empty). It looked beautiful. Staff came running out and helped us with our bags and moments later we were checked in and shown to our room. The room is basic but clean with two large double beds and a toilet to one side at the back with outdoor shower the other. Don’t expect views of the beach because the hotel has left the beachfront to the turtles so that they can nest on the top of the beach as they have been for centuries. You get the view by walking to the uncrowded beach! We arrived before a Malaysian national holiday and departed after, even during the busy holiday period the beach area was not especially busy, outside of the holiday period you were lucky if there were ten people! There are some rustic sun-beds and hammocks at one end of the beach and the other end is left to the turtles and other wildlife. There are a couple of SUP’s and you can rent mask and snorkel. All very relaxing! We had come to join an experimental turtle conservation program with a group of longer term workers / volunteers. Sarah, Holly, Molly, Emma and Nada were amazing and their knowledge of turtle hatchery outstanding. We joined them for night patrols (all night, every hour rain or no rain), educational workshops, beach cleans, egg laying management, hatching releases. This team has a very responsible job to do and execute it perfectly. Guests should remember that the team has to protect the turtles and therefore people have to follow the rules they set, the usual balance between tourism and conservation. They balance this well. The resort has a house reef which is excellent for those who do not want to dive. The water is shallow for some distance with coral areas and at the edges of the bay the fish are exceptional. While snorkeling we saw black tipped reef sharks, bump head parrot fish, titan trigger fish, and all the other reef fish that you can list. The water was clear and calm and even with some days of wind no problem for hours of snorkeling. Another cornerstone of the resort is the excellent dive centre run by Grace. I was so impressed and encouraged by the operation I ended up doing my Padi Rescue Diver course as well as Nitrox certification. I was lucky to be instructed by the boss, Ronnie who gave me a very detailed tuition both in and out the water. I followed this with 9 recreational dives with Ryan who is one of the most enthusiastic divers I have had the pleasure of diving with. As is usual with diving life can become dive, eat, sleep, repeat. The food is plentiful and buffet style. The menu rotates

This is such a special place, we will never forget our lovely stay at this amazing resort, could never recommend it more! Beautiful peaceful private beach, such a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to the lovely staff, special thanks to Pearly for being so organized and quick at responding. Such an interesting turtle conservation project which totally engages you if you are interested. Great dive centre, friendly and professional and most of all very small groups. Amazing food, spacious rooms, paddle boards for free at the beach, kids had such an amazing time and so did I, we will be back!

Amazing stay at an amazing resort! Everything exceeded my expectations - rooms are spacious, clean and outdoor shower is a nice bonus! It takes like 20 steps to get to the beach - and it is one of the nicest beaches I have ever seen! And it is all private feeling as there is not any other accommodation on this beach. It is simply a paradise and you have everything at your finger tips, literally - beach, snorkelling/diving, meals etc. I stayed there for 5 nights and I am so happy I made this choice!

8 night stay in Paradise Everything exceeded expectations. Food plentiful and delicious. Hosts warm and welcoming. Beach straight from postcard Snorkelling trips brilliant Vibe chilled Turtle sanctuary fantastic - making a difference! Kids loved it. Highly recommend.