Although my ratings for individual criteria range from "poor" to "very good" I still must give Sipadan Water Village a very good rating for the complete range of services they provide (airport and jetty transfers, complete scuba packages), their spectacular location and access to one-of-a-kind diving in, perhaps, the world. These reasons are possibly behind why some areas are allowed to suffer or fall into disrepair...
We stayed at SWV on a 3 day, 2 night package. I had originally researched SWV online, and while in Malaysia we approached some tour operators about assisting us with bookings and arrangements. They were able to offer us a significantly reduced price on the package versus the resort's rates, and I can say that the resort is quite overpriced in the rates they quote. I cannot imagine paying their regular rates. Even at the price we paid, I believe the resort was a little bit below the level we would have expected. The rooms, while spacious, are very dated, the bed is acceptable, but is far from superior in comfort, and the furniture is old and worn. The bathrooms were the biggest disappoinment, poor condition, peeling paint, broken shower doors, dirty floors, no hot water (even after waiting over 20-30 minutes after turning on the heater). I understand some of these are caused by the harsh salt water they are constantly exposed to, but I would have expected hot water at the very least. The parts I loved about the room were the huge balcony with plants and lounge chairs, and the pocket shutter doors that open up entirely, meaning you can virtually remove an entire wall and face straight out into the beautiful Celebes sea.
This is first and foremost a dive resort, and the diving was excellent. I don't think I would stay here if I weren't diving. I would have to agree with previous comments about the dive instructors being somewhat careless, or maybe it was just a more laid-back attitude that I am not accustomed to. The check-in procedure at the dive center was very rigorous with an orientation and assigned lockers, BCDs, etc. However, they were absent when we attempted to check-out - twice!
Meanwhile, the check-in at the resort, after arriving on the boat transfer was somewhat confusing, as we were grouped with other people who knew each other and were together, so we didn't know if they had us mixed up or if they always check in everyone together that way. It seemed a little unprofessional.