Everything You NEED to Know for a Mabul Island Vacation — Approved by Locals!
There’s always something to do in Sabah, and when you reach Mabul Island, you’ll constantly be in awe of its beauty. The tranquil way of life, white sandy beaches, beautiful sea creatures, and breathtaking views are enough to book a 2nd trip!
But reaching it isn’t exactly the easiest. And for first-time travellers, what do you do there?
Don’t worry. We compiled this handy travel guide for locals and tourists who want to explore this beauty, based on first-hand knowledge and experience. Dive right in!
Time Zone
Malaysia Time (GMT +8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Mabul Island is from March to October. These months provide better visibility when swimming and diving, as the seas are calm.
Although it’s accessible throughout the year, the monsoon season, from November to April, makes it impossible to go do water activities.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Language: Bahasa Malaysia
Location: Southeastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia
How to Get There
- Step 1: Airplane: To get to Mabul Island, you must first book a ticket to Tawau Airport, located in Tawau, Sabah. From Kuala Lumpur, you can book a non-stop flight that will take a little under 3 hours.
You can book using major airlines, like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air. Flights are available at various hours of the day, making it easy to find the most suitable time.
However, it’s best to get there in the morning to make way for the boat ride.
- Step 2: Car: Once you land in Tawau Airport, take a 1.5 car ride to Semporna. If you’re staying in a hotel in town, you can check if they offer airport shuttles or taxi assistance. A taxi costs approximately RM45, depending on traffic.
Another convenient option, albeit pricier, is through ride-hailing apps (Grab and Maxim) or a private transfer. If you book a shuttle, you can save money by using shared rides instead of private ones.
If you’re going directly to Mabul Island instead of spending a night or two in Semporna, book a ride straight to the Semporna Jetty. But we recommend you do this only if you arrive early.
- Step 3: Boat Ride: Once you reach Semporna, you must book a jetty to finally reach Mabul Island. Go to Public Jetty Semporna, which acts as the transit hub to various islands in Sabah.
The boat trip will take around an hour, depending on weather conditions. The last boat leaves at 4:30 PM, so make sure you plan your schedule accordingly.
For convenience, look into booking a tour package, which will arrange your transportation.
Where to Stay in Mabul Island
Sipadan Water Village Resort
– Media credit: sipadanwatervillageresort
Address: Sipadan Water Village
Contact: 6-089-751777, 6-089-752996, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout Times: 2 PM & 9:30 AM
Pricing: $$$
Best For: Couples and families searching for comfort and luxury
Want to visit Mabul Island in style? Sipadan Water Village Resort is exactly what you need for comfort and luxury, where the chalets are built above the water. It offers privacy and space, on top of breathtaking views of the sea!
You get a private deck, an air-conditioned room, hot and cold showers, bath amenities, and a coffee and tea maker. There’s also an on-site restaurant that cooks up Malaysian, Asian, and Western cuisine for local and tourist palates!
One of the best amenities? Land and boat transfers straight from Tawau Airport or Semporna. Another one? They offer various activities that’ll let you explore Mabul Island, like kayaking!
Mabul Water Bungalows
– Media credit: mabulwaterbungalow_resort
Address: Mabul Water Bungalows
Contact: +60 17-885 3933 (WhatsApp), [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout Times: 2 PM & 12 PM
Pricing: $$$
Best For: Families and couples who want luxury accommodation and to take part in water activities
The Mabul Water Bungalows provide villas above the water. It offers all the modern comforts you need for a relaxing stay, all while staying in a luxurious accommodation, which is perfect for families with kids and couples on a romantic getaway!
The amenities are never-ending during your stay. It offers land and sea transfers from Tawau, three meals a day, guided boat diving (to Mabul, Sipadan, and Kapalai), scuba diving courses, various water activities, and pool access.
After a tiring day exploring Mabul Island, you can book a massage to recharge your body.
Aloha Mabul Scuba Lodge
– Media credit: mr_tone_borneo
Address: Aloha Mabul Scuba Lodge
Contact: +60 11-1066 8828, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout Times: 2 PM & before 11 AM
Pricing: $$
Best For: Groups and families who want to do various water activities
Aloha Mabul Scuba Lodge is a straightforward accommodation, where the rooms are simple, the food is good, and the water activities are the main attractions. It famously has a waterslide that goes from the lodge to the sea!
It’s THE place to be for scuba divers, whether you’re a pro or not. You’ll find that the aquatic activities are mainly why you’ll stay here, which they offer with experienced guides.
Plus, everything’s sorted out here, from boat transfers, meals, and water sports equipment.
Seaventures Dive Rig
– Media credit: seaventuresdiverig
Address: Near Mabul Island
Contact: 6088-261 669, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout Times: 2 PM & 12 PM
Pricing: $$$
Best For: Divers who want easy access to dive sites
Visitors who love underwater adventures will surely find Seaventures Dive Rig a delight. They’re more of an accommodation-slash-experience service, which also offers tour packages on the neighbouring islands.
The highlight? You’ll be staying in a repurposed oil rig. What’s so good about this? The direct access to underwater adventures! And even when you’re not in the water, you’ll see marine animals swimming on the surface!
It doesn’t mean that you won’t receive modern comforts just because it was previously an oil rig. There’s a total of 41 air-conditioned rooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers!
What to Do in Mabul Island
Dive and see marine animals
– Media credit: mr_tone_borneo
When in Mabul Island, one must dive. It’s probably the most famous activity here, as it’s home to shallow sites that are perfect for macro and muck diving.
This diving destination will introduce you to a vast array of beautiful sea creatures, like cuttlefish, sea turtles, manta rays, and all kinds of fish!
Most hotels and lodges offer this activity, so you can rent and won’t need to bring heavy gear to the island. Tour packages will include a guide and transportation to and from the diving location.
Go snorkelling
– Media credit: sipadanwatervillageresort
Naturally, snorkelling is a must in Mabul Island. It’s popular due to its accessibility since you don’t have to be the best swimmer for this!
If you aren’t a diver, this is an activity that’s within reach. You can safely stay on the water surface while donning a life jacket and a mask, preventing you from going under and allowing you to breathe while watching sea creatures.
Hop over to the neighbouring Sipadan Island
– Media credit: jimhellemn_photography
Take advantage of Mabul Island’s close proximity to Sipadan Island, taking only approximately 20 minutes by boat. You can go island hopping by booking through tour operators.
But Sipadan Island has limited access for marine and environmental conservation. Currently, a permit is required to dive there, and it only gives out 256 permits per day.
Visitors are only allowed to obtain a permit through licensed operators, which you can find here. Remember to contact the operators for the eligibility and requirements of diving at Sipadan Island.
It’s also important to note that the island closes for a month every year. If you’re planning on going there, book as early as you can.
Wander around the villages
– Media credit: henrychen1191
One way to immerse yourself in the local culture is by wandering around the villages. This way, you can open up your world to other ways of life.
You can swing by local eateries and convenience stores, and maybe meet some locals and purchase souvenirs (but avoid those made out of endangered species!). Remember to be respectful, especially when you’re taking photos when people are in the shot.
Visit Bajau Laut, home of the sea gypsies
– Media credit: zahariz
Take a look at Bajau Laut, a floating village where wooden houses are on stilts. It’s home to “sea gypsies,” who live a nomadic lifestyle on the coasts of Borneo, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
It’s important to remember that if you do decide to visit here, respect the Bajau Laut culture. You can take a look at their way of living, but do so in a respectful manner.
It’s not easy to get here, though, since there aren’t many tour guides who will take you to the sea village.
Where to Eat in Mabul Island
Frankly, you won’t have to worry about food when in Mabul Island. Your accommodation and tour package will most likely include 3 meals a day at the hotel’s on-site restaurant.
While exploring the island, you can try out small local eateries or convenience stores. These are usually cheaper than hotel restaurants, and they’re better if you want a more local experience!
Where to Book a Tour Package in Mabul Island
Amazing Borneo Tours
– Media credit: amazingborneo
Office Address: L1.39, 1st Floor, Kompleks, Jalan Asia City, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: (+6) 088 448 409, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 1 PM
When vacationing in Malaysia, Amazing Borneo Tours is a tour operator you should check out! They offer plenty of packages all over Sabah and Sarawak, available for all kinds of budgets.
It’s easy to find multi-day Mabul Island tours, some of which include island adventures (if you want to venture out a little more). You’ll find something to do since they offer loads, whether you’re an active explorer or looking for a relaxing vacation.
Simply Borneo Tours
– Media credit: simplyborneotours
Office Address: Unit No L-97, 1st Floor, Link Bridge, Star City, Jalan Asia City, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 6012-800 5755, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 1 PM
If you want the option of booking day trips or multi-day tours in Sabah, Simply Borneo is worth checking out. Packages include transfers and a local guide, so everything’s easy peasy!
One of the perks of day trips is that you don’t have to spend much, which is perfect for locals and travellers searching for budget-friendly ways to explore Mabul Island.
Multi-day tours, on the other hand, will be more expensive. That’s normal since it includes accommodation, meals, and transfers.
What to Pack for Mabul Island
Don’t overpack, but don’t underpack as well! Here are important things to know and bring when visiting Mabul Island:
- Pack lightweight clothing to avoid heavy bags. Bring breathable clothes that dry quickly.
- Swimwear and rash guards for water adventures.
- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin, as well as a hat and a pair of glasses for wandering around the area.
- Sandals for trips to sandy areas.
- A dry bag to keep your essentials safe from the water.
- Dive or snorkel gear if you don’t want to rent. Don’t forget to ask your tour operator or hotel if your gear needs an adapter to connect to the tank valve.
- Reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.
- Small first-aid kit and medications because you’ll have to travel by boat back to Semporma for medical treatments.
- Insect repellent, which you need when going to grassy areas in Sabah. Don’t become mosquito food!
- Cash in the local currency since not all establishments in Sabah accept card payments.
What to Expect on Mabul Island
Mabul Island is small, so don’t expect to see big communities. You’ll experience the local culture, which is quiet and peaceful—it’s a far cry from the noisy city life.
Your activities will mostly be in the sea. Diving and snorkelling are the most popular experiences offered here, so expect to see a vast array of sea creatures.
As for the food, there’s going to be a variety of seafood since it’s a fishing village. It’s normal to see freshly caught seafood everywhere.
Like any other place, especially one you’re unfamiliar with, it’s important to always put safety first. Avoid wandering alone and going to areas you don’t know or those far away from your lodging.