Mabul is a small fishing village-turned-dive-haven, located about 15 km from Sipadan in the Celebes Sea. It’s famed for muck diving, where divers discover groups like frogfish, blue-ring octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and more. The island spans roughly 0.2 km² and sits just 2–3 m above sea level
⁉️ Why Visit?
Mabul’s macro diving is world-class, complemented by unique cultural encounters and water adventures.
Combine with Sipadan to see big pelagics like sharks, rays, barracudas.
Plan for logistics — flights, permits, boat schedules — and bring cash & dive essentials.
✈️ How to Getting There
Fly into Tawau (via Kuala Lumpur/KK/Sandakan).
Land transfer (90 min) to Semporna jetty.
Speedboat ride (45 min) to Mabul
Arrive in Tawau by ~2 pm if traveling the same day. Otherwise, plan a night in Tawau or Semporna
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Dive year‑round, but April–October offers best visibility & calm seas.
Rainy months: November–March
Turtle nesting season: May–September
🏝️ Top Activities to Do
Scuba & Muck Diving
Dive sites: Seaventures Dive Rig, “Froggy’s Lair”, “Eel Garden”, “Lobster Wall”, “Crocodile Avenue”
Life: macro critters, pygmy seahorses, turtles, occasional whale sharks
Dive depth often ranges 5–35 m; beginner-friendly but some sites require advanced certification
Snorkeling & Freediving
Ideal in the shallow reefs. Spot turtles, reef fishes, and venture out on day trips to Sipadan & Kapalai
Kayaking
Try crystal-clear transparent kayaks (~RM30/hr), perfect for hidden coves and reefs
Culture & Sightseeing
Visit Bajau Laut (sea gypsy) villages — learn about their stilted homes and seafaring life; often welcome guests with seaweed or coconuts
Enjoy sunrise and sunset views — Mabul is one of the first spots in Malaysia to see the sunrise
Stargazing — low light pollution makes for superb starry nights .
Island Hopping & Marine Park Visits
Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pom Pom, Mataking, Timba Timba, Pandanan, plus the annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna (April)
November sees Miss Scuba International prepping on Mabul & Sipadan
💡 Tips & Practical Info
Currency & Cash
No ATMs on island; bring cash from Semporna. Some shops/resorts accept credit but mostly cash-only for locals
Connectivity
Limited Wi‑Fi; get a local SIM in Semporna (Celcom, Digi, Maxis)
Water & Waste
Bring reusable bottle; refillable stations common
Safety
Security presence due to past kidnapping risks; current risk considered low
Gear
Bring your own macro photography kit if into muck diving. Transparent kayak/hiking gear recommended.
🏖️ Itinerary Suggestion (3 days)
Day 1: Arrive → snorkel local reef → village walk + sunset.
Days 2–3: Two dives/day on varied sites, evening kayaking, turtle conservation talk.
Optional Day trip to Sipadan or Kapalai; island hopping/Tun Sakaran excursion
Mabul is a must-visit for underwater photographers, marine-life enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Exciting dive sites, kayaking, village life, festivals, and starry nights await.