Mabul Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Simon Bracken
Photo provided by Simon Bracken
Photo provided by Simon Bracken
Photo provided by Simon Bracken
Photo provided by Simon Bracken

Dive among shallow reefs and coral gardens and stretch out under the shade of coconut palms at this Malaysian island paradise.

Mabul Island lies in the Celebes Sea, just off the southeastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Perched by a gently sloping reef, the small, oval-shaped, sun-kissed playground is a gateway to lots of diving and snorkeling adventures. While investigating the undersea world is the main activity here, there is also fun to be had above the surface. Go sea kayaking, hike through the lush green landscape and laze on a beach.

Diving is a year-round activity on Mabul, although for optimum conditions, come outside of the rainy season, which is typically from November to April. The waters around the island are known for their rich concentration of small, exotic marine creatures.

Organize diving and snorkeling trips with local operators. There are several popular dive spots, including Lobster Wall and Crocodile Avenue. Dive through coral gardens populated by cuttlefish, starfish, boxer crabs and harlequin shrimp. Look in crevices and ledges for seahorse, pufferfish and lionfish.

In between dives, enjoy some of Mabul’s other attractions and activities. Cut through the water in a sea kayak and explore the island on foot. This is easily done in a couple of hours because it only covers approximately 51 acres (21 hectares). Then relax on sandy beaches lined with coconut palms.

Charter a boat for a trip to nearby Sipadan Island, another popular diving destination. After your dive, see what else the island has to offer. Stroll along white-sand beaches and trek through the jungle to see a variety of tropical birds. The island was declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 and is a stopover point for many migratory birds. Look for such species as sea eagles, sunbirds and kingfishers.

To get to Mabul Island’s dive sites and beaches, make your way to Semporna, a city on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. From there, it's a 30- to 45-minute speedboat ride to your destination.

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

3 out of 5
SJ3, Seafest Marina , Seafest Complex, Jalan Kastam, Mabul Island, Mabul Island
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mabul Island. Enjoy free breakfast, a beach locale, and onsite spa services. Popular attraction Kapalai Island is located ...
Great new resort, excellent service
"Brand new resort, very good conditions. Good breakfast and dinner. It would be good to provide WIFI and english channels in the rooms."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2022

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
Amina Holidays

Amina Holidays

2 out of 5
Mabul Island, Mabul Island, Sabah
Book a stay at this beach hostal in Mabul Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free grocery shopping service, and balconies or patios. Popular attraction Kapalai Island ...
Amina Holidays
Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental

Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental

Mabul Island, Sabah
Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental

Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental

Mabul Island, Sabah
Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental
Parapat Water Village Resort

Parapat Water Village Resort

3 out of 5
Anjung Warisan Parapat, Kg Pakalangan,, 91308 Semporna Sabah, Semporna, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star chalet in Semporna. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and balconies or patios. Popular attraction Bukit Tengkorak is located ...
Parapat Water Village Resort
Panglima Resort Semporna

Panglima Resort Semporna

3 out of 5
Kampong Gallam Gallam, Bum Bum Island, SABAH
Stay at this 3-star chalet in Bum Bum Island. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attraction Semporna Mosque is located ...
2/10 (1 review)
Rude owner
"The airport transport was nearly one hour late... There instruction was to send me the license plate with no further comments. Another guy at the airport explained it to me and looked for my taxi. (the driver didn't get out of the car and helped me at all) At the hotel the gave me a rm which I couldn't ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025

Panglima Resort Semporna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.