Planning a trip to Mabul? This tropical paradise offers stunning marine life, diverse accommodations, and unique cultural experiences.
Located close to the legendary Sipadan Island and home to the traditional Bajau Laut community, Mabul Island is perfectly situated for an unforgettable adventure.
Here are 8 essential things to know before your visit.
- Location
Pulau Mabul, Kapalai and world-famous Sipadan are located so close to each other (15-20 minutes by speedboat) that they are often visited together. There are no airports around here, so getting to Mabul involves a combination of flights, land transfers, and boat rides. - Accommodation
Mabul Island accommodation caters to every budget. Most homestays, lodges, hotels and resorts are situated on the island itself while one is located on a modified, offshore oil rig about 500 meters from the beach. - Sipadan
There are no hotels or resorts on the diving mecca that is Sipadan — all visitors stay in neighbouring Mabul, Kapalai, or Mataking. As a marine park gazetted in 2009, Sipadan permits are required for visiting the island (see Sipadan packages with guaranteed permits). - Semporna
Travellers on budgets prefer staying on the mainland in one of many hotels in Semporna, using the coastal town as a base for island hopping trips. - Sea Gypsies
The legendary Bajau Laut people, nicknamed the ‘nomads of the sea’, live in and around Mabul. - Things to do
The main activities in Mabul Island are snorkeling and diving. Other popular activities include ocean kayaking, visiting turtle hatcheries and island hopping. - Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Day tours to Tun Sakaran Marine Park and other nearby islands, i.e. Timba Timba, Pandanan, etc. can be organized (check with your resort/dive operator). - Festivals and events
If you visit around April, be sure to check out the Regatta Lepa festival. If you’re coming in November, you’ll be arriving just in time for the Miss Scuba International competition.