Homestays and lodges built over the sea comprise the bulk of Mabul Island budget accommodation.
Note: You do not have to stay in Mabul in order to go snorkeling or diving here. If budget is your main concern, you may wish to consider staying at a seafront hotel in Semporna, where accommodation and day trips are generally cheaper.
Mabul budget accommodation (with Sipadan permits)
1. Uncle Chang Sipadan (7 permits)
Wooden lodge built on stilts over the sea. Dorm, double, family rooms and seaview chalets available.
1 day diving in Sipadan from RM600 (non-divers), RM720 (2 dives) and RM750 (3 dives)
2. Billabong Scuba (6 permits)
Homestay chalets built on stilts over the ocean with air-conditioning and attached bathrooms.
1 day diving in Sipadan from RM848 (3 dives)
Other Mabul budget hotels
1. Scuba Jeff Sipadan
Private beach accommodation or sharing rooms built over the sea available here. Features an ‘ocean hammock’ area.
Unlimited jetty/house reef diving
Booking.com
– Brand new!
2. Mabul Paradise Lodge
All dorm, double and triple sharing rooms are air-conditioned at this budget lodge built over the water. Scrumptious buffet served at the spacious sun deck.
3. Spheredivers Lodge
Located within the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) village on the island, this guesthouse is constructed on stilts over the ocean. Twin sharing rooms with shared/attached bathrooms available.
► Check pricing for Spheredivers Lodge on Agoda
4. Sipadan Micro Dive
Comfortable, tastefully renovated rooms next to the water. Sister property of Seahorse Sipadan Scuba Lodge.
5. Seahorse Sipadan Scuba Lodge
Dorm and standard rooms with attached bathrooms, ceiling fans and sea views available at this floating lodge.
► Check pricing for Seahorse Sipadan Scuba Lodge on Agoda
6. Sipadan Dive Centre (SDC) Mabul Lodge
Beachside accommodation with sea-facing and water-village-view rooms that come with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms (hot shower).
► 3D2N package for Sipadan Dive Centre (SDC) Mabul Lodge
7. Arung Hayat Sipadan Adventures Dive Center
Mabul accommodation consisting of a guesthouse built over the sea. Fan, air-cond and VIP rooms available. Not to be confused with Arung Hayat Hotel in Semporna town.
► Check pricing for Arung Hayat (in Mabul) on Agoda
8. Mabul Backpackers Longhouse
Longhouse extending over the water from the beach with twin and double sharing or dormitory rooms available.
► 3D2N packages for Mabul Backpackers Longhouse
9. Summer Friends Homestay
Homestay built on stilts in the middle of a fishing village with 10 rooms (single, twin, triple & quad sharing) and 6 detached bathrooms.
All rooms are equipped with fans.
