Mabul Island

Tourist sight
★ 4.6 (50+ reviews) • 1K+ booked
Mabul Island is a hidden gem in Malaysian Borneo, offering a tranquil escape from the crowded tourist spots. Nestled in the Celebes Sea, this enchanting island is a paradise that echoes the allure of the Maldives without the commercialization. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore the village life, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the sea gypsies and Suluk people. Mabul Island is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of enchanting marine life and cultural richness. Nestled near the renowned Sipadan, this small island boasts an underwater world teeming with endangered sea turtles, rays, and sharks, making it a diver's paradise. Above the water, Mabul is home to the Bajau Laut and Suluk tribes, known as sea gypsies, residing in stilt villages that dot the island's coastline. Despite its beauty, Mabul also presents a poignant reminder of environmental challenges, with trash pollution posing a significant threat to its delicate ecosystem. Welcome to Mabul Island, a hidden gem off the coast of Semporna that offers a unique paradise experience for travelers seeking crystal-clear waters and stunning bungalows along the beach. Dive into the underwater world of Sipadan, renowned as one of the best dive spots globally, where you can witness a vibrant marine ecosystem unlike any other.
See more
See more
Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia

The best of Mabul Island

Bucket-list experiences

Mabul and Kapalai Island Snorkeling Tour in Semporna

Mabul and Kapalai Island Snorkeling Tour in Semporna

24-hour confirmation
★ 4.3 (17)
US$ 46.99
Best Price Guarantee
Semporna Islands Day Trip

Semporna Islands Day Trip

24-hour confirmation
★ 3.1 (16)
From US$ 30
Leisure Diving Experience in Semporna Island

Leisure Diving Experience in Semporna Island

24-hour confirmation
★ 5.0 (1)
US$ 100
Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Semporna Island

Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Semporna Island

24-hour confirmation
★ 4.5 (4)
US$ 100.6
Best Price Guarantee
Semporna | 3 Islands Hopping, Snorkeling & Hiking Tour
US$ 85.85

Why people love Mabul Island

4.6 /5
40 reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
4 Sep
Amazing day out, saw the highest turtle, was holiday highlight! Boats being called was all in Chinese, just be alert as we couldn't understand the boat numbers.
Shih **********
23 Jul
The itinerary was very attentive and the dining place at noon was clean and comfortable. The tour guide gave very detailed explanations. Unlike other itineraries that were very compact, it also provided plenty of time for snorkeling. Compared with other itineraries or other island hopping itineraries, it was very fun and highly recommended.
2+
Klook User
27 Jun
wonderful experience. the guide was very cooperative.
LIU *******
19 Jun
With blue sky, white clouds and sea, Mabul Island can be visited on-site for MYR 50 per person. Those who don’t do snorkeling can wait on the island for snorkeling people to come back. There are two snorkeling tours, one in Kapalai Island and one in Mabul Island. Usually we go to the island first to take beautiful photos online, then have Chinese food before going into the water. So if you want to take beautiful photos, you can first wear fancy clothes to take photos, and then change into swimsuits. The tour guides are very good at taking photos. I highly recommend this itinerary♥
2+
Klook User
13 Apr
it was quite an experience. the staffs were friendly. we had fun snorkelling. downsides were we wasted about one hour plus picking other people from other places and one of the islands where we had our lunch, was filled w rubbish. wished it was cleaner.
Chen **********
15 Sep
Request to assemble and waiting point at 8.30am but leaving the terminal about 9.40am due the process of applying permits and waiting for others and boat. still needs to fetching 3 location before proceeding to first destination. Nice view from the top of Boheydulang. very clear water and colourful corals at Sibuan island and beautiful beaches as well. overall experience is good although rough sea.
2+
user *****
10 Aug
The tour was subcontracted to another company and it was a large group. The boat turned back to the jetty after leaving to pick up some passengers. You’ll need to pay RM 50 per person to enter the Mabul Water Bungalow, mainly for photo taking purposes. There was not much coral or fish while snorkeling at Mabul. You will not be able to go up to Kapalai as it is a private resort.
2+
LIN ********
22 Jun
We arrived before the gathering time as required, but we couldn't find the staff, so we had to ask one by one. Finally, someone took us to find someone. It turned out that the person was at the pier and didn't wait outside. It was really genius. The itinerary included 2 islands ashore. , 2 snorkeling times, not too bad, and there are simple lunch boxes. However, the speedboat is sailing in the open sea at a very fast speed. The boats are thrown up and down, and the bones are almost shattered. It is recommended that the elderly do not participate in this trip, otherwise they will go back Soreness all over the body, especially the lumbar spine.
2+

Nearby places to go

2M+ visitors
2M+ visitors
2M+ visitors
2M+ visitors
50+ visitors
2M+ visitors

FAQs about Mabul Island

What is the best time to visit Mabul Island?

How do I get to Mabul Island and what are the accommodation options?

What should I know about environmental awareness on Mabul Island?

What to know before visiting Mabul Island

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Diving at Mabul Island

Explore the diverse marine life around Mabul Island with its famous muck diving sites. Encounter rare sea creatures like giant cuttlefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and nudibranchs. Dive at top sites like Paradise 1 and Kapalai House Reef for an unforgettable underwater experience.

Village Life Exploration

Experience the slower pace of life on Mabul Island by wandering around the village. Witness the simple yet resourceful living conditions of the locals, interact with the sea gypsies, and observe traditional activities like boat building and village games.

Local Cuisine Experience

Indulge in fresh seafood caught by local fishermen and prepared by talented chefs. Negotiate with passing boats for a variety of seafood options like giant lobsters, conchs, and sea urchins. Enjoy delicious meals with a mix of local dishes and freshly grilled seafood.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Mabul Island was once a simple fishing village for the sea gypsies, known for their free diving and fishing skills. The island's transformation into a diving destination is linked to its neighbor, Sipadan Island. Explore the cultural practices and historical roots of the Bajau Laut people.

Local Cuisine

Savor the unique flavors of Mabul Island with its fresh seafood offerings. Try dishes prepared with freshly caught seafood like grilled tuna steaks, sashimi, and local delicacies. Experience the authentic taste of the island's cuisine.

Cultural Heritage

Discover the cultural heritage of Mabul Island through interactions with the indigenous Bajau Laut and Suluk tribes. Explore the stilt villages and learn about their traditional way of life, deeply intertwined with the sea.

Environmental Conservation

Gain insights into the environmental challenges facing Mabul Island, including the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Engage in sustainable tourism practices and support initiatives aimed at preserving the island's natural resources.

Diving and Snorkeling

Embark on thrilling diving and snorkeling adventures in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Mabul Island. Witness the vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine creatures that call this underwater paradise home.

Cultural and Environmental Contrasts

Experience the stark contrast between the water resorts built by a Chinese company and the impoverished living conditions on Mabul Island. Learn about the local Malay population's concerns regarding the lack of investment in the island's infrastructure and environmental conservation.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in popular local dishes on Mabul Island, offering a unique blend of flavors that reflect the cultural diversity of the region. Sample fresh seafood and traditional Malay delicacies for a true culinary experience.