Mention Mabul Island and visions of swaying coconut trees and idyllic water villages come to mind. And that’s just above the water. Located only about 15 minutes by speedboat from the famous Sipadan Island, Mabul has gained its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms) sites in the world.
Mabul is a small oval shaped island fringed by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25–30m deep.
Mabul is also renowned for its amazing array of macrolife, making it an underwater photographer’s dream location to capture some of the rarest ecological species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul.
Although all the excitement is underwater, you can always set your scuba gear aside for a day to laze on Mabul’s soft sand to work on your tan.
Many divers and macro photographers come to Mabul for its amazing range of critters and underwater species. The island itself has beautiful sandy beaches and features a colorful Bajau village. Both Sipadan island and Kapalai are only a short boat ride away.
Day time activities include relaxing, snorkeling or exploring the local Bajau fishing village.
Mabul Marine species:
- Greenback turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
- Nudibranchs
- Crocodilefish
- Frogfish
- Octopus
- Blue-ring octopus
- Lobsters
- Mandarin fish
- Mantis shrimps
- Garden eels
Diving at Mabul island is possible all year round.
Important: Book your Sipadan Dive Permits in advance!
