Welcome to Mabul Backpackers!
Your Gateway to Sipadan
AMAZING NEWS!
Our Solar panels and Starlink Internet have been installed!
We are pleased to announce that our dive center is now fully equipped with Starlink satellite internet and a solar power system.
This means reliable high-speed connectivity and uninterrupted power, 24 hours a day.
Whether you need to stay in touch with family, manage remote work, upload photos and videos, or simply enjoy a stable connection after your dives, you can now do so with confidence—anytime, day or night.
Diving at Mabul Backpackers: A World-Class Experience Under Your Feet
Welcome to Mabul Backpackers, where the ocean isn't just a destination—it’s our backyard. Located in the heart of the "Macro Diving Capital of the World," our hostel offers a unique vantage point where you can watch the sunrise over the Celebes Sea on your left and the sunset on your right, all from the comfort of our deck.
Whether you are taking your very first breath underwater or you’re a seasoned pro looking for that rare nudibranch, we provide a peaceful, professional, and friendly environment to explore the blue.
The Magic of Our House Reef
You don't have to go far to see the wonders of Mabul. The water directly under our hostel is incredibly clear, and it’s a daily occurrence to see sea turtles gliding under our bridge. For those who love "muck diving" and macro life, our house reef and nearby sites are teeming with:
- Green and Hawksbill Turtles
- Frogfish and Lionfish
- Ornate Ghost Pipefish
- Moray Eels and Lobsters
- Countless species of colorful Nudibranchs
Fun Diving for Certified Divers
For those who already hold a certification, our daily fun dives take you to the best spots around Mabul and Kapalai. Our dive team brings a collective 15 years of local knowledge to every trip. We don't just "go for a dive"—we go on an underwater safari. Our guides are experts at spotting the tiny, camouflaged critters that make this region famous.
We pride ourselves on a relaxed, "no-pressure" philosophy. We won't push you into packages; we provide recommendations only when you ask, ensuring your holiday remains as peaceful and stress-free as possible.
Learn to Dive: From Beginner to Pro
At Mabul Backpackers, we believe in patient, responsible, and kind instruction. We take the time to ensure you are comfortable, safe, and truly enjoying the experience.
Start Your Journey
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Not ready for a full course? Try a half-day introduction right here at our house reef.
- Open Water Course: Get your worldwide certification over 3–4 days. Learn the fundamentals while surrounded by turtles and tropical fish.
Advance Your Skills
Ready for more? Our Advanced Open Water program is designed to build confidence. We specialize in:
- Drift Diving: Learn to fly with the currents.
- Night Diving: See the reef transform under the moonlight.
- Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB): Master the art of "hovering" to protect the reef and your air.
- Optional: Fish Identification. Turn your dive into a biology lesson and learn to spot the rarest residents of Mabul.
Safety and Rescue
For those looking to level up their responsibility, we offer the Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) courses. These programs are challenging and rewarding, turning you into the most reliable buddy in the water.
The "After-Dive" Atmosphere
Diving is only half the story. At Mabul Backpackers, we’ve created a "home away from home." After a day of exploring the depths, join us on the deck where the atmosphere is always relaxed. Whether it’s a quiet evening watching the stars or a lively session of guitars and karaoke, you’ll find that the friendships made here last as long as the memories of the dives.