+11

Mabul Island - Mabul Water Bungalow

4.9

Highlights

  • Stay in Luxurious Overwater Bungalows: Your private haven directly above the turquoise Celebes Sea.
  • World-Class Mabul Diving at Your Doorstep: Explore vibrant reefs famed for unique macro life.
  • Excellent House Reef Access: Enjoy easy diving and snorkeling just steps away.
  • Premier Launchpad for Sipadan Island: Ideal location for accessing world-renowned Sipadan (Permit required, enquire for details).
  • Spot Rare Marine Critters: Seek Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Blue-Ringed Octopus, Harlequin Shrimp & more!
  • On-Site PADI/NAUI 5-Star Dive Centre: Offering courses from beginner to pro, including Nitrox.
  • Resort Comforts: Relax at the spa, enjoy delicious meals, and unwind at the bar & lounge.

Overview

Indulge in an unforgettable tropical escape at Mabul Water Bungalows, a luxurious 4-star resort floating above the stunning turquoise waters surrounding Mabul Island. Perfectly positioned for divers and discerning travelers, this exclusive retreat offers unparalleled access to some of the world's richest marine environments.

Step from your elegant overwater bungalow, complete with modern amenities and a private balcony, directly into a diver's paradise. Mabul itself is a world-renowned hotspot for macro photography and muck diving, teeming with rare and fascinating critters like pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and countless nudibranch species. Explore the vibrant house reef at your leisure or join guided boat dives to discover the diverse sites around the island.

The resort also serves as a premier base for accessing the legendary Sipadan Island (just a 15-minute boat ride away). Please note that Sipadan permits are strictly limited, not included in standard packages, require advance booking/lottery, incur additional fees, and divers must meet minimum certification levels (typically Advanced Open Water). Enquire upon booking for possibility and details.

Beyond diving, relax with a treatment at the spa, savour delicious meals at the outdoor restaurant, or simply soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. With a full-service PADI/NAUI 5-Star dive centre offering courses for all levels, Mabul Water Bungalows provides the ultimate blend of diving adventure and luxurious relaxation in the heart of Borneo's underwater wonders.

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About Sipadan Mabul Resort

Experience unparalleled luxury and world-class diving at Mabul Water Bungalows, a stunning 4-star resort built entirely over the clear turquoise waters surrounding Mabul Island. Located just a short 15-minute speedboat ride from the legendary Sipadan Island, it offers an exclusive escape in the heart of Borneo's marine paradise.

Stay in beautifully appointed overwater bungalows, each featuring contemporary decor, air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, mini-bar, safety box, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony with breathtaking panoramic sea views. It's the perfect blend of comfort and direct connection to the ocean.

The resort caters excellently to both divers and leisure travelers. Its prime location on Mabul Island makes it a world-renowned destination for macro diving, famous for sightings of rare critters like flamboyant cuttlefish and blue-ringed octopus. Explore the vibrant house reef directly from the resort or join guided boat dives. The on-site PADI/NAUI 5-Star Dive Centre offers a full range of courses, from beginner certifications to Divemaster and technical diving options like Nitrox.

Beyond diving, relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy delicious meals at the open-air restaurant, unwind with a drink at the bar, indulge in treatments at the Ka'andaman Spa, or take a dip in the swimming pool and jacuzzi. Other activities like ocean kayaking and snorkeling are also available.

With its exceptional location, luxurious accommodation, comprehensive dive facilities, and relaxing amenities, Mabul Water Bungalows provides an unforgettable tropical getaway focused on the best of Borneo's underwater world.

(Standard Check-in: 2:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM)

Annual Temporary Conservation Break at Sipadan Island

To help preserve Sipadan’s world-famous marine ecosystem, the island observes its annual conservation break from 1–30 November each year for a period of natural recuperation.

During this time, diving activities at Sipadan will be paused, but the surrounding island resorts remain fully open — guests can still enjoy beautiful dive sites and island excursions in Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

Diving at Sipadan Island will resume on 1 December.

Inclusive Of

Accommodation

Accommodation

Food & Drink

Full Board Meals
Free Flow of Coffee/Tea and Light Snacks

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service

Return Land Transfer (Scheduled)
Return Boat Transfer (Scheduled)

Others

Diving Equipments (Tanks, Weights, Belts)

Internet Access

WiFi

Activities

3 Boat Dives Per Day with Dive Master (Except on Arrival & Departure Day)
Unlimited House Reef Diving with Buddy System

Amenities

Linens
Mirror
Hanger
Closet/wardrobe
Toiletries
Towels
Sofa
Table Lamp
Air-Conditioning
Fan
Private Bathroom
Balcony/terrace
TV
Mini bar
In-room safety box

Not Inclusive Of

Food & Drink

Carbonated Drink(s)
Alcoholic Drink(s)
Fruit Juice

Fees & Charges

Semporna Jetty Fee
Airfares

Others

Any Item(s) / Activities Not Mentioned
Laundry Service
Room Service

Amenities

Diving Equipment

Important Note

Boat Diving Schedule & Operations

  • Daily Boat Dives: Typically, three (3) guided boat dives are offered daily – two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Dives explore various sites around Mabul, Kapalai, and nearby islands.
  • Schedule: Boats usually depart between 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM and return around 4:00 PM after the third dive.
  • Dive Team: Each dive boat includes a boatman and a PADI Divemaster/Instructor.
  • Dive Site Selection: Dive sites and schedules are determined daily by Resort Management based on conditions and guest experience levels.
  • Meals: Divers generally return to the resort for surface intervals and meals between dives. (Sipadan trips are an exception - see below).
  • Additional Boat Dives: Extra boat dives beyond the standard 3 per day may be possible (approx. MYR 106 per dive), subject to availability and prior arrangement with the Dive Centre.

Jetty / House Reef Diving (Unguided)

  • Availability: Unlimited unguided dives are permitted from the resort's jetty/house reef (Mabul House Reef) during daylight hours.
  • Requirements: Must dive with a buddy. Sign in/out required with Dive Centre staff.
  • Equipment: Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included. Other equipment must be owned or rented.
  • Timing: Can be done between scheduled boat dives or anytime if skipping boat dives (generally after 7:00 AM). Last water exit time is 9:00 PM.
  • Night Dives (House Reef): Available from the jetty/house reef for certified night divers (or those completing an intro/course). Buddy system mandatory. Exit water by 9:00 PM.

Night Boat Dives (Mabul Area - Optional Extra)

  • Schedule: Optional guided night boat dives around Mabul are available (approx. departure 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM). Dinner served upon return.
  • Cost: Requires additional payment (approx. MYR 106 per person for 3+ divers, or MYR 286 per boat for 1-2 divers – payable locally). Prior arrangement needed.
  • Requirement: Proof of night dive experience (logbook/certification) or completion of an Introduction to Night Diving (extra cost) is required.

Sipadan Island Diving (Permit Required - Not Included)

  • Permits: Sipadan permits are limited (120 daily for the entire region) and NOT included in standard packages. Priority may be given to longer stays (e.g., 5+ nights), but this is not guaranteed.
  • Booking: Permits must be applied for well in advance (often via the resort upon booking confirmation) and are subject to Sabah Parks' approval and availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Cost: Permit fee (approx. MYR 40 per person per day, subject to change) is payable locally if a permit is secured.
  • Logistics: Sipadan trips are typically full-day excursions (approx. 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM) with lunch served on-site.
  • Requirement: Minimum Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) required for Sipadan.

Diving Rules & Safety

  • Buddy System: Mandatory for all dives (boat and jetty/house reef). No solo diving.
  • Depth Limits: Maximum depth is 40 meters (140 feet), respecting training limits and no-decompression times.
  • Surface Intervals: Minimum 60-minute surface interval required between dives.
  • Flying After Diving: A minimum 12-hour (preferably 24-hour) surface interval is required before flying. Diving on your departure day is strongly discouraged. If done, it's limited to one shallow morning dive (extra cost, waiver required, and at resort discretion).
  • Liability Waiver: All guests participating in diving/snorkeling must sign a liability release form upon arrival.
  • Responsible Diving: Do not touch, harass, or remove marine life (especially turtles). Follow Divemaster instructions. Unsafe practices may result in removal from activities without refund.

Resort Information & Transfers

  • Check-in: 2:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM (Verify these times specific to the resort)
  • Equipment: The resort has dive compressors and rental equipment available (approx. 35 sets - pre-booking advised during peak season). Tanks are Aluminium 80cf with K-valves (US style), some DIN valves available. Bring adapters if needed (power is 220v).
  • Scheduled Boat Transfers (Semporna Jetty <-> Resort):
  • Semporna Jetty to Resort: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM
  • Resort to Semporna Jetty: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM
  • Transfer Notes: These are scheduled times; always reconfirm with the operator based on your flight details. Transfers are shared. Land transfers (Tawau <-> Semporna) are usually arranged separately or as part of a package. Private/unscheduled transfers incur extra costs.
  • Booking Confirmation: If your selected date is unavailable after booking, the operator will contact you to reschedule. No refunds for shortening stays post-commencement or due to weather.
  • Tipping: Optional, but appreciated for dive crew and resort staff.

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4.9 / 5

based on 21 reviews
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