Mabul's latest, most exclusive resort offers privacy and luxury previously unavailable in the area. Diving at Sipadan is world class and this dive resort provides accommodation to suit. There are high class furnishings in each air-conditioned bungalow, equipped with satellite TV, minibar, security safe for valuables, and huge dual-aspect private balcony. Single travellers may be permitted to share at non-peak times.
Enjoy the luxuries of Mabul Water Bungalows and make use of the available facilities at the nearby Sipadan Mabul Resort (under joint ownership) with jacuzzi, massage, swimming pool, sea kayaks and beach volleyball.
The scuba centre boats will collect you every day for 2 dives at Sipadan (subject to park concessions), with a third dive back in Mabul or Kapalai Island. Nitrox is available for those qualified to use it, and if you need yet more diving, then there's unlimited complimentary shore dives at some of the favourite Mabul sites, such as Froggy Lair, or direct from the resort's own jetty, where you will find an excellent artificial reef.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,067
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 663
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 533
Number of dives: 8 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,233
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 778
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 616
Number of dives: 11 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,470
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 968
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 735
Number of dives: 14 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,707
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,158
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 853
Number of dives: 17 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,944
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,348
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 972
Number of dives: 20 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 2,181
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,539
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,090
Number of dives: 23 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 2,418
Non-diver price per person: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,729
Single supplement: Double or Twin Share Stilted Bungalow: US$ 1,209
Number of dives: 26 (If you would like to make more dives in this package, see what additional opportunities are available at this resort in the notes below).
The number of dives is our best estimate in ideal circumstances. This may include an early morning check-in at the resort where diving is available on the day of arrival. Unused dives are not refundable.
Destinations:
Sipadan Island, Mabul and Kapalai. When park guest permit numbers allow, there is a 3 dives in Sipadan (including packed lunch). Alternatively it will be a 3 dives day around Mabul or Kapalai. No scuba on day of departure. The number of dives quoted in the packages below is based on 3 dives per full diving day.
Note:
Mabul Water Bungalows Resort offers a guaranteed visit to Sipadan Island with a minimum 6 days / 5 nights scuba package. Permits to Sipadan island are not transferable. For shorter packages or for diving Sipadan more often, there is still the chance to purchase permits on arrival, depending on availability. It is possible to pre-book the extra permits, by filling an entry permit purchase order form while booking the resort. By filling the form the chances of obtaining permits are better. Permit fees and diving service (approx. US$ 127 per diver) will then be paid on arrival (if permits are obtained). Please ask us for more details.
For more guaranteed dives at Sipadan, please check MV Celebes Explorer.
Resort diving includes:
Dives (as detailed in the packages above), unlimited self-guided shore and night dives at the resort’s house reef, boat rides to sites, experienced English-speaking divemaster (maximum 10 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, Semporna jetty fees, drinking water, hot drinks, snacks. Diving excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own):
Scuba equipment (approx. US$ 47 per day), Sipadan permit fee (approx. US$ 11 per person per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Optional extras:
Extra boat dives (Mabul / Sipadan), night boat dives (Mabul), scuba computer, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (approx. US$ 11 per tank), dive insurance, soft drinks. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
Resort accommodation includes:
Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, hot drinks, snacks, return resort transfers from Tawau airport, internet access. Accommodation excludes (mandatory):
If you are a single person you must normally pay in advance for a single supplement, but you may be able to share at non-peak times. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Optional extras:
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there:
The resort is located along the southern beachfront of Mabul Island. It is a 40 minute speedboat ride from the port of Semporna. The resort will provide a return transfer from Tawau Airport to Semporna and Mabul.
Tawau arrival flights:
From Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia: AK 6260 (09:00-09:50), AK 6262 (13:50-14:40); Malaysia Airlines: MH2121 (07:30-08:15), MH 3051 (10:40-11:40), MH2137 (14:10-15:00)
From Kuala Lumpur: Air Asia AK5744 (07:00-09:50), AK 5746 (10:05-12:55), AK5748 (12:25-15:15); Malaysia Airlines MH 2660 (07:20-09:50)
From Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines MH 3093 (08:55-09:35)
You will have to wait at Tawau Airport for the transfer if your flight arrives to Tawau less than 1 hour before the next flight. Boat departures from Semporna to Resort are at 10:00, 12:30 and 16:30 hrs. Diving on arrival day is only possible if you arrive to the resort on 10:00 hrs boat schedule. Please be ready at Seafest hotel's lobby at least 30 minutes before the scheduled boat departure if you transfer to Semporna overland from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Lahad Datu.
Tawau departure flights:
To Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia: AK6269 (10:15-11:05), AK6263 (15:05-15:55), AK6267 (17:10-18:00), AK6265 (21:45-22:35); Malaysia Airlines: MH3052 (14:25-15:25), MH2134 (15:40-16:30), MH3056 (20:55-21:50)
To Kuala Lumpur: Air Asia: AK5745 (10:15-13:00), AK5747 (13:20-16:00), AK5749 (15:40-18:30), AK5741 (18:55-21:40); Malaysia Airlines: MH2661 (11:15-13:55). MH2665 (18:25-21:10)
To Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines: MH3092 (09:55-10:35), MH3094 (18:00-18:40)
Transfer times from Mabul Water Bungalows to Tawau Airport are 06:30, 11:00 and 14:00 hrs. Please plan 3 hours between resort departure and flight departure time.
Note that you will have to stay overnight in Tawau or Semporna if you arrive or depart on any flight which is not mentioned the above. Unscheduled or private boat transfer can be arranged with additional surcharge for individual and group. For more information see our Sipadan resorts travel section. . Flight information changes frequently. You are responsible for booking the correct flights.
Dive clubs and group discounts:
Groups of 10 guests or more will receive an additional 1 extra place free of charge.
Add-on package:
If this is your only planned visit to Borneo Malaysia then we strongly recommend that you consider a 2 night add-on stay at the Sepilok Nature Resort, Sandakan in Sabah, to allow you to witness the not-to-be-missed jungle adventures with orang-utans.
14 high quality stilted bungalows sit over the clear shallow waters providing easily the highest grade accommodation in Mabul. Enjoy the spacious dual aspect private balcony offering panoramic vistas of blue sea and the palm fringed island of Mabul.
When park guest permit numbers allow, there is a 3 or 4 dive trip to Sipadan (including packed lunch). Alternatively it will be a 3 dive day around Mabul or Kapalai.
Dive boats are:
6 fibreglass boats and 1 wooden boat
Maximum 10 divers per boat
Optional personalised underwater video service
Nitrox options
Lunch, hot drinks and drinking water are provided on your boat trips, together with a divemaster.
Unlimited and unguided jetty beach dives with your own buddy are available free of charge.
There are dives available into the famous tomb of Turtle Cavern at Sipadan Island with experienced divemasters, but there is an extra charge for this dive.
Boat journey time to Pulau Sipadan from the Mabul Water Bungalows dive resort is about 25 minutes.
Enjoy a massage in your bungalow or relax by the pool or in the Jacuzzi. For a bit of exercise you can explore the island's shores by sea kayak or play a game of beach volleyball. There is also great snorkelling from right beneath your room.
In house videographers can make group or individual movies of your Sipadan scuba adventures here to preserve your wonderful underwater memories.
Resort facilities include: Restaurants & bars - Swimming pool - Jacuzzi - Technical diving - Underwater video centre - Ocean kayaks - Volleyball - Basketball - Fishing trips - Free usage of broadband internet - Massage - Gift shop - Laundry - International telephone and fax
Guests can choose to dine either at SMART resort or at the exclusive Water Bungalows restaurant where the cuisine includes the finest Malaysian dishes as well as western and Italian favourites.
Seafood and vegetarian options are well represented among the mouth-watering buffet options which normally include 3 courses at dinner.
A large barbeque grill is served once a week, and guests can help themselves to fruit, toast, cereal, hot and cold drinks throughout the whole day.
Although the dive boats do not carry oxygen, the resort has oxygen on site and it is also available at the island of Sipadan. The boats do carry first aid kits though.
Currently, the nearest re-compression chamber is located at the Navy Base in Semporna, on the Sabah mainland. We strongly recommend that you have your own insurance to cover scuba emergencies.
For non-diving related emergencies, there is also a hospital at Semporna.
Mabul has a local police station and, in the interests of tourist safety, armed guards patrol the island 24 hours per day.
"Good service was provided, relaxed for the divers with itinerary shown, tanks provided and dives organised. Staff were friendly and helpful. Scuba equipment was of reasonable quality, but clearly not new and should not be allowed to age too much (for example zippers worked but flaps of torn/aged cloth was interfering). Divers appreciate a full experience. So talks about the ecology would be good." - John Deadman, Australia ...
"Picked up quickly, just us in the boat and we were dropped at the Mabul Water Bungalows jetty (which was much better than the last time we stayed when we were dropped at the other SMART side). Cold towels and welcome drinks, lunch, smooth check-in process, received the room we requested and the whole stay was extremely good apart from one divemaster. Check out drop off was just us again and they even changed the time to be a little later!" - Clee Natalie Lowther, UK ...
"The Mabul Water Bungalows is a beautiful place, very well done, spacious, clean and well maintained. The service was always warm and helpful. The dive masters and diving help was also outstanding, and Sipidan lived up to its billing as one of the diving wonders of the world. Although the food was very well done for a buffet, for me the buffet style does not provide as satisfying of a meal as when food is cooked to order." - James Hannan, USA ...
"The equipment we rented was of very good quality, the staff was very helpful and friendly and the facilities in an excellent condition. Most of all, out of our 4 days at the resort we got to dive at Sipadan during 2 days. We had a great time!" - Tatiana Matejskova, Rep. of Slovakia ...
"Their service was absolutely wonderful - from diving to dining to everyday 'good mornings' - we were in doubt whether to chose SMART (beach resort) or the Mabul Water Bungalows - and we are so not regretting our decision, it was truly excellent." - Gry Anna Nordensgaard, Runberg, Denmark ...
"Everything was done for me, I didn't have to lift a finger, all my gear was put together at the beginning and taken apart at the end. I didn't have to lug any equipment around, all my fins, weight belt etc were on the boat at the beginning of each dive. I didn't even have to think about it." - Michelle Le Herissier, Channel Islands ...
"Picked up quickly, just us in the boat and we were dropped at the Mabul Water Bungalows jetty (which was much better than the last time we stayed when we were dropped at the other SMART side). Cold towels and welcome drinks, lunch, smooth check in process, received the room we requested and the whole stay was extremely good." - Clee Nataliea Lowther, UK ...
"Catered to our every need. Excellent caring dive master, we were had with the same dive master which worked well. He knew you personally and checked when required. Resort manager and all staff were welcoming and friendly." - Mark Galaz, Australia ...
"On arrival at Mabul Water Bungalows, we were assigned a dive master who would act as our guide for the duration of the holiday. Our divemaster's name was Deniah and she was fantastic. Very friendly and attentive and really made an effort to show us everything, from the tiniest nudibranch to submarine sized groupers, she obviously had expansive knowledge of all the dive sites and knew exactly where to look.
I also did my PADI Advanced Open Water course whilst staying here and I have to say my instructor was brilliant. His name is Patrick Chong and is easily the best instructor I've had. He really helped me nail my buoyancy and taught me a variety of different fin kicks that I didn't even know existed! He was very attentive and totally put me at ease. The diving timetable was very organised and well structured and there was not a moment where I felt I wasn't being looked after. I knew exactly where and when I had to be and what dive site we were going to the day before, all my equipment would have been set-up for me and already on the boat waiting for me.
The rest of the staff were also really friendly and the service we received was impeccable. I rented a BCD, regulator (1st and 2nd stage), octopus and SPG and had no problems. The on-site facilities were of an excellent standard, especially the spa." - Clee Alexander Hislop, UK ...
"Extremely friendly staff, dive master knowledgeable and able to see tiny things underwater (only visible to us with the help of our camera...). The dive experience is somewhat mitigated with the dive master taking us to the same point more than once, but dives at Sipadan made us forget every other dives. And some of us with over 300 dives (Atlantic, Pacific and Indian ocean) still consider Sipadan part of their TOP 10 dives in the world." - Maxime Poulin, France ...
"The accommodation is really really good, the place is so elegant and fancy while when I first came in they introduced me to every one and how the diving program is running, the rooms are super clean with a fancy balcony facing the wonderful sea." - Meshal Al-Omar, Kuwait ...
"The resort is well run, the room was very nice, the dive boats, airport pickup and transfers all went smoothly and the food was good. The dive instructor my wife had was very good, and they made it possible for my wife to dive Sipadan which was much appreciated." - Randy Wacker, Canada ...
"The accommodation was fine and the dives were well planned and executed. Facilities and equipment were satisfactory. We dived 3 out of 5 days at Sipadan which was incredibly lucky - we were delighted with this.
" - Victoria Pearson, UK ...
"Diving: Top Class; People: Lovely; Boat Crew / divemaster: really good; boats: good; Accommodation: excellent. We would definitely return." - Victoria Marriott, United Kingdom ...
"All the staff at Mabul Water Bungalows were fantastic. It started with Eva the manager and her hospitality, spread to everyone else from there." - Jon Hoffman, USA ...
"This was probably the best dive operator I have used - from the staff professionalism and friendliness to the organization and preparation of diving equipment ahead of dives." - Stuart Thomson, Korea ...
"Excellent dive master (Ronny) and boatmen. A professional and dedicate team." - Cindy Chan, Hong Kong ...
"Our trip to Mabul Water Bungalows Resort was excellent and the dive services also excellent." - Madlyn and Tom, USA ...
"The diving was SUPER-visibility so so cuz it rained a lot (expected) but wow-the diversity was amazing. I don’t think we can dive anywhere else now!" - Gina Wu Lee, USA ....
