Mabul Island Diving

Lobster Wall

Lobster Wall near Mabul is a slope running down to about 20m depth. The dive site consists of a colourful reef covered with various species of nudibranchs, and several different types of pipefish. To begin the dive you will likely start off on top of the reef, working your way down gently along the sloping wall. The wall is full of holes and a network of tunnels behind the main wall of the reef. Lobsters can sometimes be spotted at the entrances to these small caverns.

Currents can be strong, in which case you can cruise along the reef in the direction of the current, keeping an eye out for large turtles, peacock mantis shrimps, and even a flamboyant cuttlefish. This is a very unusual type of cuttlefish being normally very small and with more purple and yellow coloration than the cuttlefish divers most commonly encounter. It is one of the favorite creatures among divers to spot and photograph.

You are spoilt in this area by the numbers of nudibranchs and Lobster Wall is no exception. They are present here in impressive numbers and varieties. Continuing the dive, you will fin slowly along the reef, occasionally having turtles pass by or for a quick stop just to say hello.

There are many the common anemones with their fingers swaying in the current and playing home to the resident anemone clownfish. You can watch as the immature males will be swimming in and out of the anemone but stay close while the larger, sexually active pair brave it up and swim out, trying to scare you away.

Lobster Wall Reef Basics: Sloping reef
Depth: 5 - 20m
Visibility: 10 - 25m
Currents: Gentle, but occassionally strong
Surface conditions: Usually calm, but can be choppy
Water temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: All year round
Distance: 1 km (3 minutes) from Mabul Island pier or 5 km (10 mins) from Kapalai
Access: Mabul and Kapalai dive resorts

• Mabul Island travel information

View a map of:
• Sabah - Borneo  -  Malay Peninsula

Enquire Now

Back to diving in Mabul index