Mabul Beach Resort is an economy and eco-friendly dive resort located on Mabul Island, just a hop and a skip away from the world-famous Sipadan National Park. It is managed by an international and award-winning dive operation with a reputation of being customer-centric, safety-conscious and environmentally friendly. Ethics that their loyal guests have come to know and love and come back for time and time again. With 30 en-suite rooms situated on the beachfront, treat yourself to a little luxury at incredible prices.
At Mabul Beach Resort you can spend the day snorkelling or scuba diving at nearby Sipadan, Malaysia's premiere dive destination famed for its walls, turtles, reef sharks, as well as big schools of trevally, barracuda and bumphead parrotfish. The resort has more visitor Sipadan visitor permits than all the others, meaning it has the most generous 'Guaranteed Diving at Sipadan' policy - guests can dive there almost daily if they desire. You can also dive at Mabul and Kapalai, both renowned for the excellent critter hunting. The resort is unique in offering diving at nearby Si Amil, a location famed for its rare macro sightings, as well as big ray encounters. The dive center is well equipped with the newest scuba gear of the highest quality. They can service up to 100 divers a day with 100 world-class sites to choose from!
There is a range of room categories for all budgets, from VIP A/C rooms to shared dormitories, and the resort diving packages are inclusive of all meals. Wake up and chill out on your own private balcony, take a swim over our house reef before enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, buffet style in the large open plan restaurant. The menu includes an array of Western and local style food, an abundance of fruit, starters, salads, and soups, as well as vegetarian options.
In the evenings you can enjoy a cold beer, gin and tonic, or a glass of wine while sharing stories with your new dive buddies, either in the spacious panoramic bar, or watch the sunset with a cold drink at the brand new jetty bar. The spacious licensed upper floor bar gives you the chance to enjoy a cold beverage (beer, wine, spirit with mixer or soft drinks), ice-cream and snacks, whilst taking in the breezy treetop views of the Celebes Sea. The brand new jetty bar is located next to the dive centre. Here you can relax in between dives whilst enjoying the ocean breeze, or watch the sunset at the end of the day with a cold drink in your hand. Join us for a drink or two, swap stories with your fellow divers, play cards and board games, or just sit back and enjoy the view! You will often hear staff playing the guitar, singing and dancing to some of the local songs, or celebrating a birthday or two.
Mabul Beach Resort embraces its eco-friendliness and believes that marine conservation starts at home. They have taken several key steps to achieve this, including waste and water recycling, renewable energy systems, and banning the use of single use plastics. The resort also has a 'no seafood' policy. The dive centre also operates the Mabul Turtle Hatchery which has so far released over 17,000 turtle hatchlings. Guests are invited to witness this fascinating spectacle. For their commitment to conservation they received the Wild Asia Award for the Protection of Wild Species, as well as being voted 'The Best Dive Center or Resort' in the world in the Dive Travel awards 2020. The resort has also featured in many documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
The resort can accommodate 88 guests across various room types - 4 in 2 x VIP A/C rooms, 16 in 8 x Deluxe Double A/C rooms, 36 in 12 x Deluxe Triple A/C rooms, 4 in 1 x Deluxe Family A/C room, 8 in 4 x Ensuite Fan Double rooms, 4 in 2 x Ensuite Fan Twin rooms, and 16 in 4 x 4-bed mixed-gender dormitories (2 A/C dorms and 2 fan dorms).
The spacious
air-conditioned VIP rooms are specifically for couples, with their king-size beds and premium amenities. These rooms feature both air conditioning and ceiling fans for optimal comfort. Guests enjoy a private ensuite bathroom with solar-heated hot shower and the security of an in-room safe. The VIP rooms boast extended balconies that offer partial sea views, making them the only accommodation with ocean vistas. Their prime beachfront location places guests at Mabul Beach Resort closest to the water.
The
Deluxe A/C rooms are the most popular choice among guests for their versatility and comfort. These rooms offer either a king-size bed or a king-size bed plus an additional single bed, accommodating twin or triple sharing arrangements. All Deluxe A/C rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fans, and private safes. The ensuite bathrooms feature solar-heated hot water showers, while private balconies provide pleasant garden views.
For families or small groups, the
Deluxe A/C Family room provides space and functionality. The room configuration includes a king-size bed paired with a set of single bunk beds, comfortably housing either 2 adults with 2 children or up to 4 adults. Like all Deluxe rooms, it comes with air conditioning, ceiling fans, a safe, and a private bathroom with solar-heated hot shower. The private balcony offers a relaxing garden view.
The Budget-friendly
En-suite Fan rooms deliver comfortable, affordable accommodation options. Guests can choose between rooms with a king-size bed or two single beds. These rooms maintain comfort with ceiling fans and private ensuite bathrooms featuring solar-heated hot showers. Each room includes a balcony overlooking the garden, providing a pleasant outdoor space.
The dormitories are an ideal choice for solo travellers, groups, or budget-conscious couples. 4 dormitories (2 air-conditioned and 2 fan-cooled) each contain two sets of single bunk beds, sleeping four guests per room. These shared spaces include ceiling and stand-up fans for cooling, along with ensuite bathrooms. Mixed-gender accommodations allow male and female travellers to share rooms comfortably. Security is ensured with individual lockers for valuables, while ample power outlets accommodate electronic charging needs.
Whatever your choice, in addition to the above, all the rooms at Mabul Beach Resort feature:
- Towels for showers (beach towels available from reception)
- Reading lights
- Mirrors, soap & shower gel
- 24 hour electricity supply
- Bedding
- Bedside cabinet (except dorms)
- Fire alarm & fire extinguisher
- Daily housekeeping upon request
Mabul Beach Resort is proudly managed by Scuba Junkie, an internationally recognised
PADI 5-Star IDC Resort that prioritises diver safety above all else. They maintain small group sizes with
a maximum of 4 divers per professionally certified PADI Divemaster or Instructor. The team carefully matches divers by certification level and experience to ensure everyone enjoys optimal diving conditions.
Environmental conservation is at the heart of our operations. All staff undergo thorough training in responsible diving practices, and they actively educate guests on proper marine conservation protocols. While safety and environmental protection are our top priorities, they also ensure every 60-minute dive is packed with excitement. The friendly crew looks forward to welcoming you back after each dive to log your adventures - you'll arrive as their guest but leave as part of the Scuba Junkie family.
Sipadan Island Diving:
They guarantee all guests staying a minimum of 2 nights will visit world-famous Sipadan Island. With access to numerous permits, they can arrange additional Sipadan trips. The flexible dive-and-stay packages can be customised to your preferences - just let us know your requirements.
Dive Boat Specifications:
The fleet consists of 35 ft (10.5m) fibreglass speedboats with protective roofs, each accommodating up to 14 passengers. Dive sites are selected the day before based on weather conditions, sea state, diver requests, and your previous dive locations. Special requests? Our dive team is happy to accommodate when possible.
Dive Trip Schedules:
* Sipadan Trips: Depart the resort at 6-7 am with 2 morning dives at Sipadan (7:30-8:30 am & 10-11 am), lunch, then an afternoon dive at Mabul/Kapalai before returning by 2:30-3:30 pm. Advanced Open Water certification mandatory.
* Kapalai Trips: Depart at 8-9 am with dives at 8:30-9:30 am and 10:45-11:45 am, lunch, then a 1:15-2:15 pm dive before returning by 3:30 pm. Note: Kapalai is a private resort island/property.
* Mabul Trips: 3 daily dives departing 8-9 am, 11:30 am-12 pm, and 2:15-2:30 pm.
* Si Amil Trips: Exclusive to the resort, these 7:15 am departures feature dives at 8:15-9:15 am and 10:45-11:45 am, lunch, then a 1:15-2:15 pm dive before returning to the resort by 3:30 pm.
Si Amil Highlights: This 45-minute journey reveals extraordinary marine biodiversity, from rare macro life (Rhinopia, Ambon scorpionfish, blue-ring octopus) to majestic devil and eagle rays. With diverse sites including sandy bottoms and coral walls, Si Amil offers unforgettable diving.
Note: For safety, first-day dives never occur at Sipadan or Si Amil.
Night Dives:
Our highly recommended night dives at Mabul Beach Resort (6-7:30 pm daily on the house reef) reveal a magical underwater world. All night dives are lead by one of the dive guides. Participants must be Open Water certified and complete at least one day dive at the resort first.
Snorkeling Opportunities:
Non-divers can enjoy guided snorkelling trips to multiple reef sites, either joining the dive boat trips or (depending on numbers) having dedicated snorkel boats. Each trip is designed to give you plenty of time in the water exploring 3 different spots around the island as well as some time to relax. Our professional guides provide safety advice and marine life identification tips.
Nitrox Diving:
Available for Mabul and Kapalai dives (but not Sipadan due to downcurrent risks). Nitrox-certified divers must use dive computers. Advance notice required due to limited tank availability.
Equipment & Facilities
- Personal lockers for gear storage
- Open jetty showers and freshwater tanks for equipment rinsing
- Staff handle tank/BCD/regulator transport; guests manage other gear
- Full range of PADI courses available
- Mandatory refresher session (no charge) if inactive for 12+ months
- Emergency decompression chamber available in Semporna
Mabul Beach Resort offers some non-diving facilities and amenities to ensure all guests enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay:
Jetty Bar
- Serves drinks, ice-cream and snacks, with stunning ocean views
- Next to the dive centre, for a cold beer and refreshing cocktails
Ocean-View Sunset Deck
- Perfect for relaxing with a drink while watching spectacular sunsets
White Sand Beach
- Lounge chairs and shaded areas for ultimate relaxation
- Direct access to calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming
Conservation Center
- Learn about marine protection efforts and turtle rehabilitation
- Opportunities to join conservation activities
Free Wi-Fi (available in common areas)
Gift Shop
Sells souvenirs, reef-safe sunscreen, and essential toiletries
24-Hour Security & Electricity
For Relaxation
- Massage Services (available upon request)
- Hammocks & Chill-Out Areas scattered around the resort
- Library & board games for quiet evenings
For Non-Diving Activities:
* Snorkelling (gear available for rent)
* Island Hopping (visits to nearby villages or sandbars)
* Kayaking (explore the calm waters at your leisure)
* Beach Volleyball
* Cultural Visits to nearby Bajau Laut (sea gypsy) villages
Additional Services:
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Tour assistance (arranging trips to Semporna or other islands)
All meals are included at Mabul Beach Resort and they are served buffet-style in the large open-plan restaurant. The dining experience at Mabul is built around sustainability, inclusiveness, and thoughtful hospitality. The dive times are planned around the meals. On non-Sipadan days, the boat returns to the resort for lunch. If you go to Sipadan, there will be a packed lunch for you.
Breakfast is from 5:15 - 8:30 am
Lunch from 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Dinner from 6:30 - 8 pm
Homemade snacks at 10 am and 4:30 pm on the Jetty
All meals are halal, and the kitchen caters to vegetarians and vegans, with a fusion of Asian and Western meals that reflects local seasonal produce. Some examples: butter chicken, fried rice, salad, daily soup varieties, spaghetti bolognese, stir fried tempeh, fried chicken, noodles.
If you’re ever unsure about ingredients, the kitchen team is happy to help. For guests with severe allergies, it’s best to inform the resort at the time of booking, so they can prepare accordingly. Some limitations may occur due to the island’s remote location and modest kitchen setup.
Water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day in the restaurant and on the jetty, when the bar is open. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable bottles to refill at designated stations, an easy way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. In the evenings you can enjoy a cold beer, gin and tonic, or a glass of wine, either in the panoramic bar, or watch the sunset at the brand new jetty bar.
Importantly, the Mabul Beach Resort has chosen not to serve seafood in its restaurant. This decision supports marine conservation efforts, as fishing practices in the area are often unsustainable and difficult to monitor. It’s a stance that aligns with the resort’s eco-conscious values - celebrating the ocean by protecting what lives within it.
"
Very kind and helpful dive guides finding macro creatures making the best shots for me.
Dive The World provided fast response from customer service." -
Ko Hang Yee, Hong Kong, 14 July 2025 ...
MORE PACKAGE DETAILS
Child policy: Children under 12 sharing a room with 2 adults will receive half-price accommodation at Mabul Beach Resort.
Destinations:
Sipadan Island (Diving environment: wall diving, drift diving, advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: shark action, turtles, schooling fish/big pelagics),
Si Amil (Diving environment: wall diving, advanced divers, off-the-beaten-track; Highlights: turtles, schooling fish/big pelagics, great macro life/marine diversity), and
Mabul (Diving environment: beginner & advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: great macro life/marine diversity), and
Kapalai (Diving environment: beginner & advanced divers, very popular; Highlights: great macro life/marine diversity).
Resort diving includes:
Dives (as detailed in the packages above), scuba equipment, boat rides to sites, experienced English-speaking divemaster (maximum 4 divers per guide), 12 litre tanks (yoke and DIN), weights and weightbelt.
Diving excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own):
Sipadan park permit fees USD 107 per visit to be paid in advance (permits are not transferable), dive insurance (can be purchased on site). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).
Optional extras:
Night dives, scuba computer, torch, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (excl. Sipadan dives: USD 6 per tank), 15 litre tanks, DIN adaptors, U/W camera rental. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card). Note: prices of items purchased on site are subject to change.
Important note: All divers must present their original passport and diving certification card (minimum Advanced Open Water level) at the Sipadan Island Marine Park Office for verification. Printed copies of these documents are acceptable, but digital copies or photos of your certification will NOT be accepted by Sabah Parks authorities. Divers who cannot provide proper proof of their qualifications will be denied entry to dive at Sipadan.
Resort accommodation includes:
Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, hot drinks, snacks, internet access, scheduled round trip transfers from Semporna, Semporna jetty fee, sales tax.
Accommodation excludes (mandatory):
Malaysian tourism accommodation tax (USD 2 per room per night, payable in advance). Single supplement on solo travellers staying in double/twin accommodation, payable in advance. For single travellers that arrive or depart on dates with no other resort paying guests, there is a supplement of USD 36 each way for airport-resort transfers (payable in advance). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (bank card only).
Note: Malaysian tourism accommodation tax is not applicable to stays in the dormitory.
Single Supplement:
This is optional - solo travellers may choose to pay the regular price and agree to share a 4-bed dormitory, or pay an additional charge for the sole occupancy of double/twin accommodation. Solo travellers must follow the planned land and boat transfers.
Optional extras:
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, transfers between Tawau Airport and Semporna (pay for in cash direct to driver). Single supplement on single travellers only (payable in advance). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there:
The closest airport to Semporna is Tawau airport (TWU), around a 90 minute drive away. An airport transfer can be arranged in advance. Mabul Beach Resort is located along the northern beachfront of Mabul Island, is approximately a 1-hour speed-boat ride from Semporna and they have 2 scheduled boat transfers per day between Semporna and Mabul.
Transfers from Semporna to Mabul:
- 8 am: No flights land early enough to meet this boat transfer so you will need to overnight in Semporna prior to this transfer. This is also our day trip boat so you can still join us for a full day of diving or snorkelling with this transfer - please do ensure you depart from Semporna swim-ready!
- 2.30 pm: To catch this transfer boat, please ensure that your flight (if applicable) lands at Tawau Airport no later than 12 noon. This is a dedicated transfer boat and no same-day diving activities would be possible with this transfer, although you can still snorkel on the house reef.
Transfers from Mabul to Semporna:
- 10 am: This is a dedicated transfer boat and no diving activities are possible on the morning of this transfer. Please ensure your flight (if applicable) departs from Tawau Airport no earlier than 2 pm. If you wish to fly earlier then you will need to check out 1 day before and sleep in Semporna the night before your flight.
- 4 pm: If you do not plan to dive, please ensure your departure flight is 8:30 pm or later to synchronise with this transfer. This is also our day trip boat - so you can still make a full day of diving/snorkelling with this transfer. If you are diving on your last day, plan for the minimum recommended 18 hours of no-fly time; dives usually finish at 4 pm latest so the earliest you should plan to fly is 10 am the following day.
Please note that the transfer boats are approx. 35 ft speed boats. They have a roof, but the sides are open. This can mean that if conditions are windy, wavy or rainy, there is a chance that you might get wet. We highly recommend using a dry bag for any non-waterproof items such as phones, vapes, lighters etc., during the boat rides to and from Mabul.
For more information on how to get there (including airlines) see our Malaysia resorts travel section.
Dive clubs and group discounts:
None.
Add-on package:
If this is your only trip to Borneo Malaysia, we highly recommend adding a 2-night stay at Sepilok Nature Resort Sepilok Nature Lodge in Sandakan, Sabah. This unforgettable jungle experience offers the chance to see orangutans in the wild - a must-see adventure!
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
Mabul Beach Resort
Sipadan Kapalai Resort
Borneo Divers Resort
Mabul Water Bungalows
Seaventures Dive Rig
Sipadan Mabul Resort
Sipadan Dive Day Trips
