Mabul Island, Borneo (East Malaysia)
Mabul Island Quick Guide
200 hectares of reefs. Yes, it’s an enormous one; and this island sits on top of it. Ever heard of oil rig being used as resort? Yes, this island has it. Want to indulge yourself in a water bungalow with a local Bajau Village situated next to you that has all the convenience you need? Yes, this island has it too.
Getting to Mabul Island
What’s more, it’s just 10 minutes boat ride to Sipadan Island. Similar to Sipadan Island, main access point to the island is from Semporna Jetty.
Flight to Mabul Island
Tawau Domestic Airport (TWU)
The most convenient airport to access Mabul Island, pick up from airport can be arranged. This domestic airport can connect flight from:
Connecting flight to TWU Airport
From Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Flight journey: 3 hours
Airlines: Airasia & Malaysia Airlines.
From Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Flight journey: 1 hour
Airlines: Airasia, Malaysia Airlines & Malindo Air.
Land transfer from airport to jetty
1.5 hours to Semporna Jetty.
Sea transfer from jetty to Mabul Island
45-60 minutes from Semporna Jetty.
Self drive to Mabul Island
Driving from main capital city in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu will takes about 9-10 hours driving journey to Semporna and get yourself to Semporna Jetty.
Season
It’s open all year round, come over anytime for your next photoshoot. The island doesn’t close!
If to dive in Sipadan Island (daily limited permit) will need to avoid December, as announced by Sabah Parks the island will close for every December from year 2020 onwards with purpose of marine life recuperation.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park Conservation Fee
Tun Sakaran Marine Park formed by 8 islands and 2 reefs, also known as Semporna Islands Park. The islands are Bohey Dulang Island, Sibuan Island, Mantabuan Island, Bodgaya Island, Bum Bum Island, Sebangkat Island, Selakan Island & Tetagan Island. The 2 reefs are Kapikan Reef & Church Reef, both are "must visit" dive site for diver.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park Conservation Fee
Malaysian
Adult: RM 3
Child (age 18 and below): RM 1
Non-Malaysian
Adult: RM 10
Child (age 18 and below): RM 6
Jetty Fee collect by Sabah State Government
Jetty to be paid either upon arrival or collect before the trip at Semporna Jetty.
Malaysian RM 2
Non-Malaysian RM 10
Mabul Island recommendation
Due to the size of the reef, we expect you to find huge array of macro marine life, with the rarest ecological species you can name. This island easily make every underwater photographer’s dream destination.