Mabul
Explore the Underwater Wonders of Mabul Island, a Haven for Macro Enthusiasts
A mere twenty-minute boat ride from the renowned Sipadan, Mabul beckons divers with its exceptional dive sites and a remarkable abundance of marine life. Just a short distance from Mabul Beach Resort, divers can explore wall dives, gently sloping coral reefs, artificial reefs, renowned muck diving spots, and even a sunken wreck – all within a 10-minute radius. While Mabul has long been celebrated as a paradise for macro enthusiasts, boasting one of the world's most diverse collections of small marine life, it may surprise many to discover the presence of thousands of jackfish, barracudas, groupers, and impressive 2-meter-long turtles in its waters. Remarkably, encounters with 10 or more turtles in a single dive are not uncommon! Lucky divers might also witness the graceful glide of eagle and devil rays along the reef or find themselves in the awe-inspiring presence of a whale shark. Throughout the year, divers from around the globe converge on Mabul to capture not only the beauty of reefs, pelagic species, and vibrant fish but also the incredible array of minuscule and sometimes rare macro marine life thriving in the waters surrounding Mabul.
Dive in Mabul ?
In contrast to its neighboring Sipadan, Mabul Island lacks the vibrant coral reefs and walls adorned with sponges that characterize crystal-clear blue waters. On the contrary, Mabul presents a different underwater landscape, featuring a sandy sea floor that occasionally limits visibility.However, these conditions prove to be perfect for muck divers and underwater photographers seeking to document the peculiar macro critters inhabiting the sandy expanse. Affectionately known as 'Macro Heaven,' Mabul's sandy seabed holds immense appeal for divers and stands as one of the foremost muck diving destinations globally. If you're eager to explore this unique underwater world, Uncle Chang offers an ideal launching point with tailored packages specifically designed for Mabul Island adventures.In your quest for exotic marine life, the area around Mabul Island offers an unparalleled experience. The sandy seabed, flanking a sloping reef at the edge of a continental shelf, creates an environment teeming with rare and fascinating creatures.
For muck divers, encounters with bobtail squids, mimic octopus, and the strikingly flamboyant cuttlefish are common, and there's even a chance to spot the elusive blue-ringed octopus. The region is also home to various crustaceans, including the captivating boxer crabs and harlequin shrimp, often observed indulging in sea star feasts. Gobies, such as metallic shrimp gobies, spike-fin gobies, and black-sail fin gobies, showcase a diverse and abundant underwater world. What sets Mabul apart is the plentiful presence of frogfish, including painted, clown, and giant frogfish, as well as various members of the scorpion fish family. For an extraordinary marine life encounter, Mabul Island stands as an unparalleled destination.
The Bajau Laut, also known as the Sea Gypsies, reside in two small villages on Mabul Island. A significant portion of the island's population comprises these indigenous people, who predominantly engage in fishing activities or work as employees in the resorts situated on Mabul Island.
Discovering the Underwater
Wonders of Pulau Mabul
Diving Paradise:
Pulau Mabul is renowned for its world-class diving opportunities. It is often used as a base for exploring nearby dive sites, including Sipadan Island, which is considered one of the top dive destinations globally.
Marine Life:
The surrounding waters of Pulau Mabul are rich in marine life, featuring an abundance of coral reefs, colorful fish, and various underwater species. Divers can encounter a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, various species of rays, reef sharks, and an array of smaller critters.
Macro Diving:
Pulau Mabul is particularly famous for its macro diving, attracting underwater photographers and enthusiasts interested in capturing the unique and often tiny marine creatures that inhabit the reefs.
Mabul Village:
The island is also home to Mabul Village, a traditional fishing community. The village has both land-based and overwater stilt houses, providing visitors with a glimpse of local culture and daily life.
Exploring the Depths: Diving in
Mabul's Underwater Wonderland
Rich Marine Life:
Mabul's waters are teeming with diverse marine life. From colorful coral reefs to an array of fish species, you can encounter everything from small critters like nudibranchs and seahorses to larger creatures like turtles, reef sharks, and rays.
Dive Sites:
While Mabul itself offers excellent diving opportunities, many divers use it as a base to explore neighboring sites such as Sipadan, Kapalai, and more. Each site has its unique features and marine life, providing a diverse range of underwater experiences.
Marine Birds
Marine birds, also known as seabirds, are a fascinating and diverse group of avian species that have evolved to thrive in marine environments.
These birds have adapted to a life closely connected with oceans, seas, and coastlines, demonstrating unique physical characteristics and behaviours tailored to their aquatic habitats.
How to Get to Mabul Isalnd?
1. Fly to Tawau:
- The nearest major airport is Tawau Airport (TWU) in Sabah.
- Book a flight to Tawau from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or other major airports in Malaysia.
2. Travel to Semporna:
- From Tawau Airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for private transportation to the town of Semporna.
- The journey from Tawau to Semporna takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. Boat Transfer to Mabul:
- Most visitors access Mabul Island via boat from Semporna.
- Uncle Chang Sipadan on Mabul often arrange boat transfers for their guests. It's common to book a package that includes both accommodation and transportation.
4. Boat Ride Duration:
- The boat journey from Semporna to Mabul takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.