MABUL ISLAND

Mabul is an island nearby to Sipadan island. A few years before, there were few resorts in Sipadan, but the government close down all the resorts in Sipadan, thus most of the operator build their new resorts in Mabul island. It take about 45 minutes boat ride to get to Sipadan from Mabul island. Currently, there is only army base and Sabah Park office in Sipadan. To enter Sipadan, you will need a permit. There is only 120 permits issued daily, which are divided among few resorts and operators.

Turtle of Sipadan

The first time I went to Mabul is on November 2015. We were staying in Borneo Divers Mabul Resort for 4 days 3 night, with one day Sipadan permit. Shamefully I have to admit, I was never a diver, and I am even terrified to snorkel, all I do in Sipadan is drink coffee all day. Though they're very lucky to dive with the blue whale who decided to join the party during their second dive. Sadly, we didn't get that on camera, the divemaster only realized that I have a camera during the last dive and he offer to take pictures during their dive.

While diving is fun, I'm just not into it.

Mabul is a small island which can be covered by foot within half an hour walking around the island. You can't really walk alongside the beach since there's other building standing at most of the beach around the island, you will have to walk through small pathway and through the village, under someone's house and on their yard. There's a village in Mabul, a primary school, a mosque, and a few accomodations ranging from luxury to budget stay.

Not far from the island of Mabul, is the Seaventures Dive Rig, an oil rig converted into a resort, standing proudly above the sea.

The second time I went to Mabul is on 13th February 2017 for 5 days 4 nights. We were staying in Bougainvilla suite in Mabul Water Bungalow. Mabul Water Bungalow is an over the water resort, while its sister resort, Sipadan Mabul Resort, is a land based resort.

My workplace for few days. Yes, I come here for work.

Jacuzzi in Bougainvilla suite, facing the beautiful blue sea.

A view from the Bougainvilla balcony

Sunset view from Bougainvilla suite.

Water Bungalow

Mabul Water Bungalow flower garden.

Restaurant, Mabul Water Bungalow

Private dining hall

Restaurant, Mabul Water Bungalow

Stairs down to their house reef

More bougainvilla. Mabul Water Bungalow has their own water treatment system, which makes Mabul Water Bungalow and Sipadan Mabul Resort the only resort in the island with fresh water supply. The other operators and villagers has to use the water from the village's water well, which makes shower sticky and salty. That's why they have lots of flowers, because they have clean water source to water it.

Restaurant view

Sipadan Mabul Resort, sister resort to Mabul Water Bungalow

Beach view of Sipadan Mabul Resort

Sunset bar, Sipadan Mabul Resort

Sunset view from the Sunset bar, Sipadan Mabul Resort

Sipadan Mabul Resort has a lot of coconut trees.

Mabul Water Bungalow provides bicycle for their guest. You can cycle around the resort from Mabul Water Bungalow to Sipadan Mabul Resort.

The staff tricycle.It looks easy, but trust me, its even harder than riding a bicycle.

The children of Mabul playing outside their school.

Fairy tale wedding photoshoot

Billabong resort.

Accomodations in Mabul. Credit to this link

Mabul is a beautiful place. An eye-opening experience, too bad most Malaysians are afraid of going to Sipadan and the surrounding islands due to all the kidnapping issues that happen over the year.

A divers' paradise, jewel of Borneo.

Unfortunately, all the pollutions, over fishing, fish bombing, global warming and never ending destructions of the greedy and uneducated humans, the ocean are slowly losing its charms. The sea are dying.

Do visit Sipadan while its still there, one day it will be nothing more than just the ordinary Sipadan.

SIPADAN PERMIT

If you're planning to stay in Mabul with Sipadan in mind, you need to stay a minimum stays of night depending on the operator policy to get a guaranteed Sipadan permit. If you book with MV Celebes Explorer (Adventure Journeyworld Travel), you will get to dive Sipadan everyday. Please confirm with them anyway, in case I got my info wrong.

SECURITY

How safe is Semporna coastline and the surrounding islands? I've been to Mataking island twice, Mabul island twice and Sipadan once. I come back all alive!

There are ESSCOM, marine, navy, police and army everywhere.

With thousands of tourist coming to Tawau and Semporna every months, the government has taken a great measure to provide a worry-free vacation to the tourist.

HOW TO GET THERE?

1. Contact your local travel agent. Confirm your date of stay.

2. Buy a flight ticket.

Never ever buy a flight ticket, then book your resort. High chance are that they're full during your preffered date. The resort are always almost full with peak season on August. Always book your stay 6 months in advance to avoid dissapointment.

There are lot of travel agent in Sabah that can take you there, you can check some of their website here;

Alternatively, you can just google or check the Sabah tourism board.

1. Sabah Tourism Board

LINK

1. Sipadan.com

2. Mabul.com

3. Mataking.com

4. Sabah Tourism Board