Mabul Island

Mabul Island Diving Guide

Mabul Island, a small island off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is world-renowned for its exceptional macro diving. Situated close to the famed Sipadan Island, Mabul offers a diverse range of dive sites teeming with fascinating critters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

• Typical depth range: 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet)
• Average visibility: 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet), varying with weather conditions
• Water temperature (seasonal): 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) year-round
• Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate. Most sites have gentle currents and shallow depths, making them suitable for beginner divers. Some sites may experience stronger currents, requiring intermediate skills.

Marine Life

Mabul Island is a macro photographer's paradise. Divers can expect to see a stunning array of small and unusual creatures, including:

• Nudibranchs (various species)
• Frogfish (painted, hairy, giant)
• Seahorses (pygmy, tiger tail)
• Mandarinfish
• Ghost pipefish
• Various crustaceans (shrimp, crabs)
• Octopus (blue-ringed, mimic, wonderpus)
• Moray eels
• Turtles (hawksbill, green)

You might also encounter larger fish like barracudas, trevally, and reef sharks, although these are less common than the macro life.

Best Time to Visit

Diving around Mabul Island is generally good year-round. However, the best time to visit is typically during the dry season, which runs from March to October. During these months, the visibility is generally better, and the seas are calmer. The shoulder seasons (February and November) can also offer good diving conditions with fewer crowds. Avoid the monsoon season (December to January) as heavy rains can affect visibility and boat schedules.

What Makes It Special

Mabul's close proximity to the legendary Sipadan Island is a major draw, allowing divers to easily access both locations. Mabul itself offers a contrasting diving experience, focusing on the intricate and fascinating macro world. The combination of vibrant reefs and diverse critter life makes it a uniquely rewarding diving destination.

Practical Tips

Here are a few things to consider when planning your diving trip to Mabul:

• Book accommodation and dive packages in advance, especially during peak season.
• Bring appropriate dive gear, including a dive computer, underwater camera, and reef hook (for sites with currents).
• Respect the marine environment. Avoid touching or disturbing any marine life.
• Be aware of currents and follow your dive guide's instructions.
• Consider a Sipadan permit. Access to Sipadan is limited and requires a permit, so book well in advance if you want to dive there.
• Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes can be prevalent on the island.