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Learn more about Mabul Island

Wooden stilt houses hover above crystal-clear waters where snorkellers encounter sea turtles and colourful reef fish. Book a diving trip to nearby Sipadan Island for world-class underwater experiences with sharks, barracudas, and spectacular coral formations.

Malaysia showing boating, a beach and a coastal town
Photo by Simon Bracken
Open Photo by Simon Bracken

Top Mabul Island Hotel Reviews

More cheap stays in Mabul Island

Find out more about Mabul Island

Top reasons to visit Mabul Island

  • Stunning Beaches: Mabul Island boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
  • Exceptional Diving and Snorkelling: Known for its vibrant marine life, Mabul is a premier destination for diving enthusiasts.
  • Cultural Experiences: Explore local mosques and engage with the rich culture of the island's communities.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a range of activities, from shopping to thrilling water sports, catering to all ages.
  • Diverse Accommodation: Choose from charming guesthouses to well-appointed hotels for a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Mabul Island

Mabul Island offers a delightful selection of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to well-appointed hotels, catering to various traveller needs. Whether you seek a beachside retreat, a pet-friendly getaway, or business facilities, you'll find suitable options here. Enjoy a comfortable stay with amenities such as delightful breakfasts, and consider popular choices like Mabul Beach Resort or Smart for your ideal holiday experience.

  • Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort: Nestled 22.5km away from Mabul Island, Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort is the perfect haven for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike. With direct beach access, this hotel immerses guests in a vibrant marine environment. The resort offers a variety of exciting activities, including snorkelling, boat tours, and motorboating, ensuring an exhilarating stay. For those who enjoy exploring, hiking and biking opportunities are conveniently located nearby. With its focus on adventure and relaxation, this resort promises an unforgettable beach vacation experience.
  • Lato Lato Resort: Located 24.1km from Mabul Island, Lato Lato Resort presents a charming guesthouse atmosphere with an emphasis on comfort and community. Offering complimentary daily breakfast options, including a delightful buffet, guests can savour local flavours before embarking on their day's adventures. The on-site restaurant adds to the convenience, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration. Its warm hospitality and inviting ambience make Lato Lato Resort a delightful retreat for travellers.
  • Chan Living: Situated 24.1km from Mabul Island, Chan Living is a well-rated 3-star motel that caters to those seeking a comfortable and affordable stay. Each room comes equipped with various entertainment options, including mosquito nets, cable TV, and LED TVs, ensuring a pleasant experience for guests. The motel's inviting atmosphere and practical amenities make it a suitable choice for travellers looking to relax after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings of Sabah. Enjoy a blend of comfort and convenience at Chan Living.

Where to stay near Mabul Island

Mabul Island offers a delightful escape for beach lovers and families alike, showcasing its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Visitors can indulge in outdoor activities such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or relaxing on pristine beaches. Just a short distance away, explore the charming nearby towns that enrich your experience with local culture and traditions. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Mabul Island presents itself as the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.

  • Sipadan Island: Sipadan Island is a renowned diving destination located 14.5km from Mabul Island. This idyllic island offers stunning underwater landscapes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With peak visitor numbers in April, July, and September, Sipadan is perfect for those seeking vibrant marine life and pristine beaches. The island features various attractions, including campgrounds and diving spots, where adventurers can explore coral reefs and encounter diverse marine species. The local resorts provide comfortable accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay amidst the natural beauty.
  • Bulingisan: Situated 20.9km from Mabul Island, Bulingisan is a charming village rich in culture and tradition. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life, exploring places of worship, including beautiful mosques and archaeological sites that reflect the area's heritage. Although traveller numbers peak in June, August, and December, Bulingisan offers a unique cultural experience throughout the year. Engage with local communities and take part in traditional festivities, making it a fantastic destination for those interested in cultural themes and history.
  • Kampung Labusai: Located 22.5km from Mabul Island, Kampung Labusai is a picturesque village that invites visitors to experience the simplicity of rural life. This area offers a peaceful retreat and opportunities to engage with the local community. While it may not be as bustling as other destinations, the charm of Kampung Labusai lies in its tranquillity and natural surroundings. With similar visitor patterns as Bulingisan, it provides an authentic glimpse into the local culture, making it ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Things to do in Mabul Island

Mabul Island is an ideal destination for outdoor and family vacations, offering a variety of activities such as shopping, snorkelling, and diving. Visitors can indulge in thrilling adventures, including scuba diving and exploring the vibrant marine life, making it a perfect spot for an Asian diving holiday. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach or exhilarating underwater experiences, Mabul Island has something for everyone.

Shopping

Mabul Island offers local craft shops and stalls where you can find beautiful handmade souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Semporna's bustling markets, like the Pasar Semporna, for a wider selection of gifts, including traditional textiles and unique trinkets from the region.

Recreation

Mabul Island offers rejuvenating wellness retreats amidst stunning seascapes. Indulge in traditional spa treatments, yoga classes on the beach, and nourishing cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. Explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkelling, or unwind with meditation sessions surrounded by nature’s tranquillity, enhancing your overall well-being.

Adventure

Experience diving in Mabul Island’s crystal-clear waters, teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. Enjoy thrilling snorkelling adventures, exploring hidden underwater treasures. For a unique experience, try kayaking around the island, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and lush landscapes.

Nightlife

On Mabul Island, the nightlife is serene yet captivating. The Mabul Water Bungalow’s bar offers stunning ocean views and refreshing cocktails, while the Sipadan Mabul Resort features beach bonfires and live music, creating a relaxed ambiance perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mabul Island

To save money on your trip to Mabul Island, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can lead to further discounts. Keep an eye out for app deals and special offers to maximise your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Mabul Island are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Mabul Island about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Mabul Island is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Mabul Island is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for Mabul Island with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.

Find the best attractions near Mabul Island

Mabul Island is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, cultural experiences at local mosques, and the vibrant marine park. This tropical paradise caters to those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of local culture, making it a perfect getaway for travellers looking to explore the natural beauty and rich heritage of Sabah.

  • Bukit Tengkorak: Located 22.5km from Mabul Island, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region. Explore ancient artefacts and enjoy the serene surroundings that immerse you in the local heritage and traditions.
  • Semporna Mosque: Situated 25.7km away, this stunning mosque features intricate architecture and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Its cultural significance and beautifully crafted designs make it a must-visit for those seeking to appreciate local spirituality.
  • Tun Sakaran Marine Park: At 43.5km from Mabul Island, this marine park is ideal for adventure seekers and families alike. Dive into vibrant coral reefs, snorkel with diverse marine life, and relish the natural beauty of this protected paradise.

Best time to go to Mabul Island

The best time to visit Mabul Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July81.0°F (27.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November81.0°F (27.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December80.6°F (27.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Mabul Island

To visit Mabul Island, tourists can fly into Tawau Airport (TWU), situated 57.9km away. A convenient hotel option nearby is Indah Inn, a 3-star guesthouse located 12.9km from the airport. Transportation from Indah Inn to Tawau Airport is readily available, ensuring a smooth transfer for travellers. This proximity makes Tawau Airport an ideal gateway for those looking to explore the stunning beauty of Mabul Island and its surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best place to stay in Mabul Island?
Based on our traveller data, Borneo Divers Mabul Resort is one of the top choices for your stay. This hotel offers free breakfast and a restaurant. Amina Holidays is another good choice for your trip. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Mabul Island.
What are some of the best holiday rentals that Mabul Island has to offer?
Mabul's Only Private Over-water House Rental: This highly rated holiday home rental in Mabul Island offers a selection of books and free WiFi to help you feel comfortable in your new surroundings. See all vacation rentals in Mabul Island.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Mabul Island, will I receive a refund?
Yes, the majority of room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Mabul Island.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Mabul Island?
Based on our traveller reviews, Amina Holidays is a top choice for a less expensive stay. View all budget hotels in Mabul Island.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Mabul Island?
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort: Offers a children's pool, an outdoor pool and spa services. View all hotels with pools in Mabul Island.
What is staying in Mabul Island like?
Visitors can enjoy all that Mabul Island has to offer, including the seafood restaurants, beaches and shopping. In Mabul Island, there are 4 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Mabul Island.
What should I see while I'm in Mabul Island?
Places to visit in the wider area include Kapalai Island, Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site and Tropical Research and Conservation Centre. Take a look at what more there is to see and do in Expedia's Mabul Island guide.
What's the seasonal weather like in Mabul Island?
The hottest months are usually April and May, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 27°C. The snowiest months in Mabul Island are May, April, January and February, with each month seeing an average of 64 cm of snowfall.

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