Our stay in the Mabul Water Bungalows was - together with our stay in Danum Valley - the highlight of our vacation in Malaysia. The villa (above the water) was spacious and luxurious. The food in the Water Bungalows restaurant was great. The staff extremely friendly. The diving was well organized. We were very happy we choose this accommodation (initially we wanted to book the water village but they were overbooked)
The transfer from Tawau Airport (we arrived on a short flight form Sandakan) was smooth. It took about one hour by minibus to Semporna and then 40 min. by boat to Mabul. Hardly any waiting. Upon arrival there was a briefing (together with people who stayed on the island itself), concerning the diving and snorkeling. On the island itself, at the arriving point (on the other side from the water bungalows) you’ll find the beach with some canoes, the dive shop, the central bar/restaurant and a small swimming pool. From the water bungalows it’s a 10 min. walk, or a few minutes by bike (each villa has one, they could use some oil however) or the driver (Malik) will bring you by golf cart !
Our divemaster (King) was very helpful and friendly. We found the diving (Mabul / Kapalai) great, but we are no experienced divers. Because of our small children ([ 10 years old) we didn’t make all the possible dives. During some of our dives the boatmaster went snorkeling with our children. Great service. The dive master would come to the restaurant at the evening to make arrangements for the diving the next day. Diving equipment can be stored in a room next to the restaurant. At night it’s really quiet. Even the bar is quiet, but it’s of course possible to visit the bar on the island itself. In the afternoon they serve a small snack (free) and there is WIFI (slow..).
It is so much fun to see the fish (and sea turtles) swim under your bungalow. The combination of diving and snorkeling, a little beach and the accommodation was perfect. We stayed three nights but should have booked longer. When we left early in the morning to catch our flight (Air Asia from Tawou tot KL) Divemaster King, Malik and a lady from the Philippines who works in the Water Bungalows restaurant waved us goodbye. The real Fantasy island feeling !
It’s a pity it’s a long journey for us to get here, but we intent to come back some day.
We extended an eco tour 4 extra days just to dive Sipadan and had our tour operator book us at the Mabul Water Bungalows. The location and accommodations were amazing. The dive instructors, Nanig, Kadil and Jasni were excellent and attentive. We did 7 dives in three days including a full day at Sipadan. As a rookie diver, I was blown away by the marine life of every type including sharks, sea turtles and schools of barracudas swirling around us! Food was just so-so but plentiful, and we were also just tired of Malaysian buffets for the previous 14 days in Borneo already.
As a dive resort, they definitely know their stuff. Our bungalow deck overlooked starfish and rays in the water and was very relaxing while we were not diving. One thing for sure, there is no other activities other than diving so I can see it appealing to hard core divers only. If you have the nerve, book a cave dive into turtle cave, and see the turtle tomb! Highly recommend going, easy to get to from Tawau airport and back.