Mabul Island Diving, Malaysia: An Introduction

This small island Mabul, located just 15 minutes northwest of Sipadan, is surrounded by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a 200 hectare reef and is notably known as one of the worlds best 'muck diving' sites. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the surrounding seabed slopes out to a depth of 30m. Mabul is arguably one of the richest single destinations in the world for exotic, macro-biotic life. Diving at Mabul will present you with many underwater treasures, many that are indigenous to the Indo-Pacific; Ghost Pipefish, Frogfish, a numerous variety of nudibranchs, gobies, shrimp, Crocodile Fish, sea moths and the elusive Paintpot Cuttlefish to name just a few.

The diving both at Mabul and its neighbouring island Kapalai provide a completely different diving experience than that of nearby Sipadan. There are no plunging drop-offs and sheer walls and very few, if any, pelagic predators, the unique habitat here has provided a home for fish and invertebrates to live without the pressure of large predators. The reefs are still recovering from the damage of past dynamite fishing, though this coupled with the reefs shallowness has since provided a new lease of life.

Dive sites from both islands are mostly within a short boat ride and the divemasters take pride in closing in on the unusual. Dives are usually taken at depths between 3 and 20m allowing maximum bottom time to hunt around and enjoy the fascinating macro life. Several species of ray, including Blue-spotted Fantail Rays, Blue-spotted Mask Rays and Leopard Whiprays, have made their home at Paradise 1 alongside shrimps, gobies and a wealth of small reef fish. Whereas Paradise 2 is adorned in Staghorn Coral and the elusive but exceptionally beautiful Mandarin Fish can be seen darting between the horns.

Kapalai has been more heavily affected through dynamite fishing than Mabul though out of the devastation arises hope in the natural adaptation of exceptional and unusual creatures to this environment. The rare Humbug Dascyllus hovers over the Staghorn Coral and the Ornate Ghost Pipefish can be seen if looking very carefully, thankfully due to the shallow depth of the reef divers have the time to explore the coral intricacies. Painted Frogfish in many different adaptable colours are there to be searched for and Ribbon Eels pop up from the sand out of curiosity as you hover over the remnants of the reef.

Although Mabul and Kapalai do not offer the excitement of the walls and numerous pelagics, the macro-biotic life is better than anywhere else in the world. In combining both or all destinations within a holiday divers will experience a rare diversity of life within a narrow distance, a truly unforgettable diving encounter.

Accommodation at Mabul, Malaysia: Dive Resort

SIPADAN WATER VILLAGE RESORT
Sipadan Water Village Resort is located on the island Mabul, neighbouring both Sipadan and Kapalai, all of which offer some of the most astounding dive sites of the world. The resort has a first class PADI and CMAS certified dive centre and qualified dive professionals offer certification courses, night dives and dive trips off Mabul, Sipadan and Kapalai.

The Water Village accommodation is set on stilts above the flat coral reefs of the Celebes Sea with a backdrop of a typical oceanic fishing village. For guests there is the choice of, 2 deluxe water cottages, 27 standard water cottages and 6 semi-detached water cottages, all benefiting from private sundeck. The cottages have a luxurious feel and are styled with a Bajau influence, all have ceiling fans, private bathroom and modern conveniences.

For dining there is the resort restaurant serving daily buffets featuring a variety of Asian and Continental delicacies. There is an open-air bar that has a breathtaking sea view and evening entertainment of live music and videos forentertainment when out of the ocean.

Stopover hotel en route to Sipadan and Mabul, Malaysia