Check in at Semporna's Stunning Water Villas

Mabul Island in Semporna is a famous diving destination in Sabah, Malaysia, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and unique Bajau culture.

🚉Transportation
- Arrival at Tawau Airport: [Airplane] Fly from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport (approx. 1-hour flight).
- To Semporna Jetty: Take a 1-hour ride from Tawau Airport to Semporna town jetty.
- Boat to Mabul Island: [Cruise] Take a speedboat from Semporna Jetty, arriving at Mabul Island in about 40-50 minutes.
💓Tips:
- Some resorts offer complimentary transfers.
- If booking Uncle Chang's Resort, you'll need to purchase boat tickets separately. Boats depart at 8 AM and return at 4 PM.

🏤 Accommodation Recommendations
Mabul Island offers diverse lodging options, from luxury water villas to budget homestays:
- Luxury Resorts:
- Borneo Divers Mabul Resort: PADI 5-star dive center offering beach houses and villas, [Goggles] including unlimited shore dives and Sipadan diving opportunities.
- Mabul Water Bungalows (MWB): The island's most luxurious overwater villas, perfect for honeymoons or high-end getaways.
- Mid-Range Options:
- Uncle Chang Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge: Features sea-view water villas with daily meals and 2 free snorkeling sessions.
- Budget Stays:
- Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort: Ideal for backpackers, with lower prices but simpler facilities.
💓Tips:
- Water villas should be booked 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season.
- Some resorts have limited electricity supply.

✅Must-Do Activities
(1) Diving & Snorkeling
- Shore Diving at Mabul: Resorts often offer unlimited shore dives, great for macro photography, with frequent sightings of turtles and coral reef fish.
- Sipadan Diving: World-class wall diving site; advance booking is required (AOW certification needed).
- Kapalai Snorkeling: Take a boat from Mabul to explore vibrant corals and tropical fish.
(2) Bajau Village Visit
- Experience the local Bajau culture in their village (bring snacks to share but avoid giving money directly).
(3) Fishing Experience
- Join a fishing trip to catch groupers and humphead wrasses. 🎣
(4) Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Overwater swings, [Canoe] glass-bottom boats, and 🌄 sunset viewpoints are popular photo spots.

🍜Food Recommendations
- Resort buffets: Most resorts serve international cuisine.
- Seafood processing: Buy fresh seafood in Semporna town and have it cooked at your resort (~RM30/kg).
- Bajau coconuts: 🥥 Fresh coconuts sold by island vendors (~RM5 each).

⚠️ Important Notes
- Visa: Foreign tourists must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days in advance.
- Eco-friendly: Avoid touching corals to protect marine life.
- Safety: Avoid going out alone at night; some areas have limited security.
- Currency: Most places on the island accept cash only; exchange Malaysian Ringgit beforehand.

[Calendar]Recommended Itinerary (3D2N)
- Day 1: Arrive at Mabul Island, check in, and [Goggles] enjoy shore diving or snorkeling.
- Day 2: Dive at Sipadan (if slots are available) or go island-hopping (Kapalai, Mabul surroundings).
- Day 3: Visit the Bajau village, return to Semporna in the afternoon.

Mabul Island is one of Semporna's most popular diving spots, catering to both diving enthusiasts and leisure travelers. Planning your stay and dive trips in advance will ensure a smoother journey!