Overwater resort
A network of 38 wooden chalets on stilts over a shallow sandbank off Mabul Island. Choose this resort for macro diving from the jetty and boat trips to Sipadan.
Welcome
Thirty-eight wooden chalets stand on stilts above a shallow sandbank on the south-eastern edge of Mabul Island. Explore the house reef or take the 15-minute boat trip to Sipadan if a permit clears, with an overwater balcony between dives.
The resort is built entirely on stilts over a sandbank that submerges at high tide. You sleep over the water rather than on the land. The architecture relies on an extensive network of elevated wooden walkways connecting the private rooms to a business centre, a spa and a large open-air dining pavilion.
A boardwalk leads to Sipadan-Mabul Resort's sandy beach and pool. Mabul is a working island with a local Bajau Laut community.
Our view
38 wooden chalets and villas stand on stilts over the Celebes Sea.
The resort is a 15-minute speedboat ride from the Sipadan Island pinnacle.
Guests on a dive package get unlimited self-guided diving on the private house reef beside the jetty.
Full-board open-air buffet dining with Asian and Western dishes is included.
Day-trippers use the boardwalks, creating a lively atmosphere suited to divers and couples comfortable with a busy island.
Accommodation
All 38 units have glass floor panels, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and free wireless internet.
90 sq m · private balcony
The 24 Water Bungalows each offer 90 square metres, a private sea-facing balcony and a choice of double, twin or triple beds.
oceanfront bathroom · private deck
The property has 9 larger villas offering an oceanfront bathroom with a jacuzzi. Each has a private deck with wooden steps leading directly down into the water.
sleeps up to 4 · large living room
The Royale Villa Suite sleeps up to 4, with a large living room, oceanfront bathroom with jacuzzi, and private deck with direct water access.
oceanfront bathroom · jacuzzi
This larger villa has an oceanfront bathroom with a jacuzzi and a private deck with wooden steps directly into the water.
5 houses · 2 storeys · same booking party only
Each Family House combines a ground-floor Borneo Villa Suite with a standard Water Bungalow upstairs, linked by an exterior wooden staircase.
Other activities
Guests who do not dive have plenty to do. You can snorkel the shallow reefs around Mabul accessible by boat, use the ocean kayaks, or visit the Ka'andaman spa. Meals run on a full-board basis with breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the large open-air buffet pavilion.
Marine wildlife
Resident green and hawksbill turtles are seen on most stays. At Sipadan, sightings on most mornings include reef sharks and schools of barracuda and jacks.
The property
Rates on enquiry: no prices are published.
Most guests stay 3 to 5 nights to explore Mabul's macro sites and visit Sipadan if a permit clears.
Ask about staysDive packages include unlimited self-guided house reef diving; use a buddy and exit by 9pm.
Ask about divingFamily Houses combine a Borneo Villa Suite below with a Water Bungalow above.
Ask about family staysCommon questions
Mabul Water Bungalows is built entirely over the water with beach access at its sister resort on Mabul. Guests can walk across the boardwalk to the sister resort on the island to use the sandy beach and swimming pool.
The resort arranges Sipadan permits through partners. Ask when booking, well before arrival; the team confirms availability for your dates. Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive.
The resort welcomes families, and the team confirms the arrangements for your children's ages when you enquire.
Semporna does not have an airport. You fly into Tawau Airport and take a 1-hour road transfer to the Semporna jetty before the 40-minute boat ride to the island.
Getting there
Fly into Tawau Airport, then take a 1-hour road transfer to the Semporna jetty. From Semporna, a resort speedboat takes you on a 40-minute crossing to the island. Most guests stay 3 to 5 nights. Travel and health insurance is advised, and cover that includes emergency evacuation is sensible.
Nearby options
For a quieter beach stay, consider Mataking Island or Pom Pom Island. Other alternatives include Sipadan Water Village, Kapalai Dive Resort and Tabin Wildlife Resort.
Our view
Send the team your travel dates, group size and dive certification levels. They will check the bungalow availability and explain the current permit situation to arrange your stay.
