For divers seeking direct immersion in a world-class marine environment paired with refined comfort, Mabul Water Bungalows presents a distinctive proposition. This exclusive overwater retreat is built directly above the celebrated reefs of Mabul Island, offering unparalleled private access to one of the planet's most biodiverse shallow-water ecosystems. The experience begins the moment you step onto your private balcony, with the vibrant coral garden of the house reef unfolding beneath you.
The core diving philosophy at Mabul Water Bungalows is one of flexibility and proximity. While the resort schedules daily boat dives and snorkelling to the legendary walls of Sipadan (subject to permit allocation) and the macro-rich slopes of nearby Kapalai, its greatest asset is the unlimited shore diving available directly from the resort. This allows for spontaneous exploration of Mabul’s famous muck sites, where meticulous divers can find frogfish, ghost pipefish, and flamboyant cuttlefish on their own schedule. The on-site dive center supports these adventures with nitrox fills, extending bottom time for those captivated by the endless detail.
Accommodation is designed to complement the aquatic focus. Each spacious, air-conditioned bungalow is a private sanctuary featuring modern amenities, but the true luxury is the constant connection to the sea. The expansive deck is an ideal platform for surface intervals, where you can observe marine life from above before slipping back into the water. For larger groups or families, the Villa Suites offer additional space without sacrificing the quintessential overwater experience.
Above the surface, the pace is intentionally relaxed. Guests share access to the facilities of Sipadan Mabul Resort, including a freshwater swimming pool and jacuzzi - a welcome respite after a day in the saltwater. The experience is streamlined through comprehensive packages that typically include meals, scheduled boat dives or snokelling, and seamless transfers from Tawau Airport, allowing you to focus entirely on the environment around you.
The unique selling point of Mabul Water Bungalows is this seamless fusion of convenience and quality. It caters specifically to dedicated divers who appreciate the ability to dive on-demand from their doorstep, while still providing structured access to the region's iconic sites. The resort strikes a balance between necessary comfort and a genuine, water-centric atmosphere.
Ultimately, a stay at Mabul Water Bungalows is defined by proximity. It is for those who wish to fall asleep to the sound of the sea, begin their dive with a step off a private deck, and spend their surface intervals in quiet observation of the underwater world just feet below. It is a sophisticated base for serious underwater exploration.
24 high quality stilted Water Bungalows, 5 Borneo Villa Suites (14x9.5m / 46x32 ft), 1 Bougainvilla Suite (17x12m / 56x40 ft), 1 Royale Villa Suite (19.5x15m / 64x50 ft), and 1 Family House, sit over the clear shallow waters, providing easily the highest grade accommodation in Mabul. Enjoy the spacious dual aspect private balcony offering panoramic vistas of blue sea and the palm fringed island of Mabul.
The Water Bungalows are 12x7.5m / 40x23 ft, 12 have double bed, 4 with twin beds, and 8 with triple beds. Each bungalow is exquisitely furnished with contemporary furniture and décor.
Suites come with a large oceanfront bathroom and Jacuzzi, private access to the sea, and a large living room. The Royale Villa is designed for 4 guests.
The Family House is the only 2-story building. The bottom unit is a Borneo Villa Suite, the upper story is a Water Bungalow. The staircase is outside the building. This family house will be reserved for guests in the same group that want to stay in villas.
Each accommodation at Mabul Water Bungalows is exquisitely furnished with:
- Remote control air-conditioner and ceiling fan
- Private bathroom with hot water shower
- Toiletries, towels and hairdryer
- Spacious private balcony with panoramic view
- Wifi internet access
- Colour TV with satellite channels
- Daily housekeeping
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Mini fridge and in-room safety box
- Bedside cabinet & reading lights
- Wardrobe and shelves
- 24-hour 220v electricity supply, UK-style 3-prong sockets
- Fire extinguisher
The daily aquatic adventures at Mabul Water Bungalows offer unforgettable experiences in some of Malaysia's most spectacular marine environments. Here's what they offer.
Morning & Afternoon Dive Excursions
* Kapalai & Mabul Exploration:-
• Kapalai trips (15 min boat ride): 8:30 am departure
• Mabul excursions (5-10 min ride): 11 AM & 2:30 pm
• Complimentary: Fresh towels & drinking water
* Si Amil Special (available upon request):-
• Si Amil journeys: 8 am & 10 am
• Afternoon Mabul dive: 2:30 pm
• Includes: Towel service & hydration
Sipadan Dive Adventures (permit required)
* Standard Sipadan Experience:-
• Morning departures: 8 am & 10 am (25 min transit)
• Afternoon option: Mabul at 2:30 Ppm
• Provisions: Towels & bottled water
* Early Bird Sipadan Special:-
• Sunrise dives: 6 am & 8 am
• Midday return: Mabul at 11 am
• Bonus: Breakfast included
Important: Sipadan access requires Advanced Open Water certification. While we strive to secure permits for all guests, availability depends on daily quotas. The resort manages permit distribution equitably and assists with applications.
Shore Dive Opportunities
• House Reef access: Daily 6 am - 7 pm
• Included in dive packages (buddy system applies)
• Professional guides available
• Minimum certification: Advanced Open Water
Island Hopping Getaways (additional cost)
* Northern Island Circuit:
• Destinations: Mataking/Timba-Timba/Pandanan
• Departure times: 8 am, 10 am, 1:30 pm
• Package includes: Lunch provisions, towel
* Southern Island Tour:
• Highlights: Bohey Dulang/Mantabuan/Sibuan
• Departure times: 8 am, 10 am, 1:30 pm
• Package includes: Lunch provisions, towel
Note: Visitors are responsible for island entrance fees. We recommend bringing additional spending money.
The Marine Fleet
Dive Vessels (11 total):
• Powerful engines ranging 115-250 HP
• Maximum capacity: 12 divers
• Professional guide ratio: 4 divers per guide
Transport Boats (6 available):
• Standard vessels (12 person capacity)
• Premium options (up to 39 passengers)
Dive Center Amenities
* Full equipment rental services
* Refreshment stations with showers
* Retail dive shop
* Secure gear storage
* Cleaning facilities
* Nitrox filling station
Safety Assurances
* Emergency oxygen systems
* Comprehensive first aid resources
* Trained safety personnel on-site
Note: Cave diving operations are currently suspended.
While the underwater world is the primary focus, the facilities at Mabul Water Bungalows offer comfort and relaxation above the surface. The experience is centered around the unique overwater environment, where your private deck serves as a personal observatory to the life on the reef below. For broader leisure, guests enjoy privileged access to the shared, land-based amenities of the adjacent Sipadan Mabul Resort (SMART).
This arrangement provides the best of both worlds: the secluded, direct-water-access charm of an overwater bungalow, complemented by the more extensive facilities of a land-based resort. After diving, you can unwind in the central freshwater swimming pool or soothing jacuzzi - a welcome change from the saltwater. For light activity, sea kayaks are available for exploring the coastline, and a beach volleyball court offers casual fun. A dedicated spa center provides a range of therapeutic massages, ideal for easing muscles after multiple dives.
The resort ensures practical needs are met with a gift shop for essentials and souvenirs, laundry services, and Wi-Fi access in common areas, allowing for connectivity when desired.
Mabul Water Bungalows guest facilities include: Restaurants & bars - Use of SMART facilities (Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, volleyball, basketball) - Technical diving - Guest Jacuzzi - Ocean kayaks - - Fishing trips / island hopping - Free usage of (1 GB daily limit) - Spa Center / Massage - Gift shop - Laundry
At Mabul Water Bungalows you can expect 3 buffet-style meals daily, served in the airy dining pavilion restaurant. The food served here comprises a selection of Chinese, Asian and Western cuisine. BBQ is provided daily, and Sashimi is provided 3-4 times a week. You can watch the Sun go down and have a drink at the jetty bar.
The dive schedule is planned in accordance with meal times to ensure a comfortable and well-paced experience. On non-Sipadan days, the boat returns to the resort for lunch. When visiting Sipadan, guests will be provided with a packed lunch to take on the boat.
Restaurant opening hours:
Breakfast: 6 - 8 am
Lunch: 12 - 2 pm
Dinner: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Meals available:
- Seafood and Sashimi
- Meat - beef and chicken
- Stir fried dishes
- Vegetables, soups and salads
- Rice and noodles
- Fresh coconut juice
Complimentary buffet breakfast - fruit juice, coffee, tea, toast, cakes, croissants, pancakes, fruit, cereals, eggs, sausage, rice, noodles and soup.
Vegetarian food is available. If you have any dietary issues or are vegan, please inform us in advance at the time of booking.
"
Great service and very helpful. Answering all the questions we have. Diversity of options. I don't have much to complain about, it was good and I would love to have a trip with you again." -
Ahmad Abu Serrieh , Palestine, 4 November 2024 ...
"
Staff were friendly and accomodating , some boat skippers not too safety focused. Biggest disappointment is the lack of pollution CARE - very disappointing to see general lack of control regarding pollution. Current management policy seems to purely focus on income volume - overcrowding , lack of food at meals, very monotonous meal menus. General overall low state of repair - only fortunate that we booked a land based chalet having quietness, but very dirty with refuse being allowed to burn as disposal - again lack of management policy for a supposedly upper rated resort and associated price." -
Peter Burton, South Africa, 27 June 2022 ...
"
Wow! What an incredible and amazing experience. The Mabul Water Bungalows are a dream. And, the scuba diving beyond words. The Mabul Water Bungalows staff are so nice and very professional. I would return in an instant and only wish I had stayed a month!" -
Luis Garcia, USA, 6 September 2018 ...
"
All was fantastic! MWB staff were all very friendly, wonderful facilities and top equipment." -
Susan Hagsteiner, Switzerland, 2 October 2017 ...
"
Accommodations were fantastic, food was average, service was excellent, boats were dive friendly, dive boats were punctual. The diver to dive master ratio should be smaller, we had up to 8:1 , too many divers for the dive master to look after and for everyone to see all the creatures, etc..." -
Tom Sikorski, USA, 5 November 2015 ...
"
Our divemaster Ryan was great, he spotted the tiniest creatures and always kept an eye on us during strong current. The accommodation is lovely and staff are helpful and always smiling. Overall we had an amazing trip and would definitely recommend this place to other divers!" -
Niina Marose, Singapore, 6 August 2014 ...
"
The diving was SUPER-visibility so so cuz it rained a lot (expected) but wow-the diversity was amazing. I don't think we can dive anywhere else now!" -
Gina Wu Lee, USA, 1 January 2014 ....
"
Good service was provided, relaxed for the divers with itinerary shown, tanks provided and dives organised. Staff were friendly and helpful. Scuba equipment was of reasonable quality, but clearly not new and should not be allowed to age too much (for example zippers worked but flaps of torn/aged cloth was interfering). Divers appreciate a full experience. So talks about the ecology would be good." -
John Deadman, Australia, 14 July 2013 ...
"
The resort is well run, the room was very nice, the dive boats, airport pickup and transfers all went smoothly and the food was good. The dive instructor my wife had was very good, and they made it possible for my wife to dive Sipadan which was much appreciated." -
Randy Wacker, Canada, 28 February 2012 ...
"
The accommodation is really really good, the place is so elegant and fancy while when I first came in they introduced me to every one and how the diving program is running, the rooms are super clean with a fancy balcony facing the wonderful sea." -
Meshal Al-Omar, Kuwait, 22 February 2012 ...
"
Extremely friendly staff, dive master knowledgeable and able to see tiny things underwater (only visible to us with the help of our camera...). The dive experience is somewhat mitigated with the dive master taking us to the same point more than once, but dives at Sipadan made us forget every other dives. And some of us with over 300 dives (Atlantic, Pacific and Indian ocean) still consider Sipadan part of their TOP 10 dives in the world." -
Maxime Poulin, France, 19 September 2011 ...
"
The accommodation was fine and the dives were well planned and executed. Facilities and equipment were satisfactory. We dived 3 out of 5 days at Sipadan which was incredibly lucky - we were delighted with this." -
Victoria Pearson, UK, 8 September 2011 ...
"
On arrival at Mabul Water Bungalows, we were assigned a dive master who would act as our guide for the duration of the holiday. Our divemaster's name was Deniah and she was fantastic. Very friendly and attentive and really made an effort to show us everything, from the tiniest nudibranch to submarine sized groupers, she obviously had expansive knowledge of all the dive sites and knew exactly where to look.
I also did my PADI Advanced Open Water course whilst staying here and I have to say my instructor was brilliant. His name is Patrick Chong and is easily the best instructor I've had. He really helped me nail my buoyancy and taught me a variety of different fin kicks that I didn't even know existed! He was very attentive and totally put me at ease. The diving timetable was very organised and well structured and there was not a moment where I felt I wasn't being looked after. I knew exactly where and when I had to be and what dive site we were going to the day before, all my equipment would have been set-up for me and already on the boat waiting for me.
The rest of the staff were also really friendly and the service we received was impeccable. I rented a BCD, regulator (1st and 2nd stage), octopus and SPG and had no problems. The on-site facilities were of an excellent standard, especially the spa." -
Alexander Hislop, UK, 2 August 2011 ...
"
Catered to our every need. Excellent caring dive master, we were had with the same dive master which worked well. He knew you personally and checked when required. Resort manager and all staff were welcoming and friendly." -
Mark Galaz, Australia, 23 June 2011 ...
"
Picked up quickly, just us in the boat and we were dropped at the Mabul Water Bungalows jetty (which was much better than the last time we stayed when we were dropped at the other SMART side). Cold towels and welcome drinks, lunch, smooth check in process, received the room we requested and the whole stay was extremely good." -
Clee Nataliea Lowther, UK, 1 October 2010 ...
"
Their service was absolutely wonderful - from diving to dining to everyday 'good mornings' - we were in doubt whether to choose SMART (beach resort) or the Mabul Water Bungalows - and we are so not regretting our decision, it was truly excellent." -
Gry Anna Nordensgaard, Runberg, Denmark, 28 September 2010 ...
"
The equipment we rented was of very good quality, the staff was very helpful and friendly and the facilities in an excellent condition. Most of all, out of our 4 days at the resort we got to dive at Sipadan during 2 days. We had a great time!" -
Tatiana Matejskova, Rep. of Slovakia, 6 July 2010 ...
"
The Mabul Water Bungalows is a beautiful place, very well done, spacious, clean and well maintained. The service was always warm and helpful. The dive masters and diving help was also outstanding, and Sipidan lived up to its billing as one of the diving wonders of the world. Although the food was very well done for a buffet, for me the buffet style does not provide as satisfying of a meal as when food is cooked to order." -
James Hannan, USA, 29 June 2010...
"
Excellent dive master (Ronny) and boatmen. A professional and dedicate team." -
Cindy Chan, Hong Kong, 15 December 2008 ...
"
All the staff at Mabul Water Bungalows were fantastic. It started with Eva the manager and her hospitality, spread to everyone else from there." -
Jon Hoffman, USA, 18 November 2008 ...
"
This was probably the best dive operator I have used - from the staff professionalism and friendliness to the organization and preparation of diving equipment ahead of dives." -
Stuart Thomson, Korea, 6 June 2008 ...
"
Amazing diving, beautiful surroundings, fantastic accommodation." -
Emily Thompson, United Kingdom, 18 July 2006 ...
"
Diving: Top Class; People: Lovely; Boat Crew / divemaster: really good; boats: good; Accommodation: excellent. We would definitely return." -
Victoria Marriott, United Kingdom, 21 January 2006 ...
"
Our trip to Mabul Water Bungalows Resort was excellent and the dive services also excellent." -
Madlyn and Tom, USA, 3 December 2005 ...
"
Everything was done for me, I didn't have to lift a finger, all my gear was put together at the beginning and taken apart at the end. I didn't have to lug any equipment around, all my fins, weight belt etc were on the boat at the beginning of each dive. I didn't even have to think about it." -
Michelle Le Herissier, Channel Islands, 12 November 2005 ...
