Situated just 25 minutes from Sipadan, Mabul is another gem in the Sulawesi Sea. However, the seascape in Mabul is starkly different, yet equally stunning. A diversity of tiny marine life makes Mabul a great site for macro and muck-diving. Blue-ringed octopus, mandarin fish, lionfish, frogfish, moray eels and spike-fin gobies are definite show-stealers in the relatively-shallow waters. Mabul is slightly larger than Sipadan and has several resorts as well as a local village.
Kapalai is another great location for muck-lovers. In fact, this little island is rated by many diving journalists as one of the best macro-diving destinations in the world. Mandarin valley, Gurnard Ground and Stingray City are enchanting sites with a prolific marine life.
Just like Sipadan, the jumping-off point to Mabul and Kapalai is Semporna. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes. Semporna is about an hour’s drive from Tawau airport. There are regular air services connecting Tawau and Kota Kinabalu. Transfers can be arranged with us.