The Best Dive Sites in Mabul Island and Why You Should Visit Them

Planning your first dive trip to Mabul and not sure where to start? With so many dive sites just minutes from the island, it can be hard to tell which ones are worth your time, especially if you are new to the area.

This guide is for anyone thinking about diving in Mabul, whether you are doing a Discovery Dive, starting your Open Water course, enjoying a few relaxed fun dives, or searching for tiny creatures through a camera lens.

I still remember my first dive here. I didn’t expect to see so much marine life so close to shore. One moment I was adjusting my mask and the next I was floating above a reef filled with turtles and bright reef fish.

Why Mabul Is a Favourite Among Divers

What draws people to Mabul is not just the fact that it sits near the famous Sipadan. It is the way diving here feels almost effortless. The water is usually calm and clear, the sun is warm on your wetsuit, and the boat rides are so short you barely have time to sip your tea before it is time to backroll into the sea.

Mabul Island is known for its shallow reefs and sandy slopes, making it perfect for beginner divers and anyone wanting a slow, relaxed underwater experience. The visibility often ranges from 10 to 20 metres during the dry season, and the water stays at a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round. That means no thick wetsuits, no heavy currents, and no need to rush.

But the real charm of diving in Mabul is in the details. You’ll hover over coral gardens and suddenly spot a frogfish camouflaged perfectly on a sponge. A group of curious pipefish might drift by just under your nose. And turtles? They glide past like they own the place, unfazed by your bubbles.

Most dive sites are just a short ride from shore. Less time on the boat means more time in the water. And because the pace is slow, you get to truly enjoy the reef, not just pass through it.

Top Dive Sites in Mabul Island

Best Dive Sites for Beginners in Mabul

If you are just starting your diving journey, Mabul is one of the best places to do it. The waters are warm, calm, and clear, and most of the dive sites have gentle conditions that help you build confidence.

Sites like Paradise 1, Eel Garden, and the House Reefs are especially beginner-friendly. These locations have sandy bottoms, which means you do not have to worry too much if your buoyancy is still a work in progress. Most dives here stay well within twelve metres, which is perfect if you are doing your Discovery Dive or Open Water training.

Currents are usually mild or completely absent, so you can focus on enjoying the marine life around you rather than fighting to stay in place. You will see clownfish, turtles, and even some colourful nudibranchs without having to go deep or deal with strong movement underwater.

If this is your first time diving, do not stress. Mabul is a place where many people take their very first breath underwater, and often come back for more.

Best Dive Sites in Mabul for Macro Photography

If you love the tiny and the strange, Mabul is a paradise for macro diving. This is where you can spend an entire dive hovering above a single coral head and never run out of things to photograph.

On one of my dives, I spent about twenty minutes just observing one small patch of reef. In that time, I spotted two types of nudibranchs, a pipefish that looked like a strand of seaweed, and a crab so well camouflaged it took me several minutes to even realise it was there. This is the kind of diving where slowing down really pays off.

Some of the top sites for macro life include Froggy Lair, Paradise 1, and the Mabul House Reef. These areas are known for unusual creatures like frogfish, ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and ornate shrimp. You might also come across harlequin crabs, porcelain lobsters, or even the elusive blue-ringed octopus if you are lucky.

For the best visibility and critter activity, early morning dives are usually ideal. Overcast days can also bring out more marine life, as some species tend to be more active when the light is diffused.

If you are diving with a camera, bring a dive torch to highlight colours and details, especially under ledges or between coral crevices. A red filter can also help your shots pop, especially if you are shooting video or struggling with colour loss at depth.

What a Typical Dive Day in Mabul Looks Like

A dive day in Mabul moves at a calm and easy pace. Most mornings begin with a short briefing at the dive centre, followed by the first dive of the day. The boat ride is usually just five to fifteen minutes, which means you spend more time in the water and less time getting there.

After surfacing, there’s a chance to dry off, enjoy a warm drink, and chat with your dive buddies while taking in the view. Most dive centres organise two or three dives a day, depending on weather, tides, and the group’s experience. Some even ask for your input when choosing the next site, especially if there’s a favourite you want to return to.

What I enjoyed most was how unhurried everything felt. There were no tight schedules or pressure to rush. Just the sea, some sunshine, and a slow rhythm that made everything feel just right.

Tips for Enjoying the Dive Sites in Mabul

If you are diving in Mabul, think of it as slow travel under the water. There is no need to rush or chase big fish to enjoy what you see. Some of the best discoveries are tiny creatures such as a nudibranch tucked behind coral or a frogfish pretending to be a sponge.

Bring a rash guard if you tend to get cold. The water is warm but after your second or third dive you might feel a chill, especially on overcast days. A small dive torch helps you spot shy critters hiding in crevices or under wrecks. If you enjoy photography, that extra light makes colours stand out beautifully.

Most importantly, treat the reef with care. Do not touch the coral even if it seems tempting to steady yourself. Use reef safe sunscreen so you do not harm marine life without realising it. Take your time and look closely. The slower you move, the more life you will notice, even in a small patch of sand.

When Is the Best Time to Dive in Mabul?

You can dive in Mabul any time of year, but some months do stand out. Clearer water usually starts as early as March and can stretch through the middle of the year. In our experience, April to Jun often offers the best visibility, with calm seas and sunny days. By August and September, the water can get a little choppy depending on the weather, but diving still goes on. The rainy season typically runs from November to February, which may reduce visibility slightly, but most dive trips continue as usual. Water temperatures hover between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius all year, so it’s always warm enough to dive in just a rash guard or short wetsuit.

Final Thoughts

Mabul might not have the towering drop-offs or thrill dives that Sipadan is known for, but it offers something just as special in a quieter, more personal way. This is where you learn to slow down and really see the reef. A bright nudibranch crawling across a coral branch. A tiny seahorse tucked into the soft reef. A turtle gliding peacefully past your mask. Each dive feels like a small discovery.

Whether you’re just getting started or searching for rare marine life, Mabul has something to offer. And the best part? Most dive sites are just a short boat ride from your resort.

Ready to dive in? Book your Mabul adventure with The Borneo Nomads and let us show you all our favourite underwater spots, even the ones that don’t always make it onto the map.

This post was written by Irfan, from The Borneo Nomads team
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