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Is it worth staying at the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul in 2026? In this article we will review this dive resort and share some top tips and reflections about Mabul island. As ever our review will be honest and we will share some pros and cons then leave it up to you to decide.
In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to this beautiful island. We will also help you keep your expectations in check so that you can enjoy Mabul for what it is. And if the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul – we do have other recommendations to share.
Before you read on – Wifi on Mabul is weak to non-existent. So even at a more expensive resort like the Borneo Dive Resort – prepare to be disconnected (we actually loved this about Mabul)
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Sabah
What is Mabul really like?
Mabul is a beautiful tropical island in Sabah, Malaysia. Mabul has a reputation for crystal clear waters and amazing diving. The shallow sandbar around the island creates beautiful turquoise waters. Mabul is a great place to enjoy fresh exotic seafood, warm tropical waters and fantastic diving and snorkeling.
On the island some supplies are limited. There are small shops selling snacks and drinks. Locals also sell rice and BBQ fish. You can also buy coconuts – often sold by locals on boats. The abundance of tasty, fresh and affordable seafood is wonderful.
Mabul island is relatively small and flat measuring less than 1km in length. Mabul island does not have any roads, cars or taxis. The island itself has a chilled relaxed vibe. Areas of the island are quite under-developed and sadly some of the local communities are quite poor.
Mabul is not the best choice for a luxurious stay. Realistically none of the resorts or hotels are more the 2-3 star. Your money would go a lot further in other countries like Thailand and Indonesia. Prices are relatively high for what you get. On Mabul you are paying for location rather than luxury. Even some of the more expensive and nicer resorts are a little run down and sorry for themselves. We said we would be honest.
Mabul is not perfect. Some of the beaches around Mabul sadly have a lot of waste. Some of the villages are also quite polluted. It is still an experience to explore this island – but keep your expectations in check.
Is it worth staying at the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul?
If you have a large budget and you want to enjoy Mabul for its awesome clear water and seafood you will need to pick somewhere to stay. The Borneo Dive Resort Mabul is probably the nicest option. SO if you don’t want to stay in a basic, simple and mucky room – then the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul may be your best choice.
But this resort is very expensive for what you get. Rooms typically cost around £400 per night here. Although this is expensive it is worth noting that this is an all inclusive price. So this does include 3 meals per day. They also include a FREE two way transfer to Mabul island (they can even pick you up at Tawau airport if you arrive earlier in the day). So drop them a line once you have booked your stay and work out your best pick up options.
So whether this resort is worth it depends on your budget and priorities. If you are on a once in a lifetime trip and you have a big budget, why not go for somewhere nicer and enjoy the whole experience more? But if you are on a tighter budget or travelling long term, you may prefer one of the cheaper options on Mabul island.
What other resorts are there in the area?
Don’t miss our full review and comparison of the packages you can get on Mabul island
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative check out the Mabul Backpackers Hostel (pictured above). Rooms are cheap and very simple. We’re talking hard beds, a fan and a shared bathroom. No thrills. Even then the Marbul backpackers Hostel is expensive for the location (rooms starting at around £60). And you will need to be willing to rough it.
So it depends on your priorities. Rooms at the Borneo Dive Resort are nice and the resort has a clean and nice feel. But it is not a decadent luxury. If you’re looking for a stunning island stay – these types of prices would get you a beautiful villa with a private swimming pool in Thailand.
Sphere Divers Scuba and leisure is another great option for accommodation on Mabul. Again this property comes in at the low budget end. But it is some of the cheapest accommodation around with twin rooms typically costing around £40 per night. A great bet if you’re looking for somewhere on the low budget end.
Another option in the area is the Sipidan Kapalai Dive Resort. This resort is pretty elusive and hard to find prices. Also, this resort is not actually located on Mabul island. There are several websites pointing to this resort – but the booking process seems a little unnerving – send an enquiry by a form. Prices start at around £180 – £200 per night at the Sipidan Kapalai Dive Resort (for a non-diver) for simple overwater wooden bungalows. There are some very nice pictures of the Sipidan Kapalai Dive Resort. But in reality, even this resort doesn’t deliver the Maldivian luxury you may have been dreaming of.
How do you book a stay at the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul?
We recommend booking your stay on a booking platform like Agoda or Booking.com. This gives accountability and transparency to the whole booking process.
How much does it cost to stay at the Borneo Dive Resort in Mabul?
Rooms typically cost around £400 per night here. This includes 3 meals per day.
Check the latest prices on Agoda
Check the latest prices at on Booking.com
What’s included if you stay at the Borneo Dive Resort Mabul?
Stays at the Borneo Diver Resort Mabul are all inclusive:
- Accommodation and use of the resort facilities including the swimming pool
- Competitive prices for diving and snorkelling trips
- 3 meals per day – nice fresh food
- Transfer to and from Mabul with a convenient pick up and drop off location
Contact them to discuss diving packages
How much does it cost to go diving at the Borneo Dive Resort in Mabul?
Diving on Mabul is actually relatively cheap. Diving at Sipidan (nearby) is very expensive.
- Diving around Mabul island is likely to cost around RM100 – RM150 per dive (roughly £20 – £30)
- It is quite expensive to dive in Sipidan because you have to pay for an expensive permit. Expect to pay around RM1,200 – RM1,500 to dive in Sipidan (this is roughly £240 – £300).
What things can you see if you go diving in Mabul?
Diving around Mabul island is a delightful experience. There are several shipwrecks to see in the area. If you dive at Mabul, there is also a steep drop called the lobster wall. There is a wide array of fish and sealife to enjoy. In the waters you can see reef sharks, sea turtles, clown fish, frog fish, barracuda, stone fish, lobsters and much much more.
The reef in the area is very beautiful and the waters are teeming with life. This is genuinely one of the best areas to snorkel and dive in the world. You can also take trips to dive at Sipidan island. The waters in this area are remarkable for diving. You do need to purchase a permit to dive
