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Looking for THE BEST Mabul island package for 2026? It is really hard to find accurate and up to date information online – until now. Our aim is to fill this gap and tell you everything you need to know. Prices, how to book, what’s included and more.
Up-to-date details are hard to find online and it is hard to compare between resorts. We will share super useful comparisons to help you make the best informed decision. We have tried to identify sneaky charges like equipment rental – which should really be included in your package. So the prices we share are a reliable estimate of the cheapest options at the main Mabul island diving resorts.
There is a lot of information to get your head round. So we have tried to make it as simple as possible. Also, it is worth being aware that there are some recent changes in permits and restrictions at Sipadan. The new fees and permits for diving at Sipadan are RM100 conservation fee and RM350 diving permit. The permits and fees may not be included in your package price – so definitely check when you book!
There are also restrictions on the number of dives you are allowed to do per day in Sipadan. So check everything carefully with your resort – especially if you want to dive in Sipadan.
Learn more about diving on Mabul island
Mabul (Kapalai island) diving packages
These diving package prices only include dive sites around Mabul island and Kapalai. These prices are per person. If you are a solo traveller and take a double or twin room you may need to pay more.
Prices include two way transfer, 3 meals per day, diving and equipment rental and accommodation in their cheapest room.
| Mabul Backpackers(Budget room fan) | Mabul Backpackers(Seaview room A.C.) | Billabong Scuba(Cheapest room) | Borneo Divers(Cheapest room) | |
| 2 days 1 night | RM 480 Around £90 3 dives | RM 600 Around £120 3 dives | N/A | N/A |
| 3 days 2 nights | RM 750 Around £140 5 dives | RM 990 Around £180 5 dives | RM 990 Around £180 6 dives | RM 3,000 Around £550 6 dives |
| 4 days 3 nights | RM 1,030 Around £1907 dives | RM 1,390 Around £255 7 dives | RM 1,270 Around £230 7 dives | RM 4,200 Around £765 9 dives |
| 5 days 4 nights | N/A | N/A | RM 1,630 Around 10 dives | N/A |
| Additional dive price | RM100 Around £20 | RM100 Around £20 | RM130 Around £26 | RM260 Around £50 |
Mabul (Sipadan) diving packages
These diving package prices include dive sites around Mabul island and Sipadan. These prices are higher because Sipadan permits are expensive and it is also further to Sipadan island. Remeber to check for price changes and check exactly what is included if you dive at Sipadan. Also note that the requirements to dive at Sipadan depend on the resort.
| Mabul Backpackers | Mabul Backpackers (Seaview room A.C.) | Billabong Scuba (cheapest room) | Borneo Divers (cheapest room) | |
| 2 days 1 night | RM 1,800 Around £330 3 dives Mabul 3 dives Sipadan | RM 1,920 Around £350 2 dives Mabul 2 dives Sipadan | N/A | N/A |
| 3 days 2 nights | RM 2,070 Around £380 5 dives Mabul 3 dives Sipadan | RM 2,310 Around £420 2 dives Mabul 2 dives Sipadan | RM 1,810 £330 4 dives Mabul 2 dives Sipadan | N/A |
| 4 days 3 nights | RM 2,350 Around £430 7 dives Mabul 3 dives Sipadan | RM 2,710 Around £500 2 dives Mabul 2 dives Sipadan | RM 2,060 £375 5 dives Mabul 2 dives Sipadan | N/A |
| 5 days 4 nights | N/A | N/A | RM 3,510 £640 8 dives Mabul 4 dives Sipadan | RM 5,500 £1,100 8 dives Mabul 3 dives Sipadan |
| 6 days 5 nights | N/A | N/A | RM 4,820 £880 10 dives Mabul 6 dives Sipadan | N/A |
| 7 days 6 nights | N/A | N/A | RM 5,210 £950 12 dives Mabul 6 dives Sipadan | N/A |
What is the best Mabul island package?
It all depends on what you are looking for. If you’re happy to rough it then take a budget package at the Mabul Backpackers Hostel. If you’re looking for more comfort but not too expensive, Billabong or the Mabul Backpackers seaview rooms are a great option. The nicest resort in Mabul is the Borneo Divers Mabul Resort – but this is quite expensive.
TOP TIP: If you only want to do a few dives a diving package is not your best option. It would be cheaper to book your room separately and then pay for your additional dives.
What is normally included in a Mabul island package?
In this guide we will try to give you as much information as possible about the BEST Mabul island packages. However, we always recommend checking exactly what is included before you book.
- Accommodation
- Drinks (normally water and hot drinks)
- Two way transfer (either from Mabul or Tawau)
- 3 meals per day
- Dives (including boat, equipment, fees and guide)
The food on Mabul island packages tends to be very good. There is an abundance of fresh delicious seafood available in the area.
Also, note that Mabul Backpackers can accommodate solo travellers in dorms. Billabong and the Borneo Dive Resort may charge additional fees for solo travellers if you are not sharing a room.
Don’t miss our super helpful guide – How to get to Semporna
What are the requirements to dive in Mabul and Sipadan?
To dive in Mabul and Kapalai you only need to be open water qualified. Remember to bring your log book or certification. To dive at Sipadan most resorts require that you have Advanced Open Water Certification. Resorts may also require that you have a sufficient number of dives. Sipadan is more challenging due to the unique currents and diving conditions in the area.
How much does a Mabul island package cost?
There are 3 main resorts offering Mabul island packages. The Mabul Backers Hostel is the cheapest option, Billabong is mid range. The Borneo Divers Mabul Resort is the most expensive.
Check out the Mabul Backpackers on Agoda. The Mabul Backpackers are also on Booking.com. We have also done our own review of the Mabul Backpackers Hostel.
A Mabul island package is likely to cost between £100 – £1,100. Most packages vary in length from 2 days – 5 days. The price of your package depends on the resort, your specific room choice and the length of the package. It also depends whether you dive in Sipadan, which is more expensive due to permits.
Keep reading for full price breakdowns. You don’t get a lot for your money on Mabul. Accommodation is relatively expensive and the standards are not very high. So keep your expectations in check.
The Borneo Divers Mabul Resort are on Agoda. Alternatively you can find the Borneo Divers Mabul resort are on Booking.com.
What rooms are available at the Mabul Backpackers resort?
The cheapest dive resort is the Mabul Backpackers Hostel. They offer the cheapest rooms and diving packages. Single dives are also cheapest here. However Mabul Backpackers is also the most basic and simple accommodation.
The Mabul Backpackers have a range of budget fan rooms with shared bathroom: Dorm, Twin, Double, triple and even a quadruple room. Budget dorm rooms (no dives included) cost around RM100 per person and include a two way boat transfer and 3 meals per day. A basic fan room costs around RM150 per person including meals and boat transfer.
The budget accommodation is very small and simple at Mabul Backpackers. Budget rooms are fan rooms with a shared bathroom.
The Mabul Backpackers Hostel does offer air conditioning sea view rooms with private bathroom. These rooms cost around RM400 per night (not on a package). The Mabul Backpackers Seaview rooms must be booked directly with the hostel. Air conditioning is only available at certain hours.
How do you book a Mabul island diving package?
If you are just wanting to do a few dives, the we recommend booking your accommodation on booking.com or Agoda and then pay for individual dives at the resort. There are several advantages to using a booking platform. You get security, peace of mind and addiitional perks like good cancellation policies.
However, if you are wanting to do lots of diving – then a diving package is likely to offer the best value for money. These diving packages can only be booked directly through the resorts. Here are the contact details to book a Mabul island package:
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
To book a Mabul island package with Borneo Divers drop their lovely team an email:
marketing@borneodivers.com.my
Don’t miss our FULL REVIEW of the Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
Mabul Backpackers Hostel
To book a diving package at the Mabul Backpackers Hostel drop them a message:
Phone / Whatsapp: +60 12838 5809
Email: spdnborneo@gmail.com or info@sipadanborneo.com
Don’t miss our FULL REVIEW of the Mabul Backpackers Resort
Bilabong Scuba Resort Mabul
To book a package with Bilabong drop them a message:
Phone / Whatsapp: +60 14958 7179 or +60 08978 8565
Email: sip.bilabong@gmail.com or bsds.sipadan@gmail.com
Can you book Mabul dive resorts in advance online?
Yes, you can book some of the Mabul Dive Resorts online in advance. However you cannot book the diving packages online in advance. For a diving package you will need to contact the resort directly. If you are only planning to do a few dives we recommend booking your resort online in advance and paying for your dives when you get to the resort.
Check out the Mabul Backpackers on Agoda.
The Mabul Backpackers are also on Booking.com.
The Borneo Divers Mabul Resort are on Agoda.
Alternatively you can find the Borneo Divers Mabul resort are on Booking.com
What else is there to do on Mabul island?
There are some other great things to do on Mabul island. The seafood is amazing. Mabul is an amazing place to enjoy fresh exotic seafood for excellent prices. The diving packages include 3 meals per day and this mostly include fresh seafood.
Mabul is also a great destination for snorkelling. You can generally take a snorkelling trip (on a diving boat) for around RM50 – RM60 per trip. Always check what is included. Snokelling should include equipment and a guide.
Another thing to do on Mabul is rent a sea kayak. You can rent transparent Kayaks at the Seahorse Resort (near Mabul Backpackers). This costs around RM50.
