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Mabul is a small, oval shaped island which, like Kapalai, is renowned for its macro diving and has gained a reputation as one of the best ’muck diving’ sites in the world.

A 15 minute boat ride from Sipadan, it is surrounded by sandy beaches and perched on the north-west corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the surrounding seabed slopes out to depths of 25-30 metres.

Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus and bobtail squid are just a few of the numerous types of cephalopoda to be found on Mabul’s reef. Many types of gobies can be found including the spike fin, black sail-fin, and metallic shrimp goby. Frogfish are everywhere and giant, painted, and clown frogfish are all regularly seen. Moray eels and snake eels of many types can be found, along with almost the whole scorpion fish family. It would be quicker to list the species not found at Mabul; crazy critters are in abundance at this magical macro site!

Please note the UK foreign office advice currently relating to this region. Please speak to our dive team for further advice and information.

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Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: giant frogfish, green turtle, ornate ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish

Dive trips

This dive location is featured in the following itineraries:

Sipadan & Orangutans

A classic combination, with a week exploring the astonishing island of Sipadan and its unrivalled diving opportunities, before heading inland for two days of face-to-face encounters with Borneo’s orangutan. Find Out More about Sipadan & Orangutans

  • Duration inc. flights: 12 days
  • Trip type: Tailor-made trip idea
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