Spheredivers Scuba & Leisure

Whilst researching extensively around the Semporna area, I stumbled across Mabul Island and this little gem. It seemed that many of the places around the area were very expensive. I don’t mind somewhere basic, but I wasn’t quite sure just how basic this place was going to be! However, it was within my price range and, after reading the previous reviews, I decided to give it a go. Don’t expect a beautiful luxury island resort — this place is something completely different. It’s built on stilts and is very unique, and that’s exactly what gives it its character. Yes, the main walkway through to the village can feel a little precarious at times, but honestly, that’s all part of the experience. There are little shops tucked away along the walkway, lots of very happy and friendly locals, and plenty of children running around and playing. It felt like we were experiencing a little slice of real island life rather than staying in a manufactured tourist resort. There is, however, one thing that surprised me, particularly as I haven’t seen it mentioned in many of the other reviews. Pretty much across the whole island, the toilets discharge directly into the sea. We were assured that this was safe and apparently it is something the local community is used to. We did see other families swimming in the sea directly around the resort and, interestingly, we bumped into one of those families again about a week later during our trip. They told us they had experienced no ill effects at all. For us, though, we decided not to swim directly in front of the resort. We were travelling for several weeks afterwards and simply didn’t want to risk becoming ill and spoiling the rest of our holiday. Of course, everyone will make their own decision, but I think it’s something potential visitors should be aware of before booking. I’d read several reviews saying that getting to the island wasn’t particularly easy, but that wasn’t my experience.

This location is fantastic to relax, snorkel, dive, enjoy the exceptional views. We had such a nice time there. Hardly any guests when we stayed there so it felt even more private. The rooms are basic and the bathroom is humid but has everything you need and what to expect for a life literally on the sea.

Make sure to organise how to get there from Semporna and book transfers in advance. The island is simple and the other comments are right, loads of kids and rubbish all around.

The staff

The water

Interesting stay in the water

Rooms are Basic(more hostel level), the water bungalow was a bit shaking when waves came by from boats, careful of wooden walkway to the beach from “water bungalow” as planks are broken and the walkway is moving as you walk over it. Some times it is noisy with the 1 cylinder boats passing and generators running all night on the island(of course this is Asia and a small Island) Rental Dive equipment was not sufficient and very old (wetsuits, tank leaking, no fresh air, no info about last service), limited inventory e.g ordered fins for my wife we not available. No safety sausage available, bcd had no release valve string to pull. The next day a dive instructor diver guest had also to get other tanks from the neighbor dive shop. Dive sites are really nice and in good shape. Food was very simple and needed to be ordered 1-2 hours before. Breakfast is noodles, boiled egg and pancake. No coffee available. Management commmuniction was only via whatts app and delayed . Local staff did not speak english and the dive instructor was a freelance one who did not now about the equipment situation.