Alan and Natasha decided to take a holiday in Penang based upon friends' recommendations of a warm tropical location with a diverse culture. They stay at the historic Eastern and Oriental Hotel in Penang and discover the complex history and the various cultures of this famous island destination. They also took time out to relax beside the beach at the Lone Pine Resort along Batu Ferringhi.
Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.
Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.
Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.
Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here includes sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.
Three resorts cater to scuba divers -- two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.
Key
Tips
There's no airport in Semporna, so book your flight to Tawau instead and organise a pick-up from your tour operator for the hour-long drive to the jetty at Semporna.
How
to get there
By Sea To reach Mabul Island, it is a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna and 20 minutes from Sipadan Island.
Who
to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732 or visit their website at http://sipadan-kapalai.com
Accommodation
Overview
Mabul Island is home to three very different resorts, all up-market, and all catering to divers.
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Sabah Attractions
Sipadan Island - This watery Garden of Eden is rightly billed as one of the world's greatest diving destinations.
Maliau Basin - The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a natural catchment area, which has remained unknown for millions of years.
Kundasang War Memorial - It was established as a tribute to World War II prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in 1945.
Sipadan Water Village Resort
- A beautiful luxury resort on stilts overlooking the spectacularly clear waters of the Sulu Sea, a favourite among discerning divers.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort
- With an engaging range of outdoor activities, including a Nature Reserve, Orang Utan education centre and an ecologically friendly championship golf course, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort offers the best of Sabah in a lush, 400-acre tropical setting beside
