Mabul Backpackers

My sister and I went to Mabul for three nights, and we didn't ecpect to much because of the reviews we read before. The rooms are indeed simple, showering wasn't possible the whole day, same with electricity. The food is mostly the same everyday. But honestly we had a wonderful, heartwarming time. The family and Divemasters are so lovely and caring, in the evening we sang together while some are playing the guitar. It was great! Also the Diving was incredible, I did my AOWD with Billy, and couldn't ask for a better instructor. We were really sad to leave and hope to come back again soon. Thanks for everything, we will definetly never forget.

After reading previous reviews I was slightly nervous for my time at Mabul Backpackers, however I couldn’t have been proven more wrong. I had the best time here, was fed three meals a day and the owner made sure we had a room opposite the ocean (even though we paid for a dorm) for no extra cost. The vibe here was just on point that I ended up extending my stay by 4 days and completing my open water. Was so reasonably priced compare to other places i looked into in south east Asia and the dive master acted so professional, he stayed with my friend and I way past work hours to make sure we understood the course/ requirements to past the test. I never had a problem with the gear the week I was here and can honestly say this was one of my favourite experiences during my 7 months in South East Asia.

We appreciated the vibe of this place and the kindness of people working there. They are also very flexible and there fore sometimes the boats are not that much on time. Overall, absolutely recommended. There are different types of rooms for every budget.

Mabul Backpackers is by far one of the most special places I have ever stayed in my life. If you’re a germaphobe and like to stick to strict time schedules then it’s not for you. But I can’t recommend it enough. I did both my advanced open water and lots of fun dives there - the reefs are absolutely stunning. After a morning dive you’re greeted home by grinning staff and you eat delicious food in great company. After an afternoon dive you can finish the day swimming with turtles right on your doorstep, and surface to card games, karaoke, and drinks with anyone and everyone. I wouldn’t be doing this review justice if I didn’t mention my instructor, Billy. Not only was he a total professional, but he allowed me - at first a nervous diver - to become a more confident and happy diver that I ever thought I could be. I loved diving with Billy - he made me feel totally safe, he made everything so much fun, and he was amazing at pointing out even the tiniest of fish! Mabul backpackers is a tiny slice of heaven - whether you’re travelling alone or with friends, it’s totally magic. If you’re reading this Billy, you’re awesome! 🤙🏽

It is a quite inexpensive accommodation compared to the other options on this island, but a bit more invest in service and the food would be necessary. Breakfast, lunch and dinner do not vary much (all 3 days more or less the same). The brooms are not lockable (but it is safe) and the water from the shower is running down directly into the ocean. The staff is nice, but the service could be better (basics like checking toilet paper or emptying the waste bins). Relaxed atmosphere is a plus.

We booked a 3-day, 2-nights all inclusive diving package during which we stayed in a 6-person dorm. I usually don’t easily give a rating below 4 stars, but the totality of the experience was disappointing. Every day was a bit of chaos to find the right dive equipment. The equipment was quite old and not very well taken care of. There were also not a lot of different sizes for BCDs and wetsuits. Leaking equipment was also guaranteed. Staff was also not most helpful in this chaos. Due to the price, we did not go to Sipadan. The dives around Mabul were nice, but not more extraordinary than what we have seen in Thailand for example. There’s also often a lot of current (but this could of course differ by the season). We mostly saw turtles, blue dotted stingrays, flathead crocodile fish, clownfish, some cuttlefish and eel. We did one of our dives with divemaster Billy, who was really friendly and great to dive with. Food was the same every day for dinner and lunch, so you got quite bored of it. Also vegetarians would not have a very varied menu (plain rice + 1 type of vegetable). The room fell far below expectations. The room itself and the beds were old and dirty. We saw the staff just pull the sheets tight after the previous guest instead of changing the linens. The bed was full of ants. We had to ask multiple times for towels, which ended up to be rather dirty as well. Even if taking a private room with airconditioning and private bathroom, I would probably not book here due to the lower level of professionalism by the staff. Irrespective of where you stay, be prepared to see a very dirty island: beaches are full of old clothes, plastic and other trash.

Had the time of my life here! Only planned to stay 3 nights and turned into 8nights and my open water. The PADI open water course was great. The staff, dive master and everyone involved was some of the best people I’ve met along my travels. Honestly loved every bit of my stay and of course some post dinner karaoke. Dorm is very basic but the communal area, people and the views is what made it. Saw turtles everyday!!!