Mabul Island which is arguably one of the richest single destinations for exotic small marine life anywhere in the world has numerous species of marine life. These include the flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus and bobtail squid.

Many types of gobies are also found here including the spike-fin goby, black sail-fin goby and metallic shrimp goby. Frogfish are everywhere - giant, painted and clown frogfish are regularly seen along with almost the whole scorpion fish family.

Mabul Island is well-known as 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 40 metres deep. Covering 21 hectares, it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Mabul Island has a small population around 2,000 people. It is perfect for those who love to dive, swim and enjoy the sea away from the densely populated cities.

There are several beautiful beach resorts such as Sipadan-Mabul Resort and Borneo Divers along with luxury over the water dive resorts such as Mabul Water Bungalows and Sipadan Water Village.