Mabul Backpackers (Office) — Attraction in Sabah

I have not ever written a bad review about a dive shop before in my life, but I feel the need to warn about this dive operation.

The equipment is old and in disrepair, my buddy’s bcd was missing the safety tank strap and the divemaster brushed off my concerns and had him dive anyways. Someone else had a very leaky regulator that they made her dive with - at Sipidan at 30 m in current, which is very dangerous. A girl here had an attempted sexual assault by a divemaster when she was diving with him (she happened to be the only diver on the boat with him - he saw his chance and tried to take it). Keep in mind the girl is a young adult and the divemaster is a middle aged man, in a position of authority. If the police here were better I would have immediately taken her to the police station.

The accommodation here isn’t bad for budget traveler, but keep in mind the showers are only salt water, so you won’t be clean until you leave. Also, half the rooms were unavailable because the floors had literally fallen through prior to our arrival.

The boats did not carry emergency oxygen or a first aid kit, or any extra equipment. They did a very poor job of explaining emergency procedures and their dive briefings were minimal at best.

I have dove all over the world, literally, and never have I experienced a dive operation as horrible as this.

If you are a new diver or a solo female traveler, beware...

Me and my family stayed with them for 3nights/4days package doing both diving and snorkelling. We had a very good time, staff is really friendly and chilled, and quite experienced. The kitchen lady making food was very caring and despite its the same food pretty much all the time- she makes sures everyone gets what they need. Equipment is not new and rooms are quite primitive but it works. The vibes are also good there. We were asked to do a refresher dive as we didnt dive for more than 6months. I initially thought its just a way to make money but the refresher was good- we literally had to do all the skills underwater. Otherwise really enjoyed diving with Borhan and John who tried to show many things underwater. Diving was good For snorkelling, its cheap but you do it from the boat only and as long as the divers stays in, so im my view could be better setup as snorkelling should almost be unlimited Perhaps would not recommend this place if certain comfort level is expected- the power generators can stop during the day which means no ac nor shower in the room (available outside though), rooms and showers are primitive, beds are comfy, having food in a room can attract ants or rats… we had a good stay because our focus was to enjoy the island, the waters and the diving but if certain comfort/luxury is expected in between- maybe better to book elsewhere Good value...

Actually we have had a great time in the Hostel Mabul Backpackers in Pulau Mabul which we booked in Agoda. I can highly recommend this place!

Unfortunately I can’t recommend the travel agency in semporna. We booked a tour (island hopping) and we were wondering about the enorm price of 250Rym while you can have the same package for 130-150Rym if you book it with another agency. We tried to cancel the tour but there were no way to cancel it or to get another offer. Even the tour was not what they promised us: We just stoped for 20 minutes at the first island. Then we went for snorkling on the boat. In the second island we just have had lunch. Then snorkling on the boat again. On the third island we even couldn’t stop because it’s a private island. So we went for snorkling on the boat again. There were also some divers on board and we allways have had to wait for them. We nearly spent the whole day on the boat! That was not an island hopping but an island flopping! Snorkling is nice but that’s not what we got promised for this high price. Even the communication was frustrating, they didn’t answer my questions and they will cheat on you. Try to book this tour with an other agency if you have the...