HOW TO GET THERE

How to go to Mabul Island?

Mabul and Sipadan Resort Shuttle Van Transport from tawau airport to Semporna

Mabul Resort Shuttle Van

FROM TAWAU AIRPORT TO MABUL

Your journey will be divided into two parts: the land transfer from Tawau airport to Semporna and the speed boat transfer from Semporna to Mabul island.

Using the Resort's land and sea transfer is highly recommended and the easiest. In addition it is included in most of the resorts packages. Note that you will have to follow the timetables so double check with us if your flight arrival time is not too late, otherwise, you will need to spend one night in Semporna or Tawau before being picked up by the resort ont he next morning.

Typically, the land transfer from the moment that you depart Tawau airport to Semporna town takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and the boat transfer from Semporna to your resort on Mabul island takes about 45 minutes depending on the tide. This is doesn't include the waiting time at Tawau airport and at the Semporna Jetty (double check with us for the timetables).

Grab to Semporna + Public/Private Boat

Once at Tawau airport, you can book a Grab (or Maxim which are the local e-hailing services) head to Semporna's public jetty (Jeti Pelancongan).

Once at the jetty, ask for a private speed boats going to Mabul cost up to 1500MYR (it can be less if you negotiate but take into account delays (1 hour or more) between the time that you you pay and the time for that the boat be ready (jetty permits, fuel crew).

'Public' speed boats are run by dive centers or operators. Arranging ahead is recommended.

BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Grab car and van watiing for passengers at Tawau airport and going to Semporna

Sea Turtle at Mabul Island

SCHEDULES & TRANSFER TIMES

Resort Land Transfer: Ask us for the resort scheduled land shuttle van transfer times from Tawau airport to Semporna and also back from Semporna to Tawau.

Grab, Maxim or taxis land transfers from Tawau airport to Semporna are available via the Grab app or Maxim at all times of the day.

Boat transfers: There are no fixed "public" schedule. Usually it's in early morning. Your best change is to ask a dive center or a tour operator in advance. There are also daily tours going to visit Mabul island.

For private speed boats it is not recommended to find a boat transfer after 3pm as they become expensive and for safety reasons all boats are not allowed after 5pm.

It is recommended to book a flight that lands in Tawau before 2PM to ensure that you can make it for the last scheduled land and boat transfer of the day.

Recommendations

We highly recommend following the resort's scheduled boat transfers for the following reasons:

Usually bundled into your resort's package.

Seamlessly coordinated from the time you exit the airport to the the time your check-in your room or chalet at the resort.

Your spot on the shuttle van and speeboat is guaranteed.

Faster and more comfortable as the resort's speedboat are of a higher quality and with twin very strong engines.

Luggage handling and hassle free.

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLANDS AROUND SEMPORNA

How to go to Kapalai Resort, Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island, Pearl Island Resort and the other overwater resorts.

HOW TO GET TO KAPALAI

Guests will usually fly into Tawau airport which. Once at Tawau airport, a 90 minute land transfer is organized by the resort and will get you to Semporna and a further 40 minute boat ride to the northeast will get you to Kapalai resort.

Flying to Tawau (TWU) from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) gakes about 3 hours (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines).
The Flight from Kota Kinabalu (KKIA) to Tawau takes about 50 minutes (AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines).
The flight from Sandakan (SDK) to Tawau takes about 40 minutes (AirAsia or MasWings).

HOWT TO GET TO MATAKING ISLAND

From Semporna, a thrilling 45-minute speedboat ride directly to the shores of Mataking Island Resort.

HOW TO GET TO POM POM ISLAND

From Semporna, a scenic final 40 minutes boat ride will take you directly to Pom Pom Island Resort.

AIRPORT AND BOAT TRANSFER REVIEWS

From the friendly reception at Tawau airport to the welcoming boat crew, the Sipadan-Mabul Resort staff made the transfer feel hassle free. They handled all our luggages and ensured a seamless journey to the resort on Mabul island. Highly efficient.

Thomas

Switzerland

The transfer to Borneo Divers was effortless. Our friendly driver and boat crew created a warm atmosphere, turning a simple transfer from the airport to Mabul island into a genuinely stress-free journey to the resort.

Michelle

Singapore

From the moment we arrived at the airport, the Mabul Water Bungalows' attentive staff handled all of our bags. The scenic sea transfer from the Semporna jetty on their spacious and premium speedboat truly made it feel like the first day of our vacation.

Josh

United States

SEMPORNA TO MABUL TRANSPORT

Let us handle your Semporna-Mabul-Semporna transfers for you.
We will send you the latest resort schedules and flight timetables.
We can arrange a private car or a private boat for you at a discounted rates.

CONTACT US

SPA