Cradled in the embrace of the South China Sea, Sabah is affectionately dubbed ‘the land below the wind,’ a whimsical nod to its fortuitous position just shy of the typhoon belt—granting it sanctuary from the swirling tempests that frequent its northern neighbours. Here, cultural richness blooms with unmatched vibrancy; a mosaic of over 30 ethnic groups weaves together the very essence of Sabah, each contributing to a majority that captivates with its customs, languages, and traditions.

As any seasoned traveller with a penchant for the untouched and untamed can attest, Sabah is a treasure trove for those with a thirst for nature's masterpieces. Envelop yourself in the emerald hues of untouched rainforests that hum with the secrets of millennia, walk upon beaches where the sand glows like pearls under a tropical sun, and delve beneath the waves at diving sanctuaries renowned across the globe.

Sabah doesn't just offer a getaway, it offers a journey into a world where adventure is interlaced with tranquil beauty. Who knows what stories you'll gather from its forests, what peace you'll find on its shores, or what underwater ballets you'll witness in its depths? One thing is certain; Sabah awaits to etch its wonders into the narrative of your explorations.

Read also: 10 Best Things To Do In Mabul Island

Table of Content

1. Where is Mabul Island
2. Population and Local Villages
3. Bajau Laut Tribe of Pulau Mabul
4. Skilled Fishermen & Creative Artisans
5. How to Get to Pulau Mabul
6. Mabul Island Hotels & Accommodation
7. Mabul Island Map
8. Land Pollution at Kampung Mabul

Exploring Kampung Mabul at Pulau Mabul, Sabah

Where is Mabul Island

There are 394 islands in Sabah and one of them is Pulau Mabul or Mabul Island - a small island located near the south-eastern coastline. It started off as a humble fishing village in 1970, but quickly gained popularity in the 1990s because of its proximity to Sipadan Island which is 15 kilometres away.

Despite being a new addition to the tourism industry, Mabul Island has its fair share of stunning beaches, excellent muck diving spots, and a reputation of being a destination blessed with exotic marine life.

Kampung Mabul has become a settlement for the Bajau People in Sabah

Pulau Mabul started as a humble fishing village in 1970, but gained popularity in the 1990s

Have extra time on hands? Challenge the children of Kampung Mabul to a game of MBA on their home turf!

Population and Local Villages

There are two main villages at Mabul Island which are Kampung Mabul and Kampung Musu. Kampung Mabul is a simple fishing village boasting a pristine reef. The waters of the sea are inviting, the rustling leaves from the coconut trees are soothing to the ears, and the beautiful and scenic place brings some much needed peace. On top of that, the friendly smiles from the villagers instantly warm the hearts and make any visitor feel right at home.

The population of Kampung Mabul is estimated to be around 2,000 people, and very interestingly, half of them are below the age of 14 years old. The population is mainly made up of the Bajau Laut and Suluk Muslim tribes. Kampung Mabul is among the few places allotted for the settlement of nomadic tribes from surrounding islands. It bears many traces of the Bajau people’s seafaring nature. Stationary boats are a common sight in this village, just as cars and motorbikes make parts of a city’s landscape. One is greeted by the sight of wooden houses built on stilts, connected by wooden decks that serve as a pathway between the houses.

On a good day, one is greeted by the precious sight of young Bajau children immersing in fun pastimes such as flying kites on the sandy beaches, while the smell of grilled seafood wafting through the air entices one’s appetite. Small stalls selling bread and snacks make up the idyllic experience of being in this place. Walking through the village is reminiscent of another time - a much simpler one free from worries and mental discomforts.

Sabah consists of 30 different ethnic groups that make up approximately 60% of its population

Half of the population of Kampung Mabul are children below the age of 14 years old

Bajau Laut children flying kites on a beach at Kampung Mabul

The Sama Dilaut or often known as the Bajau Laut are a migratory maritime people who are indigenous to the islands around Semporna

Kampung Mabul is inhabited mainly by ethnic Bajau Laut, known also as Sea Gypsies

An elderly Bajau woman at Kampung Mabul

Wondering what to do in Mabul Island? Spend half a day walking around Kampung Mabul and get to know its people and unique way of life

A barbershop at Kampung Mabul, Pulau Mabul

Many Bajau Laut people have decided to live permanently on land, and those who have made this shift are known as the Bajau Darat.

The Bajau of Kampung Mabul are stateless, but are allowed to reside on the islands of Sabah

Half of the population of Kampung Mabul are children below the age of 14 years old

Bajau Laut Tribe of Pulau Mabul

The Bajau people, made up of Bajau Laut and Bajau Darat, are the second largest indigenous groups in Sabah. The Bajau Laut people are known as sea gypsies due to their nomadic lives on the seas. So much of their lives are spent out on the ocean that some of them experience a symptom called ‘land sickness’ when they spend a night or two away from the ocean. However, there are a large number of Bajau Laut people who have decided to live permanently on land, and those who have made this shift are known as the Bajau Darat.

Read also: Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Sabah

Skilled Fishermen & Creative Artisans

The Bajau people are skilled fishermen and divers. They are also good at constructing traditional single-mast sailing boats known as ‘lepa’. Their colorful work of art on these boats are gloriously displayed during the Regatta Lepa festival. The Regatta Lepa is an annual water festival that celebrates the many traditions and lifestyles of the Bajau Laut people. It is held every April in Semporna, Sabah.

The Bajau Laut people are skilled fishermen, and the island's rich resources provide a bountiful harvest for them

A small stall set up by the Bajau Laut for tourists and visitors at Kampung Mabul

Feeling hungry during your Kampung Mabul walking tour? Drop by any of the food stalls to support the villagers.

Grilled seafood sold at Kampung Mabul of Pulau Mabul, Sabah

How to Get to Pulau Mabul

From the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, take a flight to Tawau Airport that is approximately two and a half hours away. Alternatively, take a flight from the Kota Kinabalu airport in Sabah to cut the commuting time to less than an hour.

Upon reaching Tawau Airport, take a bus, minivan or taxi to the Semporna jetty that takes approximately 90 minutes. Hop on a boat to Mabul Island from the jetty that will take an additional 45 minutes.

Mabul Island Hotels & Accommodation

There are several hotels on Pulau Mabul to choose for your stay. For a comfortable and luxurious stay, consider the Mabul Water Bungalows. Mid-range hotels include Sipadan-Mabul Resort (SMART), Mabul Beach Resort, Borneo Divers Mabul Dive Resort, Seaventures Dive Rig Resorts, or the MV Celebes Explorer.

Read also: Seaventures Dive Rig: PADI 5-Star Resort in Sabah

Budget accommodations on Mabul are also available, such as Scuba Jeff Sipadan, Mabul Paradise Lodge, Sipadan Dive Centre (SDC) Mabul Lodge, Spheredivers Lodge, Sipadan Micro Dive, Seahorse Sipadan Scuba Lodge, or the Mabul Backpackers Longhouse.

Mabul Island Map

Pulau Mabul is located off the south-eastern coast of Sabah, with a land size of approximately 20-hectare surfacing 3 meters above sea level. It is made up of mostly flat grounds and sandy beaches, and is under the administration of Tawau. The distance between Mabul Island and Tawau is about 84-kilometer. Nearby islands include Pulau Sipadan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Mataking and Pulau Kapalai.

Mabul Island Map

There is a quote by M.K Soni that says, ‘A house is made of brick and mortar, but a home is made by the people who live there.’ 

As one walks the sandy beaches of Kampung Mabul with the sound of laughter from children filling the air and friendly smiles from the Bajau people warming the heart, one will truly grasp the true meaning of these words for indeed, it is the Bajau Darat people that makes Kampung Mabul a home, not just for them, but for all who are fortunate enough to step foot here.

Land Pollution at Kampung Mabul

Due to the migration from sea to land of the Bajau people, Kampung Mabul has become a permanent settlement for many of them, despite not being afforded a Malaysian citizenship. Lack of attention by the relevant authorities coupled with the absence of sanitation and hygiene awareness resulted in unsightly land pollutions across the settlement and the reef surrounding it

We hope that the Sabah state government will give this matter serious consideration and act urgently to address these growing problems that will not only benefit the occupants of the island, but also our ocean, wildlife and coastline.

Pollution is a growing concern in not just Pulau Mabul, but many islands in the area due to tourism.

Actions need to be taken urgently to save the wildlife and ocean of Sabah.