Artificial Reef (Mabul)
Also known as: SMART Resort Reef
Best time to dive
January to December; March to September
What you might see
- BarracudaLikely
- FrogfishLikely
- NudibranchLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site
Safety notes
Silt/sand disturbance from poor buoyancy around the wooden pyramid/box structures; general boat traffic near resort jetty
Permits & fees
No Sipadan permit required (Mabul does not require the Sipadan quota permit); a general Sabah Parks/marine conservation fee may apply but not confirmed specifically for this site
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Semporna
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.