Snorkel w/ Sea Turtles | Overwater Room Mabul

Stay in our signature en-suite room at the only private overwater lodge on Mabul Island. Snorkel vibrant reefs just 300m away, where giant sea turtles are seen on every outing—often dozens at a time. With direct ocean access and sweeping sea views, this is a true snorkel-first experience. Between sessions, relax on the shared patio, enjoy chef-prepared meals, and take in unforgettable sunsets. The perfect start of finish to your Eastern Sabah adventure. The space 🏝 OUR PROPERTY Turtle Garden Lodge is the only private overwater lodge on Mabul Island—an upscale, character-filled home set above one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. The lodge features three en-suite bedrooms and a 1,200 sq ft sea-view deck with unobstructed ocean and sunset views. Sea turtles and tropical fish are frequently seen in the waters below, and Bajau Laut families pass by in traditional wooden canoes, some offering fresh seafood and coconuts for sale. 🛏 ACCOMMODATION This listing is for a private room within the lodge. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom, comfortable bedding, and direct connection to the sea. The lodge is shared with a small number of guests unless the entire lodge is reserved. 🍽 WHAT’S INCLUDED Accommodations for 2 guests All meals and beverages (fresh, chef-prepared) Unlimited guided snorkeling on Mabul’s reefs Use of quality snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel, rashguard) 🤿 THE EXPERIENCE Mabul’s snorkeling opportunities begin just steps away (literally beneath the house). Snorkeling here is world-class, with abundant marine life including frequent sea turtles and exceptional diversity of sea life. Unlimited guided snorkeling is included and you’re free to explore on your own at anytime. 🍴 FOOD & HOSPITALITY Meals are freshly prepared with Western, Malaysian, Chinese, and other international influences. Expect fresh seafood, quality ingredients, and generous portions. Snacks, coffee, tea, and refreshments are always available. 🚤 TRANSPORT & PLANNING We assist with all logistics to and from Mabul. Boat transportation is not included; typical cost is RM100 per person each way. Ground transportation is also available between the Tawau airport, the Kinabatangan River, or Sandakan. We’ll coordinate everything after booking. 🌊 A NOTE ON MABUL (IMPORTANT) Mabul is a remote tropical island—not a resort town. Life here is simple, peaceful, and centered around the ocean. There is no shopping or nightlife—just incredible marine life, sunsets, and island culture. Life moves at a slow pace. We are on the proverbial "island time". Be prepared to slow down, relax and accept life on life's terms, knowing that, in the immortal words of Bob Marley, "everything little thing is going to be alright." If you love the sea, snorkeling, and authentic experiences, this will be unforgettable. During your stay Your hosts live on the property. They and their staff are available to take exceptional care of you. Other things to note The entire house and individual rooms are listed individually on Airbnb. MABUL'S ENVIRONMENT Mabul is a remote tropical island located only 4 degrees from the equator. It does not have an electric company or a water utility. Each property has an electrical generator. While we try to minimize our environmental impact, the reality is that locals and tourists impact the environment. In our idyllic setting, everyone has generators. Most guests are not bothered by the hum of the generators. For our guests who are light sleepers, we happily provide earplugs. We are not the city. In fact, we are about as far removed from city life as is possible. That is what makes Mabul such an amazing place to visit. We provide an experience far removed from city life. We hope you'll find that the positives of Mabul far outweigh its quirks. WHAT TO BRING -There's no need to pack a lot. Pack like you were going to the beach. We provide linens and towels, soap and shampoo, and other items you would expect at a hotel. -There is plenty of shade on the deck. The sun is strong here if you're not in the shade. Sunglasses, 50+ SPF sunscreen and a hat are recommended. -If you go snorkeling, you will need to cover your skin. Any exposed skin facing the sun will burn. Light clothes, a wetsuit or a "rash guard" bodysuit will work. We also HIGHLY recommend something to cover your neck, ears and head. Personally, we wear rash guard bodysuits that have hoods.