Wednesday morning.
I booked the backpacker dorm, from
Sipadan.com. We were told to report at its office, located at
Dragon Inn and the boat depart @8am from there as well. It takes 45 minutes to reach Mabul Island from Semporna. Beside Sipadan. com, there are many other tour operators around the area. Another option is
Dive with Uncle Chang
The boat docked here and after struggling with the steps, the first thing we saw was the dining area.
There are three long tables at the dining area where guests of different nationality dine together, at the same time. There is people from Italy, Poland, England, States, Taiwan etc ! I am always amaze by how the westerners interact with each other comfortably and able to break the ice effortlessly. En was moving about comfortably, communicating well with others, without any prejudice. Both EnHui are the only two backpacker-kids.
Next to the counter (where we make our coffee/tea/hot cocoa), is the corridor which leads to the rooms.
This is the corridor and the rooms. We need to walk slowly in order not to generate loud vibrating sounds from the flimsy wooden floor. At the end of the corridor, is where the toilet and kitchen are located.
Our room. Hui stepped on her trolley bag to look at the marine life under the crystal clear water. The backpacker is built on the sea.
The only wall fan in the room. No air conditioner. Power is available from 6pm to 6am.
The bathroom is at the end of the corridor. There are 3 toilets and 2 shower rooms, with broken locks, shared by both gender! You can imagine how uncomfortable it is to bathe in there for a lady.
The meal time is fixed @7am, 12pm and 7pm.
Check out time is 12pm but boat to Semporna is at 4pm. If you wish to leave early, the boat charge is RM50 per pax.
The side view of Mabul backpacker. This is also where we board the boat for snorkelling and diving trip. Our room window faced this direction. En Hui took their shower here!
The Philipino chef, Jojo cooks really yummy food. We enjoyed each and every single meal very much.
Our first lunch with banana and watermelon.
Dinner - delicious curry
Second day's breakfast. The fried vermicelli was so tasty.
Lunch - looks good, right?
Dinner - EnHui loved the fettucine with fresh tomatoes sauce.
Third day's breakfast, with white bread.
Lunch - I miss the food so much.
At 330pm, there will be either pancake, doughnut or some unknown snack for tea time.
This sign means you can take the food just one time. You may get a second helping when all guests have had their turns.
Our box of snorkelling gears, provided with the package. RM415 per person, which include boat transfer, room, snorkelling gears, 3 snorkelling trips and full board of meal. Child pays half the price.
Diving package.
