Semporna, Sabah
🏘️ Mantabuan Island
The Hidden Black Coral Forest & Ray Sanctuary.
While Bohey Dulang is celebrated for its panoramic viewpoints and Sibuan for its white sand beaches, Mantabuan Island is often regarded as the true “Diver’s Favorite” within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Among the island cluster near Semporna, Mantabuan features some of the most diverse coral reefs and a notably high concentration of marine life within a compact dive area. One of its most unique characteristics is the presence of black coral, a species typically found in deeper waters, growing in unusually shallow reef zones. Sandy channels around the island also act as natural pathways for stingrays, creating dynamic and engaging dive encounters for those diving Semporna.
Despite its rich underwater environment, Mantabuan Island remains small and tranquil, located just off the coast of Semporna, Sabah. Above the surface, it is known for its shallow turquoise waters, sandy seabed, and relaxed atmosphere. This balance of vibrant underwater life and calm surface conditions makes Mantabuan a popular stop for island hopping, beginner-friendly snorkeling, and light diving activities. Unlike larger or more commercial dive islands, Mantabuan offers a peaceful, comfortable, and accessible experience without sacrificing underwater quality.
Experience the unique appeal of diving Mantabuan Island and discover why it remains a favorite within the Diving Semporna region. Known for its calm conditions, vibrant reefs, and rewarding marine life encounters, Mantabuan offers everything from shallow, beginner-friendly dive sites to dynamic coral zones filled with underwater activity. With its balanced mix of relaxation and exploration, Mantabuan Island is an excellent addition to any Diving Semporna itinerary. Secure your spot and enjoy a comfortable, visually rich, and memorable underwater experience in one of Semporna’s
most respected dive locations.
📍 Location & Accessibility
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Distance from Semporna: Approximately 35–45 minutes by speedboat.
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Location: Situated between Bohey Dulang and Sibuan Islands.
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Topography: A submerged volcanic seamount topped by a small sandy island.
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Vibe: Military outpost island with a strong sense of safety and largely untouched natural surroundings.
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Water Conditions: Generally excellent visibility with moderate currents flowing through the surrounding channels.
🧭 Why TDB Semporna Dives Mantabuan
Mantabuan Island is the main event for serious divers on our Tun Sakaran day trip.
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The Black Coral Anomaly: Encountering bushy black coral at depths of around 15 meters is extremely rare. The dramatic contrast between the dark coral bushes
and clouds of neon-orange anthias makes this site a dream for underwater photographers. -
Guaranteed Rays: Mantabuan is the number one location in the marine park for spotting blue-spotted stingrays.
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Pristine Reefs: As the island is occupied only by military personnel, human impact is minimal, resulting in exceptionally healthy and well-preserved reefs.
📅 Best Time to Dive Mantabuan Island
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Year-Round: Mantabuan Island is well protected and suitable for diving throughout the year.
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Slack Tide: The best dives take place during slack tide, when tidal currents slow or stop. This makes it easier to
hover and photograph the black corals. TDB guides monitor tide charts daily to plan the optimal entry time. -
April to August: Typically offers the best visibility and calmest surface conditions.
🐠 Marine Life & Underwater Highlights
Mantabuan Island is vibrant and full of marine activity.
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Stingrays: The sandy channels between the reefs are often covered with blue-spotted ribbontail rays and marble rays.
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Turtles: Resident green turtles and hawksbill turtles are frequently seen resting among the soft corals.
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Fish Schools: Large schools of yellow snappers, fusiliers, and pufferfish swarm along the reef slopes.
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Critters: Keep an eye out for crocodile fish lying flat on the sand and colorful nudibranchs on the crater walls.
🤿 Diving Conditions at Mantabuan Island
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Topography: Sloping reefs that lead into sandy channels.
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Depth: 10–25 meters.
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Currents: Moderate. Unlike the calm lagoon of Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan sits within a natural channel where water movement is common. These currents deliver nutrients, which is why the coral reefs here are exceptionally healthy.
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Visibility: Generally excellent, ranging from 15–25 meters.
🎓 Courses & Activities Suitable at Mantabuan Island
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Drift Diving: The consistent currents make this an excellent location for practicing gentle drift diving techniques, particularly during the PADI Advanced Open Water course.
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Photography: The striking contrast between black coral and bright orange fish makes this site a top choice for wide-angle underwater photography.
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Open Water Divers: Despite the currents, the dive sites remain shallow enough for beginners, provided they stay close to the guide and follow instructions.
✅ Summary: Is Mantabuan Island Worth Diving?
✅ See Rare Black Coral in Shallow Water
✅ Highest Chance of Stingray Sightings
✅ Healthiest Soft Coral in the Marine Park
✅ Action-Packed Drift Dives
While it may not offer the famous viewpoint of Bohey Dulang or the postcard-perfect beach of Sibuan, Mantabuan Island delivers the highest quality coral diving in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. It is the highlight for divers who value rich marine biodiversity and dynamic underwater action.
🌍 Famous Dive Sites at Mantabuan Island
While nature is never 100% guaranteed, Mantabuan is the most reliable place in the park to see Blue-Spotted Stingrays. The sandy channels are practically paved with them. You are also guaranteed to see massive schools of Yellowback Fusiliers and neon orange Anthias fish swarming the coral.
Because the islands are so close together (only 10–15 minutes apart). A standard day trip is a “Three Island Hop“: Morning hike at Bohey Dulang, midday dive at Mantabuan, and afternoon relaxation at Sibuan.
Absolutely. The reef tops at Mantabuan are very shallow (3m – 5m) and explode with color. Snorkelers can drift above the divers and see nearly the same amount of marine life, including the turtles and schooling fusiliers, thanks to the clear water.
No. Mantabuan falls under the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. You do not need the expensive/limited Sipadan permit. You only need the standard Sabah Parks Conservation Fee, which is affordable and arranged by TDB as part of your day trip.
Yes, quite a few. We frequently see Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles resting on the large barrel sponges or swimming along the drop-off. It is not as “turtle-heavy” as Sipadan or Pom Pom, but sightings are very common.
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Bohey Dulang is for the View/Hike.
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Sibuan is for the Beach/Muck Diving.
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Mantabuan is for the Coral Reefs & Fish Action. It is the “Diver’s Island” of the three, offering the healthiest reef density and biggest schools of fish.
Yes. While there is some current, the dive sites are relatively shallow (max 20m–25m) and the visibility is usually excellent. As long as you stay close to your TDB Dive Guide, it is a fun and safe experience for Open Water divers.
Mantabuan sits in a channel where water flows between the islands, so there is often a mild to moderate current. This is actually a good thing! The current brings nutrients that feed the soft corals and attract schools of fish. We usually conduct “Drift Dives” here, where you simply float along with the current—it’s very relaxing.
Mantabuan is famous for its Black Coral Garden. Biologically, black coral usually grows in deep, dark water (40m+). However, at Mantabuan, you can see massive bushes of it in just 15m – 20m of water. It is a rare phenomenon that makes for unique underwater photography.
