Rental basis: Entire house or apartment
Number of bedrooms: 3; Number of other rooms with beds: 0
Number of bathrooms: 3
If you cause damage to the property during your stay, you may be required to pay according to YourRentals’s property damage policy.
"Authentic" is a word guests often use to describe their stay at Turtle Garden Lodge. You will feel an authentic connection with the sea, the island, and it's people.
Turtle Garden Lodge offers exquisite accommodations, indulgent dining, and immersive experiences. We are proud to provide our guests with a magically authentic experience by connecting them to Mabul and the surrounding sea.
We invite you to read our 100% authentic guest reviews.
Please join us for an unforgettable experience!
THE HOUSE
Turtle Garden Lodge is Mabul's only private full-serviced house. Your group will have exclusive use of this newly renovated upscale-casual over-the-water house. The house has unobstructed views of the sea and sunsets from a huge deck (1200SF). Turtles frequent the waters around the house, along with a wide variety of tropical fish and other sea animals. Bajau laut, or "sea gypsies", come to the house in traditional wooden boats to sell seafood and coconuts. Traditional boats and dive boats pass by.
BOOKING:
The house sleeps up to 9 persons in three spacious bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The rate shown is for the entire house for up to 6 guests. There is an additional charge per person for more than 6 guests. We have a 3-night minimum stay for our guests' benefit (you'll thank us!).
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR RATES:
-The entire house. You will not be sharing the house with other guests.
-All meals - and they are indulgent.
-Unlimited snorkeling instruction and guided excursions at Mabul's world-class reefs.
-Quality snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
-Memories to last a lifetime.
FOOD. Your personal chef will prepare delicious meals with Western, Malaysian, and international inspirations. We take great pride in serving fabulous food. Dinner typically features fresh fish caught by Mabul fishermen that day or seafood purchased by guests from bajau laut, or "sea gypsies", who ply the waters in their dugout canoes selling a variety of seafood.
SNORKELING. Mabul is famous for its underwater environment. It boasts many types of reefs, abundant coral, exotic fish and sea animals, and large sea turtles.
Mabul's waters are literally a step from the house (actually they're under the house!). World-class snorkeling on Turtle Wall is only 200 meters from the house. We provide quality snorkeling equipment (masks, snorkel and fins) that you are free to use at any time. Guided snorkeling excursions on Mabul are included in our rates. We will take you to the best snorkeling places on Mabul or you can explore on your own.
If you are new to snorkeling, we will teach you to snorkel in shallow water using our proven techniques and will hold your hand as you build your skills and confidence.
We love Mabul. We want you to love Mabul. We love sharing our enthusiasm for Mabul with our guests. Let's play!
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (extra fees apply):
-Island hopping. Full-day excursion to three of Semporna's northern islands, which may include Mataking, TimbaTimba, Bohey Dulang, Pom Pom, or others.
-Half-day snorkeling Kapalai.
-Uncharted Snorkeling at secret locations that are untouched and even unknown to locals.
-Scuba diving. Dives and lessons with top-knotch instructors and divemasters. Provided by outside dive companies.
Further information and pricing are provided after booking.
TRANSPORTATION. We will help arrange transportation to Mabul after you book. Transportation is not included in our rates. Expect to pay around rm100 per person each way for boat transportation to and from Mabul. We will work with you to arrange your transportation based on your needs.
A REALITY CHECK.
Mabul is a tiny tropical island famous for scuba diving, snorkeling, its underwater environment, and nearby Sipadan Island. There are over 15 dive resorts on tiny Mabul. Other than relaxing and enjoying the vibe of the tropics, activities on Mabul focus on snorkeling and diving.
If you are uncomfortable in water or are afraid of the sea, Mabul may not be a good destination for you unless you just want to relax and enjoy the island vibe.
If you love the sea, Mabul is the perfect destination to make once-in-a-lifetime memories!
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 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.
