VIS REPORT IZYAN RAIHANAH (F3015)

ASSESSMENT:

PROJECT REPORT

PULAU MABUL, SEMPORNA

Prepared for: Puan Rosmariati Binti Mt. Razi
By: Izyan Raihanah Binti Ishak
Matric No: 09BTH20F3015

Table of Content

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 BACKGROUND OF DESTINATION ................................................................................................ 3

2.1 Attractive places and activities ............................................................................................... 4
2.2 Facilities and services............................................................................................................11
3.0 THE INTERPRETIVE PROCESS TECHNIQUES...............................................................................17
3.1 Media Interpretation ............................................................................................................17
3.2 Techniques Interpretation ....................................................................................................21
4.0 SWOT ANALYSIS ON ATTRACTION AREA.........................................................................................24
5.0 CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................25
6.0 REFERRENCE....................................................................................................................................26
7.0 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................27

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Mabul Island, or Pulau Mabul in the local Malay language, is located in the East Malaysian
state of Sabah in Northern Borneo. The island is covered in palm trees and small beaches. It
is a famous diving spot for divers, both international and local alike, and is well known as the
macro diving paradise. It is specially good for diving and snorkeling, hence recognized as one
of the worlds best ‘muck diving’ destinations.

Mabul is one of hundreds of islands off the mainland from the coastal town of Semporna.
It is located in the tropical marine waters of the Coral Triangle, an area between Malaysia,
Indonesia and Philippines known as the ‘Amazon of the seas’. Mabul Island is also recognized
by WWF as the global centre of marine biodiversity.

Due to its location in the clusters of many islands on the east of Sabah, the nearest town
is Semporna which journey takes forty-five minutes by boat. Since it is a small island, visitors
have to book a flight to the nearest airport which is Tawau Airport. The journey from Tawau to
Semporna Town takes approximately an hour and a half by car.

The best time to visit Mabul Island is during the dry season which is on the month of May
to October. The wet or rainy season in most of Sabah is from November to April, but rain
remains a possibility all year round, which may affect activities including kayaking, snorkeling
and diving. In general, Sabah is visited all year round as it is not affected by typhoons and
hence, is known as ‘Negeri di Bawah Bayu’, or ‘Land Beneath The Wind’.

Figure 1 The map of Mabul Island

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2.0 BACKGROUND OF DESTINATION
Mabul Island is said to be one of the greatest photography-macro locations in the world.

This island which is located in the clear waters of the Sulawesi Sea not far from the coast of
Sabah is surrounded by coral reefs that are 2 to 40 meters deep. This 21 hectare island is
bigger than Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut people who are one of the
indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah.

Before Mabul Island and the area surrounding Darvel Bay, including the now world-famous
Pulau Sipadan, was developed into a hub for eco-tourism during the 1980s, the islands were
mostly left untouched. Back then, the only occupants were a handful of families from the Bajau
and Suluk ethnic groups. Today, the area has transformed into a bustling tourist destination
attracting divers and holiday-goers from the world over.

Figure 2 Bird’s eye view of Mabul Island by Capt. Naru Kiob

The sea gypsies are true masters of the sea, having roamed the waters of the Coral
Triangle between Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia for many generations. Even today, a
sizeable population still live in wooden houseboats or stilt huts built atop coral reefs near
Semporna’s islands. A great number have given up their nomadic lifestyle to settle
permanently on land in search of greater stability. These people are known as the Bajau Darat.
Despite this, many still retain their gypsy-esque lifestyle and the number of Bajau Laut living
around Semporna is estimated to be upwards of 3000.

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2.1 Attractive places and activities
i. Diving and snorkeling
As the main activity in Mabul Island, every resort in the island offers house reef diving for
those who are an amateur in diving. For those who are adventurous, a daily boat trip further
out in the ocean for serious scuba divings.
Mabul is all about Macro and Muck diving, with about 15 well established and shallow dive
sites, each filled with its own variety of corals and amazing tiny critters. On the other side,
Sipadan boast with its strong currents and deep wall dives is better known for turtles, whirling
tornadoes of fish like barracudas, and big pelagics such as hammerhead sharks.
“Muck diving” is an expression that was coined in PNG to describe the diving to be had
under a live-aboard boat while it is on safe anchor for the night. Usually a protected inlet
somewhere, the water underneath the boat is shallow and the bottom is either silt, sand, dead
coral or clumps of dirty coral on a silty bottom. The visibility is almost always limited.

Figure 3 Pygmy seahorse is one of the tiny critters that can be spotted during muck diving

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Snorkeling in Mabul is a great way to observe marine life in a natural setting. Day trips
to Kapalai or world-famous Sipadan, both located about 20 minutes by speedboat from Mabul,
may also be arranged by the resort or dive operator. However, Sipadan permits are required
before any snorkeling or diving trips can depart for the island due to an environmental
protection policy put in place by the government.

Figure 4 Snorkeling activities are often held without the help of safety jackets here

Figure 5 Mabul island is famous for its marine biodiversity

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ii. Sunrise and sunset viewing
The sun rises and sets early in this part of the world and offers the most photographic

scenery imaginable, and it's really worth to witness the sun setting at least once. Early risers
can watch the beautiful golden sun rays creeping up over the horizon at around 5.45 am.The
sunsets are spectacular as well, starting from about 6.17 pm, watch as the technicolour sky
and clouds change from blue and white to deep fiery orange, purple and red.

Figure 6 Stunning sunset view of Mabul Island

Figure 7 The promised view that can be seen in Mabul Island

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iii. Visitting Bajau Laut village
Visitors can experience the fascinating culture of the Bajau Laut people who live in stilt

huts on floating villages, or on wooden long boats called Lepa. These Sea Gypsies have
roamed the coral triangle between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines for centuries, and
are expert free divers and fishermen with a profound connection to the ocean.

Figure 8 Sea Gypsies has lived here for generations

Figure 9 Sea Gypsies kids likes to go out and play on their small boat

Historically, they rarely set foot on land, and although many have since left the sea in
search of economic stability, there are still an estimated 3000 or more living on various
settlements around the islands of Bodgaya, Mantabuan, Maiga, Sibuan and Bohey Dulang.
The Bajau Laut community around Semporna and Pulau Bodgaya has learned the practice of
seaweed farming allowing for a sustainable income.

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iv. Kayaking
Kayaking is a popular activity to do at Mabul Island, and kayak rentals are available

throughout the year, at approximately RM30 per hour of rental. What’s unique about their
kayak rentals is that besides the usual opaque kayaks, they also offer the Molokini, which is a
transparent kayak that enables visitors to have a closer experience with the marine life
beneath them. Guests wanting to do some kayaking can rent regular kayaks at most resorts.
There are a few available at Mabul Water Bungalows, Sipadan-Mabul Resort, Sipadan Water
Village at the Sipadan-Kapalai Resort on Kapalai and at Mataking island.

Figure 10 The popular transparent kayak, Molokini

Figure 11 Visitors are free to roam everywhere when kayaking within certain areas

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v. Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is a 35,000ha archipelago located at the entrance of Darvel Bay,

off Semporna and is a unique blend of nature and marine biodiversity. It is the perfect holiday
spot for nature lovers, culture seekers, snorkelers, hikers and divers. Tourists can hike, meet
the Sea Gypsies, scuba dive, snorkel and watch birds the whole day at this wonderful park.
Compared to Semporna town, nature remains comparatively unspoiled here and the marine
life here, also not as astounding as Sipadan and Mabul island, is still very good and has been
compared to the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, according to the scientific study by marine
biologists.

However, it is not just nature’s bounty that makes the place so attractive. The crowning
glory of the place is the people who live here – the nomadic Sea Gypsies who have woven a
special type of give-and-take relationship with the waters of the area. They live in houseboats,
or homes built on stilts on top of coral reefs. Their unique lifestyle and bonds with nature are
added attractions for visitors.

Figure 12 Birds-eye view of Tun Sakaran Marine Park or Semporna Island Park

vi. Regatta Lepa Festival
Regatta Lepa water festival showcases the customs and traditions of the ‘Sea Gypsies‘.

Highlight includes a floating parade of colourful lepa boats, lepa boat racing and tug-of-war,
beauty pageant and fireworks. It takes place annually around mid to end April and lasts 2 or 3
days in the mainland Semporna.

Held annually since 1994, the Regatta Lepa water festival is one of the longest-running
and most unique celebrations of its kind in Malaysia and Borneo. The event pays homage to
the unique lifestyle of the nomadic Bajau Laut whose cultural legacy has been handed down

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many generations. The Regatta Lepa was declared a national festival in 2003 and attracts
locals, foreigners and VIPs including heads of state.

Figure 13 The water festival showcases boats in colourful flags and decorations

Figure 14 The Regatta Lepa is an annual gathering of Sea Gypsies from different villages around Semporna
in Sabah.

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2.2 Facilities and services
i. Resorts and accommodations
There is an extensive range of accommodation options to choose from for staying at Mabul
Island, regardless if you’re a solo backpacker or travelling in a group. Mabul Island
accommodation caters to every budget from luxurious stilt bungalows to budget beach resorts.
Most homestays, lodges, hotels and resorts are located on the island itself while one is
situated on a modified, offshore oil rig about 500m from the beach. Here are some of resorts
that can be found around the island.
➢ Mabul Water Bungalows Resort

Mabul Water Bungalow is a 4-Star floating dive-resort wholly owned by Sipadan-Mabul
Resort (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd. (SMART), situated at Mabul Island overlooking the world-renowned
Sipadan Island which is 15-minutes away by speedboat. Facilities include a large and airy
restaurant for dining, a souvenir shop selling variety of t-shirts, accessories and gifts, a
business center, a dive center and an office taking care guests registration, billings and a
health spa outlet.

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➢ Sipadan Water Village

Sipadan Water Village is a resort beautifully constructed with Bajau architectural design.
Part of the Mabul Island is also home to groups of Bajau fishermen who have built their
traditional palm thatched houses. The entire resort is built over water on stilts. In its design,
Sipadan Water Village has achieved near utopia in its over-the-water layout, splendid water
cottage accommodations with flowered sidewalks, wonderfully prepared Asian and
Continental cuisine, and impeccable and personable service.

➢ Billabong Scuba Mabul Resort

Billabong Scuba is a backpacker longhouse located on Mabul island. Billabong Scuba
offers simple en-suite rooms and daily trips to Sipadan. These chalets are built like in a
longhouse homestay style over the sea. Different types of rooms are available such as
twin, double, etc.

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➢ Seaventures Dive Rig Resort

Seaventures Dive Rig is a dive platform and resort based near Sipadan, Borneo, Malaysia.
It still maintains the allure and spirit of a working rig yet the rooms are more comfortable, the
food highly acclaimed, service exemplary and diving world class. Unlimited optional house
reef dives mean that visitors may not have much time to squeeze anything else in other than
relaxing on the deck and embracing the 360º views of the Celebes Sea surrounding.

➢ Mabul Paradise Lodge

Mabul Paradise Lodge features views of the sea and is 0.4 miles from Sipadan Water
Village. This venue has a shared lounge. Airport shuttle service, pick-up service and
housekeeping are provided in the accommodation. Visitors can also let the kitchen staff to
cook the freshest catch of the day that can be bought from the fishermen passing by.

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ii. Diving centre

The Dive Centre is responsible for all in-water activities and scuba training and education.
The centre opens from 0700hrs onwards and is equipped with lockers, showers, toilet and a
common area for resting between dives with complimentary snack, hot coffee and tea. It
carries 5 Bauer compressors for refilling tanks, over 300 aluminium 3000 psi / 80 cubic foot
tanks with American style "K" valves, rental sets of scuba diving equipment that are mainly
Scuba Pro.

The centre equipped with custom-built fibreglass dive boats that carry 12 passengers
each. Each boat goes out 3 trips daily accompanied by a boatman and a Dive Master. All Dive
Masters are specially trained in the marine ecology of Mabul Island and will not only show
divers the attractions but also impart their knowledge of the marine life so that guests may
return from their memorable holiday with a better understanding of the environment.

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iii. Restaurant and bar

Most of the dive lodges engage local cooks hence visitors will try the local chicken,
fish, and vegetables in an assortment of styles. Not too spicy too. Another plus point is that
many of the lodges offer all-day coffee, tea, and biscuits or bread and butter. Sometimes, the
local sea Bajaus will bring freshly caught seafood and sell them, in return guest can ask the
lodge to cook it to their liking.

For the resorts, they will have that typical resort style cuisine with a selection of local
and international food. Menus change daily at most resorts while the food quality is superior
compared to the lodges. For honeymooners, there are special menu's available
too.Restaurants or bar lounge are usually located in the main building next to the reception
counter. It is open from 0900hrs until midnight. Every resorts has their own restaurant open
for its guest and outsiders who just want to access the bars.

Figure 15 Two crews ready to serve at the restaurant

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iv. Water transportation services
In order for visitors to get to Mabul Island from Semporna Jetty, they have to take the boat

to Mabul Island, which will take about 35-45 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Boat
rides from Semporna to Mabul Island are operated by diving operators or resorts.The resort
or diving operator may offer transport services for pickup at the airport and the boat ride to
Mabul Island at competitive rates, so visitors need to check them out prior to arrival.

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3.0 THE INTERPRETIVE PROCESS TECHNIQUES

3.1 Media Interpretation

i. Personal Interpretive Media

The techniques interpretation that can be found on the island is Personal Interpretive
Media, which utilizes the human to assist for giving information they need. For example, upon
arrival on the resorts of their choice, the visitors are informed about the rules and regulations
during their stay. Some resort like Billabong Water Villa and Mabul Backpackers prefer to use
this techniques to be close to their guest and avoid any misunderstandings, while making their
guest feel welcome to stay.

Although the island is smaller than Sipadan Island, it is rich with exciting places and
attractions in every corner that is worth being told by the tourist guide. Visitors need helps from
the local guide or authorised guide to provide more information about the island. Another
example of personal interpretive media is when diving class or activities are carried out. Divers
need guidance and supervision from the Dive Masters who are an expert not only on the diving
technique, but also know about a certain locations.

ii. Non-personal Interpretive Media

There are two non-personal interpretive medias that can be used example on the island.
Such medias are traditional and digital conservative. Traditional medias are very
straightforward when delivering informations, usually telling visitors about the direction, the
location itself, safety information and weather.

➢ Traditional Interpretive Media

Figure 16 Signboard

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Figure 17 From top, interpretive boards and weather warning station

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➢ Digital Conservatives Media

On the other hand, electronic medias are used by some travel agents to promote their
agency. Informations such as maps, background of the locations, list of activities and
packages are included in e-Brochures or e-leaflets which can be found on their website. This
technology development has made it accessible for tourist to refer to it everywhere they go.

Figure 18 From top, e-brochure and map about Semporna

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Figure 19 e-pamphlet about Kapalai Island

Figure 20 Promotion packages of an accomodation lodge

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3.2 Techniques Interpretation
i. Face-To-Face
In Mabul Island, interpretive techniques is used because it is easier for diving lessons to
be carried on. Diving instructor finds it easier to teach their students or visitors who are curious
about diving face to face. They need to understand some theorical first before experiencing
hands on techniques. Since the island have many experienced and authorised diving
operators around, visitors don’t have to worry about their safety as everything are expected to
a smooth sailing.

Figure 21 Divers gathering around for a demonstration by Divemaster

Figure 22 Staff welcoming guest with welcome drinks

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Other than diving class being held face to face, visitors are also greeted full with spirits of
hospitability during their first arrival on any accommodation lodge. For some lodge, The Front
Office personnel will greet the visitors and offer them welcoming drinks such as orange juice
while taking their sits at the resorts lounge area. Then, the Resort Manager will give a briefing
on the location and whereabouts of the resort itself. In the simple briefing, which takes less
than 2 minutes, visitors are also being told about the rules and regulations before they are
given room keys.

ii. Tour Guiding

As one of the popular tourist destination in Borneo, Mabul Island is also known best for its
friendliness of the local and resort hospitalities. During the evening, when the weather is not
too scorching hot, visitors like to take a walk around the island. This gives opportunity for local
guides or resort operators to provide tourist guiding activities. Since the island is small, the
tour guide takes the visitors around every corner of the island showing the souvenirs shop,
the sea sides view, other resorts observation deck which stretches far into the sea.

From here, the tourist guide will intrepret the information to a group of people who are
foreign to the area. Besides that, the tourist guide will helps to promote the resort or company
he or she works in if the tourist is satisfied with the service. Although some of the guide are
doing it without charges, one thing that really stands out is their willingness to tell the visitors
something about the beauty of the island. The local guide are also an expert in taking pictures
of the visitors because they know the whereabouts of picturesque spot around the island.

Figure 23 Tourist guiding activities

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Figure 24 Some souvenir shop that can be found on the island owned by locals

iii. Printed tools

This method can be seen around the entrance of every accommodation lodge or resorts.
While signage and banners are spotted informing about the location of the place or some
events, printed brochures, maps, or guidebook about the resort or islands itself can be
obtained at the mainland, Semporna Town prior to their arrival at the island. Those printed
tools are used to deliver informations about the package and activities included for the money
paid by the visitors.

Banners, posters and signage are the most widely used method around here as its is
usually printed in a clear and large size. It is easy for the the visitors to interprete the
informations as multi-language option are often utilized in the media.

Figure 25 Printed tool media about an event that take place

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4.0 SWOT ANALYSIS ON ATTRACTION AREA

Strength

➢ The existence of recent Weakness

hydrogeological studies. ➢ Lack of sufficient monitoring data
➢ Best known for its diving spot and (groundwater level, groundwater
quality data).
tourist destination in Malaysia.
➢ Marine biodiversity centre and ➢ Visitors safety.

conservation of sea turtles.
➢ Limited industrial activities,

pristine environment.
➢ NGO aid to the island.

Opportunity

➢ Financial opportunities for

groundwater resources Threat

management, research and ➢ Climate change.
➢ Island ecological balance disturbed
activities.
due to over-extraction of
➢ A centre for international groundwater.
➢ Waste management.
academic and research.
➢ Adaptations of experiences in

integrated management of

coastal aquifer systems from

other similar island.
➢ Environmental education.

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5.0 CONCLUSION

Mabul Island is among the most beautiful island in Malaysia.It’s potential remain
superior as one of the best spot for diving and shallow water diving. From this report, it can be
conclude that Mabul Island is a place worth visiting due to its diversity of activities that are
waiting to be discovered. As someone who had set foot on the island, I would like to say that
Mabul Island is very unique from any other island because there are many amazing things
and friendly locals who are ready to welcome visitors any time.

With the help of interpretive media and the use of the correct techniques, it will continue
to sustain its potential in the future. From the research done, Mabul Island does not need to
be developed like any other tourism destination that undergoes rapid transformation from its
original land. It needs to retain its image as Mabul Island, home of the Sea Gypsies for
generations. But with the raising of awareness among local about the importance of keeping
their homeland clean, I am sure more tourist will be attracted to travel here.

It is clear from SWOT analysis output that although there are strengths and
opportunities, Mabul island is also subjected to range of threats and weakness, which includes
both global and local processes. SWOT analysis helps to find the best match between
environmental trends (opportunities and threats) and internal capabilities (strengths and
weakness). Weakness should be converted into strengths whereas threats should be
converted into opportunities. To overcome the threats and weakness, strategy management
and practices are vital to convert into strengths and opportunities. SWOT analysis output can
be applied to facilitate the sustainable groundwater management in islands.

The overall of groundwater resource management in island should be conducted by
the highest government level. The institutional framework must make sure that any
development, assessment and management of water resources in the island takes place in
national-level planning. Ecotourism is the pre-eminent step, which can minimise or even avoid
most negative effects. Ecotourism puts effective planning, management and control in a good
relationship between islands and tourism. This is crucial and requires appreciation of the
unique cultural, social, economic and geographical contexts of islands and long-term
commitments.

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6.0 REFERRENCE
1) Praveena, Sarva & Aris, Ahmad Zaharin. (2009). A review of groundwater in islands
using SWOT analysis. World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable
Development. 6. 186-203. 10.1504/WRSTSD.2009.031840.
2) “A Guide to Mabul Island: Explore its Crystal-clear Waters Before More Tourists
Discover it!” retrieved from the website by Tripzilla, author Cheryl Tan, 2019.
3) “Photos, videos and travel guides of Sabah, Malaysia Borneo” on Accommodation on
Mabul Island, 2013, Copy right of MySabah.com
4) “Tawau And Semporna e-books and guide”, retrieved from the official website of Sabah
Tourism Board at www.sabahtourismboard.com
5) “10 things to do in Mabul Island” taken from the website of www.pulaumabul.com

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7.0 APPENDIX
1. Based on 4.0 SWOT Analysis, the data stated are retrieved from a research study from
University Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Putra Malaysia. Data can be seen as follows:

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