Paradise Perfected
Welcome to Turtle Garden Lodge, a boutique retreat designed for travelers who value beauty, privacy, and personal care. Our over-water lodge blends modern comfort with authentic island charm, offering a space where every detail is thoughtfully crafted.
Turtle Garden Lodge
When we designed and opened Turtle Garden Lodge our mission was daunting: Create a guest experience to reveal the magic of Mabul for a select clientele. Guests consistently rave about our well-appointed and clean accommodations, our staffs' attentive service and Michelin-quality dining. Whether you’re sipping coffee at sunrise, enjoying a dinner under the stars, or resting in your breezy ocean-view room, every moment feels special. When you stay at Turtle Garden Lodge, you’re not just diving into the mystical waters of Mabul and Sipadan Islands — you’re part of something rare: a private, intimate escape in a world lost in time.
The Sea:
Dive Into a Magical Paradise
The Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea mingle on Mabul Island. A breathtaking underwater paradise awaits. Swim alongside turtles, glide over vibrant coral gardens, and marvel at schools of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
Turtle Garden Lodge is a testiment to the beauty you'll discover under water. Mabul Island and the surrounding seas offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. Magical Mabul has multiple snorkeling routes, each with a distinct character.
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Directly in front of Turtle Garden Lodge is Turtle Garden, where you are guaranteed to snorkel with countless huge sea turtles along a coral wall that drops 30 meters deep and is teeming with tropical fish. Guests who have snorkeled all over the world tell us it's the best snorkeling spot they've been to!
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On the other side of of Mabul is Get SMART! with its huge 5-story fish cribs, schools of barracuda and trevally, an occasional eagle ray, and turtles. If you're lucky, you'll encounter Sam, a resident barracuda who is about 150cm long and 15+kg (although we haven't gotten close enough to measure him!🤣). T
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Dive Sling Shot and take a ride on the current moving under a former oil rig just off Mabul's shore, where you'll see angel fish the size of pizzas and schools of barracuda.
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Nemo Alley is a great shallow water dive. You'll float less than a meter from coral with anemones and clownfish, bright yellow trumpet fish, and schools of angel fish. Occasionally we come across banded sea snakes and moray eels.
We also offer guests the Ultimate Snorkeling Day. You'll go to secret untouched, mind-blowing virgin reefs far in the middle of the sea, kilometers from any land or other tourists. Lunch is served on the boat. After lunch you'll visit a remote sandbar island that you'll likely have to yourself, where you can meander its white sand beaches, take photos and search for sea shells. Finally, you'll go to Kapalai Island, a popular snorkeling destination with large pelagic fish, turtles, eagle rays, and so much more.
Top Snorkeling caters to seasoned snorkelers, taking them to places that will leave even the most travelled snorkeler in awe.
The People:
Life on Mabul Island
The magic of Turtle Garden Lodge isn’t just in the sea — it’s also in the people. Mabul is home to the Bajau Laut, also known as the "sea gypsies," who have lived on these waters for millenniums. Fishermen, island families, and village life add authenticity and warmth to every visit.
Here, you’ll see daily life unfold in a way that feels timeless. Children paddle dugout canoes, fishermen bring in the day’s catch, and families gather by the shore. Meeting the people of Mabul adds richness to your journey and a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the sea.
Our Commitment to the Sea
From day one, Turtle Garden Lodge has been built on a foundation of respect for the environment. Being completely off-grid, we live in harmony with the island and the sea.
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Cooling by design: Our lodge is built to capture ocean breezes, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
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Water stewardship: Rainwater is collected for daily use, while fresh drinking water arrives in reusable containers — no plastic bottles.
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Energy efficiency: We use small, fuel-efficient generators and plan to transition to solar and wind power.
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Locally sourced: Furniture crafted by local artisans and meals prepared with sustainable locally-harvested fish and produce from small vendors.
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Environmental Solutions Project: We actively fight ocean pollution by buying trash from locals and transporting it to the mainland for proper disposal — turning waste into value and reducing plastic in the sea.
We didn't become an “eco lodge” for marketing purposes. We did it because it’s the right way to live, and because our future depends on a clean, thriving sea.
Guests Reviews
茸幻
About Us:
Our Journey to Mabul
Turtle Garden Lodge is more than a lodge — it’s a dream realized. Founded by Nor and Reed, our story began with a shared love of the sea, adventure, and hospitality.
When we arrived on Mabul, we knew this was where we belonged. Together, we rebuilt what is now Turtle Garden Lodge — a place where travelers could not only experience the wonder of Mabul, but also feel cared for as if they were at home.
What started as a vision has become reality: a retreat that celebrates nature, culture, and community, while creating unforgettable experiences for every guest.
Your Private Escape Awaits
Our lodge offers an exclusive experience for a limited number of guests — ensuring privacy, comfort, and connection.
What’s Included:
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Well-appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms
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A huge private deck overlooking turquoise waters
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Full-board dining — praised as Michelin-quality
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Curated snorkeling excursions
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Personalized service from reservation to departure
