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.

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5.0 Guest Ratings on Airbnb

Turtle Garden Lodge

Guests consistently rave about our exquisite service and Michelin-quality dining — meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served with care. 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.

At Turtle Garden Lodge, you’re not just staying on Mabul — you’re part of something rare: a private, intimate escape at the edge of the world.

The Sea:
Dive Into a Magical Paradise

The Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea mingle on Mabul Island. Under our lodge, a breathtaking underwater paradise awaits. Swim alongside turtles, glide over vibrant coral gardens, and marvel at schools of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.

With our partner, Top Snorkeling, you’ll explore:

Magical Mabul — One of the best snorkeling islands in the world with more than a dozen snorkeling routes. Countless turtles, clownfish, tropical fish and sea life await you!
Secret Snorkeling Spots — Untouched, mind-blowing virgin reefs far off the beaten path waiting to be explored.
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.

Cooling by design: Our lodge is built to capture ocean breezes, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
Water stewardship: Rainwater is collected for daily use, while fresh drinking water arrives in reusable containers — no plastic bottles.
Energy efficiency: We use small, fuel-efficient generators and plan to transition to solar and wind power.
Locally sourced: Furniture crafted by local artisans and meals prepared with sustainable locally-harvested fish and produce from small vendors.
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

I have just had a magnificent stay in paradise with my 14yr old daughter at Mabul with thanks to Reed, Nor and their fabulous staff. These guys assisted with all planning of our trip here from pick up at Sempona and transfers to Tawau airport. Mostly however l am absolutely grateful that they were able to organise our dive permits and a dive operator to enable diving at Sipidan as it's next to impossible to stay on Mabul at a home stay and dive here as all permits are allocated to Resorts. The diving was first class but for me also the night snorkeling and diving and snorkeling around Mabul was equally as interesting. Staying at Turtle Lodge you have access to all snorkeling equipment as well aslocal knowledge to be able to really enjoy explore the area.

The facilities at home are super comfortable. I was concerned about no aircon but being over the water with powerful fans it wasn't a problem at all. The endless food was incredible. This was a fabulous holiday experience

Kellie.

10 years on Airbnb

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.