There are 3 ways to get from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul by bus, ferry, or plane
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus, ferry
best- Take the bus from Sandakan Central to Sempornabus
- Take the ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabulferry
9h 21mRM 160Fly to Tawau Airport, Minibus, ferry
- Fly from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Tawau Airport (TWU)plane SDK - TWU
- Take the bus from Tawau Airport to Sempornabus
- Take the ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabulferry
6h 45mRM 440–765Fly to Lahad Datu Airport, bus, ferry
- Fly from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Lahad Datu Airport (LDU)plane SDK - LDU
- Take the bus from Lahad Datu to Sempornabus
- Take the ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabulferry
8h 5mRM 311–1,560
Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Tawau Airport (TWU) flights
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul is to bus and ferry which costs RM 161 and takes 9h 21m.
The fastest way to get from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul is to fly and Minibus and ferry which takes 6h 45m and costs RM 440 - RM 800.
The distance between Sandakan and Pulau Mabul is 348 km.
The best way to get from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul without a car is to bus and ferry which takes 9h 21m and costs RM 161.
It takes approximately 9h 21m to get from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul, including transfers.
There are eight+ hotels available in Pulau Mabul.
What companies run services between Sandakan, Malaysia and Pulau Mabul, Malaysia?
There is no direct connection from Sandakan to Pulau Mabul. However, you can take the bus to Semporna, walk to Semporna Jetty, then take the ferry to Pulau Mabul. Alternatively, you can take the taxi to Sandakan Airport (SDK) airport, fly to Tawau Airport (TWU), walk to Tawau Airport, take the bus to Semporna, walk to Semporna Jetty, then take the ferry to Pulau Mabul.
- Website
- maswings.com.my
Flights from Sandakan Airport to Tawau Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 40 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- RM 190–1,500
Flights from Sandakan Airport to Lahad Datu Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 30 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- RM 160–1,400
- Phone
- +60 198072570
- Website
- redbus.my
Bus from Sandakan Central to Semporna
- Ave. Duration
- 6h
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- RM 61
- Schedules at
- redbus.my
Bus from Lahad Datu to Semporna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 49m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- RM 27
- Schedules at
- redbus.my
Bus from Tawau Airport to Semporna
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 30m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- RM 35
- Phone
- +60 89-784 494
- [email protected]
- Website
- facebook.com
Bus from Lahad Datu to Semporna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 47m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- RM 30
- Book at
- easybook.com
- Website
- facebook.com
Ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabul
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 12m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- RM 100
- Schedules at
- facebook.com
Ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabul
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 12m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- RM 100
- Schedules at
- facebook.com
Ferry from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabul
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 12m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- RM 100
- Schedules at
- facebook.com
Want to know more about travelling around the world?
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Heading to Europe? Read this before you buy a Eurail Pass, Italian Lakes: Getting around by train, and How to get from JFK to New York City - to help you get the most out of your next trip.