I stayed at Arung Hayat for 4 nights - as it was the only accommodation i could find available (i arranged the trip at the last minute). It turned out to be a lucky last-minute trip for me - as i found a great place to stay and i got a permit for Sipidan diving which was basically a miracle...... More

Arung Hayat is a well run adventure dive centre on Mabul island.With twin privates or 4/6bed dorms,its 1 of the more reasonably priced resorts on this tiny"dive island".I had already booked a room elsewhere but changed as they offered room only. As i was freediving i did not need normal dive packages.Well run with a friendly proprietor,it was great not... More

I stayed here for two nights. The problem with accomodation on Mabul is that you buy before you see and you commit to all meals at the place. The positives - friendly, fair staff. Good fresh food. Staying in buildings on wooden stilts above the seq. Beautiful sunsets. Sociable in the evenings. The negatives - we had a rat in... More

They welcome us at the deck, as we arrived with a warm smile. Room is basic, with 2 twin bed and shower but it was comfortable and clean. Food served was generously in huge portion and tasty fresh. Fresh fish everyday. We even had crab soup with corn that is unbelievably delicious. The staff helped us to buy the seafood... More

if you are a budget traveller, i would say this is a good place for you. Friendly and helpful staffs in Arung Hayat. Good and affordable place for backpackers. The view from the balcony is awesome. they can arrange from airport transfer so more easier + save your time. the price also can be negotiable. 1st holiday i have without... More

if you are a budget traveller, i would say this is a good place for you. Friendly and helpful staffs in Arung Hayat. Good and affordable place for backpackers. The view from the balcony is awesome. Plenty activities can be carry on here. Full package from Tawau airport to the Mabul Island is provided upon request with reasonable price. The... More

i was in mabul for 1 weeks when ramadan time... and some staf doing ramadan, and great time with them, i been doing ramadan with them, and realy interesting, when night time i got many lot of fun with the staf from arung hayat and big john scuba, specialy the stuf playing guitar and sing song, they are so friendly,... More

The people there are not friendly, don't go there when the have ramadan, because the people are most of the day gone for praying. Bring your own food, because I was sick for 6 days after I left arung hayat! The rooms are small and not clean, we had ants in our room!

If you're looking for affordable,friendly owner, nice food, private bathroom kind of budget accommodations in Mabul, Arung Hayat Homestay is the answer. Yes, may be very basic rooms with fan but who cares since you will spend most of your holidays outside the rooms. The sunset view from the balcony is superb! The turtle....no need to dive because you can... More