Simple but welcoming raised stilt chalets (sulaps) around a white-sand beach. The huts are a modern take on the thatch-longhouse theme. There are also dorms with shared bathrooms. Diving (RM180 per dive) and snorkelling activities (from RM50) feature high on the itinerary list, but this is also a lovely tropical escape. Boat pick-up from Kuala Abai jetty in Kota Belud.
Dorm/room rates drop drastically on the second night. Mari Mari also has its own dive centre offering PADI courses.
It's possible to be picked up from KK and taken to Kota Belud, from where you catch a speedboat (included) to the island before being returned to Kota Belud for 6.30pm the next day.