Comfortable overwater chalets above the Celebes Sea near Bum Bum Island in Semporna
Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
Find your escape hovering right over the calm Celebes Sea. Situated just off Bum Bum Island, our destination offers a peaceful alternative to the busy mainland. Guests enjoy a quick 35-minute boat ride from the main jetty in Semporna before arriving at a quiet retreat surrounded by endless ocean horizons.
Every living space prioritizes cleanliness alongside practical comforts. You can expect reliable air conditioning, strong water pressure along with your own private balcony to take in the water views. We also prioritize clear communication. Our team will guide you through WhatsApp prior to your trip to ensure your arrival goes exactly as planned.
Daily dining is fully sorted during your visit. The on-site restaurant serves up three freshly cooked halal meals daily. You will find a variety of regional Sabahan recipes, classic Chinese favorites alongside familiar Western options. When you are ready to head out, our staff can easily arrange boat trips to nearby spots like the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mabul, Kapalai along with the famous Sipadan dive sites.
Our Accommodation
Every room sits directly over the water with a private balcony, cooling air conditioning alongside beautiful sea views. Full daily meals are part of your package.
This cozy overwater chalet provides a comfortable queen bed along with a private balcony sitting right above the waves. Guests will appreciate the reliable air conditioning, clean interiors along with direct ocean views from the room.
Offering extra space, this room features a large king bed, an ensuite bathroom alongside authentic Sabahan timber design elements. Step out onto the expansive private balcony to take in sweeping views of the surrounding waters.
Reserve Your Room
Semporna serves as the gateway to some of the most celebrated diving spots in Sabah. Visitors staying at our property have easy access to famous destinations like Mabul, Kapalai, the striking peaks of Bohey Dulang alongside the globally recognized Sipadan reefs. The surrounding waters provide incredible biodiversity for both advanced scuba divers as well as casual snorkelers looking to spot colorful sea life.
Day Tour
Rising dramatically from the ocean, the remnants of this ancient volcano create the most recognizable landscape within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. A forested 600-meter trail leads you up rocky paths toward the peak. Reaching the 353-meter summit rewards hikers with sweeping views over the bright blue lagoon below alongside neighboring tropical islands scattered across the sea. The climb generally takes under an hour each way.
Day Tour
Spend an entire day touring three distinct offshore locations. Mataking stands out with its unique underwater mail facility alongside a beautiful sandbar that appears when the tide drops. Timba-Timba provides excellent shallow reefs perfect for easy swimming. Finally, Pom Pom features peaceful waters where green sea turtles are frequently spotted near the local conservation site. Your package covers boat transport, lunch, park entry along with all necessary gear.
Day Tour
Covering eight different islands, this massive 346-square-kilometer protected zone features some of the best underwater scenery in the region. Guided boat excursions will ferry you toward Sibuan alongside Mantabuan for relaxed swimming sessions over colorful coral beds. It is an excellent choice for those wanting to take beautiful photos or simply float through clear waters. Tour operators collect the required entry fees upon your arrival at the park boundaries.
Day Tour
These two destinations are famous for harboring incredible small marine life. During this excursion, your boat will pause near the Mabul Water Bungalows so you can enjoy a packed lunch while taking photos. You will then head toward the reefs circling Kapalai. Since the private resort there restricts land access, you will jump straight from the boat into the vibrant waters. It is also common to see traditional Bajau Laut communities living on their wooden boats nearby.
Day Tour
Rising sharply from the ocean floor, this famous oceanic island features a massive vertical drop-off teeming with incredible aquatic life. Divers frequently encounter huge tornadoes of jackfish, resting reef sharks along with dozens of grazing turtles. Because the government enforces strict daily visitor limits, you must secure a pass well in advance. We recommend pairing your time here with a few extra nights at a certified dive operator in the Mabul area to guarantee your permit.
Licensed dive centers offering Sipadan access packages:
| Sipadan Mabul Resort |
| Mabul Water Bungalows |
| Borneo Divers Mabul Resort |
| Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort |
| Seaventures Dive Rig |
| Sipadan Water Village |
Scuba Diving
Certified underwater explorers will find endless fascination navigating the various sides of this protected marine area. Each specific drop-off presents entirely unique currents along with different animal encounters. Please note that the entire park closes for the full month of November every year to allow the delicate ecosystems to recover without human interference.
Government passes remain mandatory for all visitors. You must reserve your spot early through an authorized dive center based near Mabul. Current regulations also restrict individuals to a maximum of three total dives during their permitted day.
Multi-Day Package
Maximize your time on the water by booking a comprehensive multi-day tour. Guests can select a purely water-based schedule or mix swimming sessions with a guided trek up the Bohey Dulang viewpoint. These trips are perfectly tailored for families or those without scuba certifications. You will visit key spots like Mataking, Pandanan, Timba-Timba alongside Kapalai while experts handle all logistics.
Float above vibrant coral formations scattered throughout the nearby marine park. These pleasant waters are home to countless colorful fish species alongside slow-moving turtles. We supply all the necessary gear so even complete beginners can safely enjoy the underwater sights.
The region holds legendary status among underwater enthusiasts. Local certified agencies can organize deep-water excursions or introductory lessons tailored specifically to your comfort zone. Just remember that securing access to the famous Sipadan drop-offs demands planning well ahead of your trip.
Take a relaxing paddle right from our property grounds. You can navigate the quiet ocean surface while observing shallow marine life right beneath your boat. We offer equipment rentals for those wanting solo exploration along with organized group outings to nearby sandbars.
Jump on a fast boat to discover multiple tropical destinations in a single afternoon. These guided journeys focus on uncovering hidden beaches alongside colorful snorkeling spots. It is a fantastic way for guests to fully appreciate the diverse geography surrounding Semporna.
All-Inclusive Dining
You will never have to worry about food during your stay. We serve three full buffet meals daily inside our main dining area at no extra cost. Our kitchen team prepares everything fresh using strict halal guidelines. Guests can choose from an array of authentic Sabahan plates, traditional Malaysian dishes, Chinese favorites along with familiar Western staples.
If you want a special dinner, ask our team to arrange a custom grill session. We source fresh prawns, squid along with local fish straight from nearby waters. This experience requires early notice along with a small extra fee. Let us know before you arrive if you are interested.
We happily provide plant-based choices during service times. If you have specific food allergies or restrictions, please inform our staff ahead of time so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Your journey begins by flying into Tawau Airport, which functions as the primary entry point for the region. Major domestic airlines provide regular daily connections from larger Malaysian hubs directly to this terminal.
We eliminate travel stress by arranging your overland transport. Our team will book a spacious van or private car to bring you straight from the arrival gates to the main coastal docks.
The final leg involves a breezy 35-minute boat journey handled entirely by our crew. As you glide past small island communities, you will leave the busy mainland behind. Since the boats are open to the elements, we highly recommend storing electronics inside water-resistant bags. When it is time to head home, we will organize your return boat along with the connecting airport car based on your confirmed flight times.
Read what travelers have shared about their experiences with us.
Booked via WhatsApp and the response was fast and professional. The boat ride takes about 35 minutes from town. The room was very clean and the water pressure was strong — something not guaranteed in Semporna. Alipay was accepted which made payment easy. The location is far from town so prepare everything you need in advance. A very satisfying stay.
The rooms here are clean and well-maintained. The resort is positioned far from the busy part of town so the environment is very peaceful. We could fish from the resort which was something my husband enjoyed greatly. The staff communicated clearly via WhatsApp before we arrived and were welcoming when we got there. A good overwater option.
A clean and honest water village with a good location away from town. The rooms are tidy and the water is strong and clean which is important during a longer stay. The boat trip to get here is pleasant. Staff are friendly and helpful with arrangements. Would recommend for those who want a quiet overwater experience with easy communication.
A good overwater resort with clean facilities and a genuinely peaceful setting. The 35-minute boat ride passes through attractive scenery. Fishing from the resort was available and a relaxed way to pass the afternoons. The staff were helpful in organizing our stay via WhatsApp before we arrived. No complaints — a comfortable and honest place.
A water village that felt calm and removed from the bustle of Semporna town. The rooms are very clean and well-equipped. The boat transfer to get here is easy to arrange and the journey itself is scenic. Staff were warm and the service throughout was attentive. A solid choice for anyone wanting an uncrowded and peaceful overwater stay.
We chose this resort because of its quiet position away from town and were not disappointed. The room was spotless with excellent water pressure. Fishing from the resort was a pleasant activity to fill the afternoons. Staff communicated quickly and clearly via WhatsApp before arrival and were welcoming throughout the stay. Very happy with the experience.