lifestyle

6 Must-Visit Resorts With Breathtaking Ocean Views & Diving Activities In Semporna, Sabah

Beautiful resorts that let you swim with Nemo!

Cover image via Dive Malaysia & @lohyuejun via Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort/Facebook

Follow us on InstagramTikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

1. Dayang Resort

Image via SabahTravel.com

Opening its doors earlier this year, this brand-new resort offers cosy rooms designed to effortlessly host two to four guests. According to previous visitors, this resort is ideal for those who prefer an intimate getaway or a romantic honeymoon due to its secluded location.

What makes each room so unique is the vast net suspended above the balcony floor, creating a dreamy space where you can recline with your partner and enjoy the spectacle of the sunset melting into the sky.

Image via SabahTravel.com

A stay at Dayang Resort goes for approximately RM600 per night, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in the package. However, the resort does not offer diving activities.

Address:
91308, Semporna, Sabah

Facebook | Instagram

Book your stay here.

2. Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort

Image via SabahTravel.com

Just a short boat ride away from the renowned islands of Sipadan and Mabul, the unique Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort sits like a water village on stilts, perched above the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs.

This resort is designed to be an airy and comfortable haven, with no land in sight, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. It's also an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts, offering diving activities where guests can immerse themselves in the underwater world, swimming alongside various types of fish and turtles.

Whether you're an experienced diver or a novice, the combination of sun, water, and serene surroundings makes Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Image via Dive Malaysia

A three-day, two-night stay at this resort is priced at approximately RM2,225 per person, inclusive of their diving activity.

Facebook | Instagram

Book your stay here.

3. Mataking Reef Resort

Image via Mataking
Image via Mataking

If you're looking for an atas resort, the Mataking Reef Resort is the ideal choice for you, as it's fully equipped with international-grade deluxe amenities and services to ensure guests get an unforgettable staying experience.

They also have a restaurant that's cheekily named Simply 'Enak', as well as a rejuvenating wellness centre, and a fully-equipped gym. With a total of 63 luxurious rooms decorated in six distinct themes, guests will surely find the perfect room that matches their aesthetic.

Image via Mataking
Image via Mataking
Image via Mataking

A three-day, two-night stay at this resort is priced at approximately RM3,000 per room.

Address:
Fajar Complex,
TB 212, Jalan Bunga,
91000 Tawau, Sabah

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Book your stay here.

4. Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

Image via Travelog
Image via Borneo Divers

Situated at the heart of Mabul Island, Borneo Divers Mabul Resort is a gateway to the renowned underwater paradise known for its exotic and diverse marine life, as well as internationally acclaimed dive spots.

Aside from its popular diving activities, the resort is also well-known for its comfortable accommodation. There are four types of rooms available at the resort, including the Executive Beach Chalet King, the Executive Beach Chalet Twin, the Luxury Villa King, and the Luxury Villa Twin.

Every room is thoughtfully designed to cater to various types of travellers and group sizes, so be sure to visit their website to explore the options and find the room that suits you and your group best.

Image via Borneo Divers
Image via Borneo Divers
Image via Borneo Divers

A four-day, three-night stay at this resort is priced at approximately RM4,036 per pax, inclusive of their diving activity.

Address:
BDMR Mabul Island,
91308 Semporna, Sabah

Website | Facebook

Book your stay here.

5. Pom Pom Island Resort

Located approximately 45 minutes by boat from Semporna, along Borneo's coastline, Pom Pom Island Resort is nestled amidst rich tropical vegetation, embraced by pristine white sands, and surrounded by the inviting turquoise waters of the Celebes Sea.

There are two types of villas at Pom Pom Island Resort, the Garden Villa and the Beach Villa. We recommend staying at the Beach Villa, as it offers a tranquil retreat just a few steps away from the sea. It features two spacious sliding doors that open onto an elevated balcony complete with sun beds, so guests can unwind in seclusion.

The island is also home to Green and Hawksbill marine turtles, and if you're fortunate during your stay, you may get the chance to witness the magical moment of turtle eggs hatching and the release of adorable baby turtles into the sea.

A stay at the Beach Villa goes for approximately RM1,400 per night.

Address:
Jalan Causeway, Semporna,
91307 Pulau Sipadan

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Book your stay here.

6. Mabul Water Bungalows

Nestled on the enchanting Mabul Island, this four-star dive resort is a stunning oasis that sits right on top of the crystal-clear ocean, promising breathtaking views that are truly one-of-a-kind. There are 24 wooden bungalow units available for booking, each tastefully adorned with modern decor and equipped with amenities like air-conditioning units, ceiling fans, private bathrooms, TV, mini-bar, and Wi-Fi.

The true gem of each bungalow, however, is the expansive private balcony that opens up to sweeping panoramas of the sea. Additionally, the resort boasts a delightful restaurant, a rejuvenating health spa, and a dive centre to keep you entertained throughout your vacation.

A two-day, one-night stay at the resort is priced at approximately RM800 per pax.

Address:

Lot A-1-G, Block A, Signature Office,
KK Times Square, Off Coastal Highway,
88100, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Book your stay here.

The Nusakuya Resort in Semporna is one of the latest attractions in Malaysia garnering attention for their crystal clear waters and sunset views:

Looking for more places to visit in Sabah? Check out our other recommendations:

You may be interested in: