An exclusive overwater retreat positioned above the Celebes Sea within Sabah's Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
The Property
Anchored off the shores of Pulau Sebangkat, our retreat resides inside a protected marine zone containing eight distinct islands. We constructed the entire property on wooden stilts suspended over the ocean. This design ensures that guests enjoy an intimate balcony featuring a private stairway descending straight into the water.
Step off your personal deck to snorkel the surrounding reefs or take a refreshing swim at dawn. Just a brief distance away lies an empty neighboring islet that you can easily reach by swimming, offering complete isolation. Back at the property, a seafront pool provides open ocean views alongside a consistently peaceful beach space.
Dining is effortless with four complimentary buffet services provided each day at our oceanfront restaurant. Our culinary team prepares a rotating selection of regional Sabahan specialties, traditional Malaysian recipes, Chinese favorites, and familiar Western breakfast items. You never need to worry about planning meals or traveling to town for food.
Beyond the immediate property, the location serves as a premium starting point for exploring the wider archipelago. We gladly coordinate private boat trips, kayak rentals, and guided journeys to famous destinations like Mabul, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang, and the highly regulated Sipadan reserve.
Accommodation
Our signature accommodation rests directly above the ocean surface on traditional stilts. Each private space includes modern climate control, sweeping views of the surrounding waters, and a personal deck equipped with stairs leading straight into the sea.
This spacious oceanfront retreat features expansive glass doors that reveal an open air balcony right over the water. Inside, authentic timber flooring pairs beautifully with contemporary bathroom fixtures, including a deep soaking tub and an elegant preparation area.
Suspended above the clear ocean, this inviting space uses full height windows to frame the horizon. The layout includes natural timber elements, a premium soaking tub, and a dedicated vanity station.
Your personal outdoor deck includes a private wooden stairway, allowing you to easily slip into the water for morning swims or afternoon reef exploration.
Submit your travel details below. Our team will review your preferred dates and respond promptly with exact pricing and availability.
Local Experiences
This region of Sabah holds a global reputation for exceptional marine environments and thriving reef ecosystems. From our property, visitors easily access the protected waters of Tun Sakaran, the celebrated macro sites of Mabul, and the famous drop-offs of Sipadan. The surrounding ocean provides remarkable encounters for both experienced scuba enthusiasts and casual swimmers alike.
Navigate the peaceful waters surrounding the property at your preferred speed. Glide over colorful coral formations, trace the edges of mangrove ecosystems, and rest on secluded sandbars during low tide. We offer kayaks for personal use alongside fully guided excursions.
Observe the underwater marine park environment right off our main wooden pier. These warm currents are home to resident sea turtles, giant clams, and diverse tropical fish populations. We supply all necessary gear for swimmers of varying abilities.
This area features numerous internationally recognized dive locations, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe. Licensed external dive professionals handle all underwater expeditions, ensuring safe and tailored experiences for complete beginners and advanced certification holders.
Take a fast boat across the marine park to visit a series of distinct tropical islands. These flexible guided journeys cater to nature photographers, avid swimmers, or those who merely wish to relax on isolated white sand beaches.
Guided Excursion
Known for its dramatic geology, this island forms the remaining edge of an ancient volcanic crater. A shaded trail leads hikers upward through dense vegetation and rocky terrain, requiring roughly forty minutes to ascend. The peak sits at an elevation of 353 meters, rewarding climbers with unobstructed views over a massive blue lagoon and neighboring landmasses. Proper footwear is essential for this trek.
Guided Excursion
This comprehensive day trip explores three peaceful destinations located away from the primary tourist routes. Guests depart early to see the unique submerged post office at Mataking, stroll across a shifting sand pathway connecting two islands, and observe gentle marine life near Pom Pom. It serves as a fantastic choice for families seeking a relaxed pace away from heavier boat traffic.
See Malaysia's unique underwater post office at Mataking
Cross the natural tidal sandbar linking Mataking Besar with Mataking Kecil
Clear water snorkeling above pristine coral systems at Timba-Timba
Frequent sea turtle encounters near the shores of Pom Pom
Includes private boat transport, dining arrangements, and marine park access
Guided Excursion
Spanning a massive protected ocean territory, this marine reserve guards the natural habitats of eight distinct islands. Established to preserve crucial fishing grounds and biodiversity, the region sits firmly within the global Coral Triangle. During this specific trip, visitors land on the less crowded shores of Mantabuan and Sibuan, enjoying pristine swimming conditions and excellent reef visibility.
Guided Excursion
Recognized globally for exceptional macro marine life, Mabul offers a habitat rich in rare creatures like pygmy seahorses and resident turtles. This excursion includes a scheduled rest stop at an overwater resort for lunch and photography. Later, the boat anchors near the shallow sandbars of Kapalai, allowing guests to jump directly into warm currents packed with colorful fish.
Scheduled break at Mabul Water Bungalows for meals and sightseeing
Experience some of the most concentrated macro marine life in the country
Swim alongside green turtles and complex coral structures
Observe traditional Bajau Laut communities residing on the water
Direct boat access to the shallow sandbar reefs at Kapalai
Advanced Dive Trip (Permits Required)
Rising dramatically from the ocean floor, this oceanic island features a steep vertical wall plunging 600 meters deep. The nutrient rich waters attract thousands of schooling jackfish, massive barracuda formations, and unusually high populations of resting sea turtles. Access is strictly governed by a daily permit system, requiring advance coordination with specific licensed dive centers located outside our immediate vicinity.
Adding Sipadan to your travels: Adding this premium destination to your itinerary requires booking a separate stay with a permit holding operator in the Mabul region. We are happy to advise you on coordinating this extension alongside your time with us. Options include Sipadan Mabul Resort, Mabul Water Bungalows, Borneo Divers, and Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort.
Drift along a sheer 600 meter underwater cliff face
Encounter massive groups of schooling barracuda and silver jackfish
Observe significant populations of green and hawksbill turtles
Spot resident reef sharks and seasonal pelagic visitors
Regulated entry mandates booking months ahead via specialized centers
Current regulations limit all visitors to a maximum of three dives per permit
Scuba Diving Insights
The sheer walls and varying currents around this peak provide distinctly different underwater environments depending on where you drop in. Because of strict conservation caps, most permits go exclusively to certified divers who secure their spots months ahead. Please note that conservation authorities close the island entirely every November for environmental recovery.
Characterized by massive tornados of schooling fish and active pelagic predators.
A dramatic vertical wall just meters from the beach dropping down to 600 meters.
Deep water site known for resting sharks and seasonal hammerhead appearances.
A sprawling underwater meadow supporting high densities of feeding sea turtles.
Vast walls covered in delicate sea fans, sponges, and intricate macro organisms.
Extended Travel Packages
Maximize your time in the region by booking a comprehensive multi day travel package. Guests can choose between pure aquatic exploration or an active itinerary that incorporates jungle trekking. These all inclusive arrangements cover your equipment, entry fees, meals, and logistics, making them perfect for those who want a completely managed adventure without needing specialized dive training.
Select either a dedicated snorkeling focus or a mixed schedule with island hiking
Visit premier snorkeling locations like Timba-Timba, Pandanan, and Kapalai
Includes an optional hike up the Bohey Dulang ridge for expansive crater views
Designed for comfort and ease, requiring zero prior diving experience
Fully managed package handling all marine park permits, transport, and equipment
Restaurant & Dining
Every reservation features complimentary full board dining at our central restaurant. We prepare four distinct buffet services daily, ensuring you are well fed from morning until night. Our chefs focus on fresh ingredients, blending authentic Malaysian recipes with Chinese influences and classic morning staples.
Regional Malaysian Cuisine: Expect rich curries, fragrant rice dishes, traditional herb salads, and locally sourced vegetables prepared using authentic techniques.
Chinese Influences: We frequently serve comforting wok fried noodles, savory rice dishes, and classic regional seafood preparations.
Familiar Breakfasts: Morning services always include simple continental options like toasted bread, eggs, and cereal to start the day gently.
Our kitchen happily accommodates plant based diets across all services. If you have severe allergies or specific food restrictions, please notify us prior to arrival. We supply complimentary drinking water, while specialized beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Location & Logistics
Your journey begins by flying into Tawau Airport, the primary aviation hub for the Semporna district. Major domestic airlines provide regular daily connections from larger Malaysian cities.
Upon landing, we coordinate a private van or car service to transport you directly to the main harbor in town. The scenic overland drive takes roughly an hour and a half.
We happily arrange collection directly at the airport arrivals terminal, from nearby city hotels, or from designated meeting spots within Semporna proper.
At the harbor, our dedicated boat crew will meet you for the final overwater leg of the trip. This brief ride delivers you straight to our private pier, welcoming you to the property.
At the conclusion of your stay, we manage the return logistics back to the mainland and onward to the airport terminal. Simply provide your departing flight information once you book.
To ensure a smooth arrival process, please share your flight schedule well in advance. Our team carefully tracks your arrival time and manages all intermediary transport logistics.
What Guests Say
Read what our recent guests experienced during their time on the reef.
Four buffet meals a day included and all of them were good. The room was clean and cozy with direct water access from the balcony. You can swim from here to a small uninhabited island nearby which was one of the highlights of the stay. The sea is beautifully clear and snorkeling was easy and rewarding. Very quiet and peaceful atmosphere throughout.
Spectacular views and crystal clear water. The afternoon snack in addition to the three main meals was a thoughtful inclusion. The room was private and clean with sea access right from the balcony. Swimming over to the uninhabited island nearby was a wonderful experience. The whole atmosphere of the resort is calm and perfect for complete relaxation.
A resort with real privacy. The rooms are clean and comfortable with direct access to the sea. Four meals a day were served including an afternoon snack which meant we never had to think about food. The snorkeling from the balcony was excellent. The option to swim to the nearby small island made the stay feel adventurous as well as restful.
An overwater resort with a lot of privacy and a beautiful natural setting. The water below the rooms is very clear and snorkeling was good throughout. Four meals a day were included — breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner — all satisfying. The small uninhabited island you can swim to nearby added an extra dimension to the stay. A lovely place.
A quiet and comfortable water village with very good food and clear sea for snorkeling. Four daily buffet meals meant no logistical worries. The room was clean and private with sea access. The ability to swim to the small uninhabited island close by was a real draw. If you want to disconnect properly, this resort is a good choice.
A peaceful overwater resort with excellent food and a beautiful sea setting. The four daily meals were all good and meant we could focus entirely on relaxing. Snorkeling from the rooms was easy and rewarding. The nearby uninhabited island we could swim to was a highlight. The whole experience was quiet, private and genuinely restorative.