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Where to Stay in Semporna: Best Overwater Bungalows & Hotels

Where to Stay in Semporna: Best Overwater Bungalows & Hotels

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Semporna may be a small coastal town in Sabah, Malaysia, but it’s the ultimate gateway to some of the world’s most incredible marine parks and dive sites like Mabul, Kapalai, and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

Despite its smaller size, Semporna has a variety of accommodations to fit every budget. From budget-friendly hostels in town to luxurious overwater bungalows just offshore. Whether you’re here for diving or island-hopping, Semporna is the perfect base for exploring Malaysia’s underwater paradise.

My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Semporna

Sabah's southern coastal city of Semporna may not be the most scenic, but it’s the perfect gateway to Malaysia’s stunning islands, many of which offer unique places to stay and epic things to do.

Aerial view over sipadan kapalai dive resort

1. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort Luxury

A luxurious overwater escape for honeymooners, and couples with ocean-view chalets, direct access to vibrant dive sites, and amenities like a buffet restaurant and dive center just minutes from Mabul and Sipadan.

Maglami-lami water house view

2. Maglami-lami Water House Mid-Range

A peaceful mid-range stay perfect for snorkelers, offering spacious modern rooms, an on-site restaurant with amazing breakfast, and direct access to vibrant marine life.

Bedroom at ozzy lodge semporna

3. Ozzy Lodge Budget

Close to the harbor but far enough to still be clean and less chaotic. Super friendly owner who can organize cheap island-hopping trips.

Best Areas to Stay in Semporna

Semporna consists of the mainland with several small offshore islands and floating resorts. After exploring the area, here are my top recommended places to stay!

Where to stay in semporna map
Different areas to stay in semporna
  • Semporna Town (City Center): Best for budget travelers, backpackers, and divers. It's close to dive shops the ferry terminal and the local markets. It's an ideal area for arranging island-hopping and diving trips.
  • Floating Resorts (Overwater Bungalows): Best for honeymooners and luxury travelers. These secluded and luxurious accommodations are perfect for relaxing over clear waters with stunning sunrise and sunset views away from the city crowds.
  • Mabul Island: Best for divers and snorkelers. Known for its proximity to Sipadan Island (top 5 dive sites in the world), it offers beachfront resorts and budget lodges with easy access to vibrant marine life.

Semporna Town: Best For Budget Travelers

Staying in Semporna offers the perfect access to some of Malaysia’s most stunning islands, making it an ideal base for diving, island-hopping, and exploring the rich marine life of the region without spending a ton on accommodation!

Semporna islands
HotelPrice
Private room at ocean villageOcean Village$$
Twin room at ohhsem hotelOHHSEM Hotel$$
Outdoor views at timba gardenTimba Garden$$$
Dorm room at cube bed stationCube Bed Station$$
Bedroom at ozzy lodge sempornaOzzy Lodge$
Dorm at island backpackersIsland Backpackers$

Ocean Village

  • Location: Semporna Town
  • Best For: Divers and couples wanting a comfortable stay

A great option for travelers wanting a quiet and comfortable stay slightly outside the busy town center. Located on a quieter, less crowded street, it offers a peaceful environment with easy access to island tours such as Bohey Dulang Island.

The property features air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. Each room includes a wardrobe and private bathroom, and guests have access to a shared kitchen and a relaxing garden area.

A free shuttle service is provided making it convenient to reach the town center and nearby attractions like the Pekan Semporna Market.

OHHSEM Hotel

  • Location: Semporna Town
  • Best For: Families and Couples wanting a convenient stay for island hopping.

This 3-star hotel offers spacious family rooms and large, comfortable beds which are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Some rooms come with sea views and private bathrooms which is always a bonus. The hotel also offers a paid airport shuttle, making arrivals and departures hassle-free.

Its location is ideal for day tours to nearby islands or Tun Sakaran Marine Park, and it’s just a short walk to a grocery store for any essentials. For travelers wanting some delicious head to the famous Then Wang Seafood Restaurant which is nearby and try the salted egg dish!

Book: OHHSEM Hotel

Good to Know: The town area was dirtier than I expected, which was disappointing given its closeness to the amazing marine life and diving locations nearby.

Timba Garden

  • Location: Outside Semporna Town
  • Best For: Families and groups looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature

Located about 20 minutes from town, this beautifully designed 5-star resort offers a quiet retreat with the convenience of free transport to the town and jetty.

The resort features spacious rooms with garden views, comfortable beds, and in-room kettles for a cozy stay. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals and I highly recommend the butter chicken for dinner and their delicious breakfast.

Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy drinks at the bar, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Timba Garden is an excellent choice if you're after comfort, great service, and a nature-filled setting.

Book: Timba Garden

Cube Bed Station

  • Location: Semporna Town
  • Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers, and divers looking for a clean and convenient place to stay

Cube Bed Station offers both mixed dorms and private rooms, making it great for solo travelers or small groups wanting to stay close to the ferry terminal.

The hostel has a shared kitchen for cooking your meals and lockers for keeping valuables safe. Its location is perfect, close to dive shops and within walking distance of restaurants like 90S Town Cafe Semporna.

Some rooms offer sea views, and I found the hostel to be much cleaner than the surrounding areas, which made my stay even more comfortable.

Ozzy Lodge

  • Location: Outside Sempora Town
  • Best For: Budget travelers wanting a comfortable stay

I stayed at Ozzy Lodge for 3 nights and had a great experience. The owners were incredibly friendly and made sure that everything we needed was provided.

The accommodation is located away from the busy town, offering a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The rooms are modern and clean and have air conditioning, which is perfect during the warmer months.

They serve a very good breakfast, and the staff can easily arrange tours to nearby islands and attractions. A bonus is Mr Laundry Express is just a short walk away which made washing our clothes super convenient during my stay.

Book: Ozzy Lodge

Island Backpackers

  • Location: Semporna Town
  • Best For: Backpackers or solo travelers

If you're still looking for where to stay in Semporna then Island Backpackers is a great pick! The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms making it a suitable choice for solo travelers or small groups looking for a budget stay.

The location is hard to beat and if you're looking for some Western food then you're in luck as 200m away you'll find KFC. It is close to the bus station, and steps away from the night market. The hostel also has a washing machine, free drinking water, and a luggage room for storage.

The rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re clean and comfortable enough for a short stay. A basic breakfast is included, which is a nice bonus before you take off on a day trip!

Semporna Floating Resorts & Overwater Bungalows

Semporna's floating resorts and overwater bungalows offer a laidback escape just off the mainland. They provide direct access to exploring nearby islands like Mabul, and Kapalai and are an ideal place to stay for couples and luxury travelers wanting a relaxing, overwater experience.

Island hopping from semporna
HotelPrice
Seaventures dive rig resortSeaventures Dive Rig$$$
Sea star resort sempornaSea Star Resort Semporna$$
Maglami-lami water house viewMaglami-lami Water House$$

Seaventures Dive Rig

  • Location: Nearby Mabul Island
  • Best For: Divers or Travelers wanting a unique experience

As the world’s only dive rig resort in the Coral Triangle, Seaventures offers a unique experience for divers.

The rig offers 41 air-conditioned rooms, ranging from twin-sharing and double rooms to deluxe king and family rooms. Every room comes with an ensuite bathroom, high-quality linens, and fresh drinking water sourced from the rig’s reverse osmosis system which is pretty cool.

While I didn’t stay overnight, I had the chance to dive at Seaventures Dive Rig and the marine life here was incredible. I spotted plenty of nudibranchs and enjoyed the uniqueness of this underwater ecosystem.

Sea Star Resort Semporna

  • Location: 5 minutes by boat from Semporna Town
  • Best For: Couples or those wanting an overwater bungalow experience

This is another great option for travelers wanting a unique over-water experience. The bungalows offer direct access to the clear water, and guests can swim right from the balcony.

The resort is just a 5-minute boat ride from Semporna Town, making it super convenient yet peaceful. One of the best things to do here is watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the deck.

The on-site restaurant serves a tasty buffet breakfast, and the free Wi-Fi was a nice bonus for staying connected. For a relaxing stay surrounded by crystal clear water the Sea Star Resort is a fantastic choice.

Maglami-lami Water House

  • Location: 20-30 minutes by boat from Semporna Town
  • Best For: Couples and those wanting to snorkel

The waters around the resort are full of fish and you can even spot turtles while snorkeling right off the pier which is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

The large, modern rooms are clean and comfortable, offering plenty of space to relax. The on-site restaurant serves an amazing breakfast, which is a great way to start the day before heading off on a tour.

For anyone wanting to unwind and enjoy snorkeling away from the crowds, Maglami-lami Water House is a fantastic choice.

Mabul Island: Best for Diving & Luxury Resorts

Mabul Island is a tropical getaway known for its incredible macro diving and close access to Sipadan Island. Since 2005, all resorts on Sipadan Island have been relocated to protect its unique marine and land ecosystems making Mabul the next best option to stay.

It's a 45-minute boat ride to Mabul Island from Semporna Jetty. Most resorts and dive shops offer boat transfers for guests making it stress-free. This was one of my favorite islands to stay in Semporna.

Mabul island resort
HotelPrice
Aerial view over sipadan kapalai dive resortSipadan Kapalai Dive Resort$$$$
Borneo divers mabul resort outdoor areaBorneo Divers Mabul Resort$$$
Outdoor view of mabul backpackersMabul Backpackers$$

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

  • Location: 5 minutes from Mabul Island
  • Best For: Honeymooners, couples, and divers seeking a luxurious overwater stay

Built on stilts above the Ligitan Reefs, it’s just a 5-minute boat ride from Mabul and 10 minutes from Sipadan Island.

The resort features spacious wooden villas with private ocean-view balconies which are ideal for sunbathing or watching marine life below. Diving here is incredible, with easy access to world-class macro dive sites right beneath the resort. Guests can expect to see many types of fish and even turtles.

Guests can enjoy a buffet-style restaurant, a large sundeck for sunset views, and facilities like a dive center, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and a souvenir shop can all be found on site.

Good to Know: To preserve Sipadan Island's fragile ecosystem and world-renowned biodiversity, the Malaysian government limits the number of divers to 176 permits per day. So if you're looking to dive here be sure to book in advance.

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

  • Location: Mabul Island
  • Best For: Divers, snorkelers, and families looking for a comfortable and well-equipped stay

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort offers modern rooms with hot water and private bathrooms, along with a large deck that's perfect for watching the sunset.

Diving is hassle-free with organized dive trips to nearby sites, and the snorkeling right off the resort is excellent. Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a buffet breakfast and delicious meals at the on-site restaurant.

For a laid-back island escape with easy access to Mabul’s marine life, Borneo Divers Mabul Resort is an excellent choice.

Mabul Backpackers

  • Location: Mabul Island
  • Best For: Divers on a budget

Mabul Backpackers is a great choice for budget travelers and divers looking for affordable accommodation on Mabul Island. They offer both dorm rooms with lockers and private rooms, making it suitable for solo travelers or small groups.

The on-site dive center makes it easy to book dives, including trips with Sipadan permits. A buffet breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves decent meals throughout the day.

Green turtles come by so be sure to keep an eye out. Find a spot along the pier during the sunset for an unbeatable view. Just a heads-up—there's no Wi-Fi, but Celcom and Digi signals work fine. Also, the hostel is generator-powered, so there’s no electricity from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the rooms can get quite hot during that time.

Tip: During my stay, I noticed the beach next door had a lot of rubbish, which was disappointing. We spent an afternoon cleaning it up. For a dive island, I was surprised by how much trash had built up around the area.

My Hotel Selection Process

  • Accommodation Criteria: When selecting the best places to stay in Semporna, I focused on price, location, and guest reviews. The options listed above offer great value, convenient access to dive shops and island tours, and a comfortable stay to make the most of your trip.
  • My Experience: My recommendations are based on places I've personally stayed at and highly-rated spots recommended by other travelers. Each accommodation listed has been praised for its comfort, service, and overall experience.
  • Top Reviews: All accommodations in this guide consistently hold high ratings on popular booking platforms like Booking.com, Trip.com, and Agoda. I regularly update this list to ensure all options continue to offer excellent value and meet traveler expectations.
  • Local Insights: For hotels I haven’t personally stayed in, I’ve relied on trusted feedback from traveler forums, review sites, and local recommendations to provide accurate and reliable suggestions for your stay in Semporna.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

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Hotels Stayed
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Olly gaspar

I'm Olly, a full-time traveler since 2018. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.

FAQ About Staying in Semporna

When is the best time to visit Semporna?

The best time to visit Semporna is during the dry season from March to October when the weather is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping.

Can I stay overnight on Sipadan Island?

No, overnight stays on Sipadan Island are not allowed. Most divers stay on nearby islands like Mabul, Kapalai, or in Semporna town and take day trips to Sipadan.

What is the best area to stay in Semporna?

For convenience, I suggest staying in Semporna Town for easy access to dive shops and ferry terminals. For a more relaxing experience, consider staying in Mabul or a floating resort just off the mainland.

Are there budget accommodations in Semporna?

Yes, Semporna offers a range of accommodations from budget hostels and guesthouses in town to mid-range resorts and luxury overwater bungalows on nearby islands.

My Top Tour When Staying In Semporna

This is by far my favorite tour to do when visiting Semporna. It offers beautiful views over the island and some of the clearest water in the world!

Bohhey dulang island,

1. Tun Sakaran Marine Park

An incredible island-hopping trip to top destinations around Semporna including Bohey Dulang viewpoint!

Island hopping semporna 1 2

I hope you enjoyed this in-depth guide on Semporna accommodation.

If you are interested in traveling around other parts of Borneo, feel free to check out more of our Malaysia accommodation guides below.

Thanks for Reading

I’m Olly Gaspar, Australian adventure traveler and founder of We Seek Travel. Six years ago, I left home to travel full-time and started this website to share my journey. Today, it’s grown into one of the world’s largest free adventure travel resources, now supported by a team of passionate travelers writing travel guides to the places we visit.

We only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on our experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting this website and keeping us on the road. Read Olly's Publishing Ethics Statement.