Sand Bay Resort
A private overwater getaway resting above the Celebes Sea within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park boundaries.
A private overwater getaway resting above the Celebes Sea within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park boundaries.
Positioned right over the Celebes Sea, Sand Bay Resort provides a quiet retreat away from the busy Semporna mainland. Thirty comfortable rooms sit directly above the water. Each space features a private balcony giving you open sights of the surrounding Tun Sakaran Marine Park. You can only reach this small island base by boat. This remote setting ensures a peaceful stay for couples sharing a romantic holiday or families spending quality time together.
The location places you right next to a highly diverse marine environment. You will find active coral reefs teeming with sea turtles just steps from your door. To ensure a comfortable stay, we provide continuous electricity alongside reliable air conditioning in every room. Your booking also covers three full buffet meals each day. The daily menu highlights authentic Sabahan flavors alongside popular Malaysian, Chinese and Western options.
Every single room rests above the gentle ocean waves. You can step out onto your private balcony through large glass doors to take in the vast ocean sights. We designed these spaces to balance modern comfort with the natural environment. Continuous power and climate control guarantee a restful sleep after a long day of water activities.
A spacious overwater setup for families featuring four single beds. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your private balcony while an integrated glass floor panel lets you watch the ocean life below.
A comfortable twin setup featuring wide glass doors that open to your private deck. Relax on the hanging swing chair or the overwater hammock net while taking in the island scenery.
An inviting overwater space centered around a super king bed and bright wall art. Tall glass doors provide direct access to your private sea-facing balcony.
A refined space featuring a traditional wood ceiling alongside polished hardwood floors. Enjoy a restful atmosphere with direct access to your private overwater deck.
A generous twin space showcasing polished teak floors and unique turtle wall art. The private deck includes a glass viewing panel and a comfortable overwater hammock net.
A flexible layout offering one large bed alongside a single bed. Light timber flooring and tall glass doors create a bright space ideal for small families.
A private retreat featuring a bright balcony and a plush bed decorated with a pink accent runner. The modern bathroom includes dark tiles and a glass-enclosed shower.
Please complete the details below so we can check room availability for your travel dates. Our reservation team will review your request quickly. We will send you a complete price breakdown within a day.
Staying on a private island opens up countless ways to enjoy the ocean. You can snorkel directly above thriving reefs or take a kayak out for a gentle morning paddle. We also coordinate daily boat trips to surrounding islands for deeper exploration. Whether you want an active diving schedule or a casual afternoon on the water, you will find plenty of ways to fill your days.
Swim alongside sea turtles and colorful fish right by the resort. We provide all the necessary gear for your underwater exploration.
Experience the diverse marine life of the Coral Triangle. Local dive sites feature varied underwater landscapes filled with unique species.
Navigate the calm ocean around your overwater suite. Our kayaks are ready for you to use throughout your stay.
Visit nearby spots like Sibuan, Mantabuan and Maiga. These speedboat trips let you snorkel at multiple prime reef locations.
A hike up Bohey Dulang provides an unforgettable view of a flooded volcanic crater. The walking path takes you right through native jungle surroundings where you might spot local wildlife. Once you reach the top, the panoramic perspective of the bright blue lagoon is highly rewarding.
This tour departs from Semporna town jetty by speedboat. Contact us to arrange through our partner operators.
Sipadan stands out as a premier destination for serious scuba divers. This oceanic island drops steeply into the depths, creating vertical walls covered in healthy coral. The nutrient-rich currents attract massive schools of fish alongside numerous pelagic species.
Sipadan day trips depart from Mabul-area resorts. Guests can extend their stay with additional nights at a Mabul-area dive resort to access permits. Annual closure occurs every November.
Mabul-area resorts offering Sipadan packages:
| Resort |
|---|
| Sipadan Mabul Resort |
| Borneo Divers Mabul Resort |
| Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort |
| Seaventures Dive Rig |
| Sipadan Water Village |
This vast protected area safeguards a massive network of islands and coral systems. A guided boat tour takes you to the clearest waters in the region. You will spend the day floating above protected reefs that support an incredible variety of sea life.
Contact us to arrange bookings through our partner operators.
Mabul attracts visitors who want to see macro marine life up close. The island also supports a local community living in traditional wooden houses over the sea. A short boat ride away, Kapalai Reef offers another shallow underwater environment perfect for photography.
Contact us to plan your visit to Mabul and Kapalai.
Planning a trip across different Semporna locations gives you a more complete holiday experience. Many guests choose to relax with us first before heading to a dedicated dive center. We can assist in organizing the logistics between different island zones.
Use the contact form to describe your travel dates and we will suggest an itinerary that fits.
If your primary goal is spending several days underwater at Sipadan, you should book a specialized dive package. Certain resorts near Mabul hold dedicated permit allocations for their guests. We recommend shifting your stay to one of these centers to maximize your diving schedule.
Permits are obtained through licensed dive operators only. Contact us for help connecting with a Mabul-area operator.
This full-day journey takes you further out to three distinct northern islands. You will walk across long sandy stretches and swim in incredibly clear waters. It is an excellent choice for couples looking for beautiful photo opportunities away from the crowds.
Departs from Semporna town jetty, approximately 8:00-9:00 AM, returning around 4:00-5:00 PM.
Your reservation automatically covers breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our dining hall. Our kitchen team prepares a wide variety of meals to suit different tastes. You can enjoy traditional Malaysian cooking alongside classic Chinese and Western choices. We also feature fresh local seafood during our evening service.
Start the day with local noodles, fresh tropical fruit, eggs and hot drinks.
A varied afternoon buffet featuring rice meals, stir-fries, local curries and fresh fruit.
Our largest selection of the day includes grilled seafood, rich curries and sweet desserts.
Reaching our island property requires a few simple travel steps. First, you will need to fly into the nearest domestic airport. From there, a vehicle will bring you to the coastal jetty where our boat awaits. The final leg is a scenic ride across the water to your overwater suite.
Fly into Tawau Airport (TWU). Direct flights run from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur regularly.
Travel 85 kilometers from the airport to Semporna town. This drive takes about 90 minutes by private car or shared van.
Board our resort speedboat at the Semporna jetty. Departure schedules depend on the tides.
Sand Bay is a true island escape. The boat transfer timing depends on the tides so plan ahead. A welcome drink was waiting on arrival which set the right tone. Sea surrounds you in every direction and sitting on the beach watching the sunset was deeply relaxing. Evening entertainment with staff singing and dancing added real warmth to the atmosphere.
A beautiful island resort with a setting that feels like a world away from Semporna town. The colors of the sea, the flowers and the cabins together make for a very photogenic and cheerful environment. We organized island hopping through the resort which was very good value. Welcome drinks on arrival and evening entertainment from the staff were memorable touches.
Came as a family and the family room was comfortable with working air conditioning throughout the stay. The island setting is lovely and the sunrises from the beach were worth waking up for each morning. Staff sang and danced in the evening which the children loved. The island hopping package was well-organized and included some beautiful stops.
A beautiful island resort that lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic places in the Semporna area. The sea views are spectacular from every angle. The welcome drink on arrival was a warm touch and the evening entertainment gave the stay a festive atmosphere. Island hopping from here reaches some excellent nearby spots.
The location is something special, a real island with sea on all sides and beautiful natural surroundings. Sunrises and sunsets here are among the best I have seen in Southeast Asia. The staff created a warm atmosphere in the evenings with their music. Island hopping was easy to arrange. The whole stay had a relaxed and happy character.
This resort is the closest thing to paradise I have found. The blend of sea colors, flowers and cabins creates something beautiful and unlike other resorts. We were very happy here. The boat timing follows the tides so plan accordingly. Welcome drinks on arrival and evening performances by the staff made the days feel special from start to finish.