Comfortable Overwater Chalets Above the Celebes Sea
Experience a welcoming family-run retreat near Bum Bum Island. Enjoy genuine hospitality with a vibrant house reef right beneath your private balcony.
Experience a welcoming family-run retreat near Bum Bum Island. Enjoy genuine hospitality with a vibrant house reef right beneath your private balcony.
Our Story
Situated just a short boat ride from the mainland harbor, this charming family-operated getaway rests on sturdy stilts above the clear waters near Bum Bum Island. Guests enjoy a highly personalized experience led by a dedicated owner who treats every visitor like a close friend. The property features comfortable accommodations connected by open wooden walkways that hover directly over a thriving reef ecosystem.
Life here revolves around the natural beauty of the ocean. You can easily watch colorful fish and sea stars swimming beneath your balcony at any hour. Dawn brings spectacular sunrises over the horizon while evenings provide a clear view of distant island lights reflecting across the gentle waves.
Travelers seeking unforgettable aquatic adventures will find this location perfectly suited for their needs. It serves as an ideal basecamp for visiting famous destinations like Bohey Dulang and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. You gain excellent access to top-tier snorkeling locations without paying luxury prices or dealing with massive tourist crowds.
Accommodations
Every living space rests entirely over the ocean to provide an uninterrupted connection with nature. You can step out onto your private balcony to watch marine life gracefully glide through the clear depths below. We designed these practical yet cozy units specifically for guests who want to spend their days engaging with the sea environment rather than just admiring it from afar.
A comfortable overwater unit featuring rustic wood walls, a queen bed and a bunk bed. Sliding glass doors open to your own private sea-view balcony.
A brightly lit space offering two queen beds, clean white linens and natural wooden walls. Large glass doors frame the open ocean view perfectly.
A generous overwater unit containing three full beds designed for families or friend groups. Enjoy wide ocean views through the large sliding glass doors.
Contact Us
Provide your travel details using the form provided. Our team will review your requirements and respond promptly with accurate pricing and current availability. Make sure to specify how many people are traveling along with your ideal check-in dates.
Local Adventures
The waters surrounding our property are rich with marine life. Guests can easily kayak or snorkel straight from the main deck without ever needing to board a boat. Those looking to venture out will find that our central location makes organizing excursions to neighboring islands incredibly convenient.
Local dive centers provide trips to the biologically diverse reefs nearby. Sipadan passes require early planning through licensed operators.
Paddle around the calm waters during dawn to watch the coral systems awaken. The surrounding views remain beautiful throughout the afternoon.
Explore untouched beaches while observing the daily routines of local sea-faring communities. We help coordinate private group trips upon request.
Renowned globally for its vertical walls alongside thriving shark populations. Access passes remain highly restricted year-round.
Hike up the forest path to witness a breathtaking lagoon panorama. This achievable climb offers fantastic photography opportunities.
Jump right in from our wooden steps to interact with local reef fish immediately. You can explore the clear waters whenever you choose.
It takes roughly an hour to reach this former volcano by boat. A straightforward trek up the forested path reveals a phenomenal view of the circular lagoon below. You might even spot majestic sea eagles soaring overhead. We handle the necessary park permits for your group before departure.
Swim directly off the white sand beaches into a sprawling house reef. The neighboring Timba-Timba area provides shallow waters where turtles frequently gather to feed. This combination creates an excellent full-day itinerary for passionate water enthusiasts.
This massive protected zone covers multiple pristine islands alongside endless coral gardens. Taking a boat through this territory allows you to observe giant clams grazing near small reef sharks in their natural habitat. It remains one of the most untouched aquatic environments in the entire region.
Photographers love visiting Mabul for its strange macro critters like hidden frogfish alongside colorful nudibranchs. Nearby Kapalai offers fantastic shallow areas ideal for relaxed swimming above the sandbars. You can easily experience both distinct ecosystems in a single afternoon.
Rising from the deep ocean floor, this famous oceanic island hosts an incredible array of marine species. Non-divers are welcome to watch turtles feeding in the shallow zones surrounding the main beach. Access requires special daily passes that must be secured via authorized operators well in advance.
Divers flock here to witness massive tornados of barracuda spinning gracefully in the deep blue. Strong currents flow along the steep drop-offs at South Point where sharks patrol daily. Remember that local authorities strictly enforce a limit of three dives per person each day to protect the delicate environment.
Guests spending several nights can enjoy a customized schedule combining various island tours. Speak with our friendly staff to build an itinerary that perfectly matches your specific interests. We will ensure your time exploring the archipelago feels completely rewarding.
Dining Experience
We include three hearty meals with every stay to ensure our guests never go hungry. Our kitchen staff prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner using trusted Malaysian recipes alongside familiar Chinese favorites. You will always find something satisfying to eat after a long day of swimming.
Local fishermen deliver fresh catches directly to our kitchen. You can expect generous servings of squid, fish and prawns cooked to perfection. We happily accommodate vegetarian diets upon request while providing complimentary drinking water throughout meal times.
Celebrating a special event? Let our team know beforehand so we can arrange a fantastic seafood barbecue for your group.
Location Details
Most guests fly into Tawau Airport since it serves as the primary gateway for this region. Several major airlines offer direct routes from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu on a daily basis.
We can coordinate a reliable vehicle transfer from the airport straight to the main jetty. The drive typically takes an hour and a half through scenic palm plantations.
We offer pickup services from these locations:
Once you reach the mainland harbor, our private speedboat will take you straight to your overwater room. The short ride gives you a quick glimpse of the crystal-clear waters awaiting your arrival.
We will also handle your return journey when it is time to depart. Simply share your exit flight times with our front desk to ensure a smooth transition back to reality.
Please forward your flight itinerary to our office as soon as your reservation is confirmed. This allows us to schedule your driver properly to avoid any unnecessary waiting times.
What Guests Say
Hajjah the owner and her team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They call you personally when meals are ready and make you feel like you are staying with family rather than at a resort. The food is delicious with unlimited seafood. The rates are among the most affordable you will find for a water chalet in Semporna.
A relaxing place to heal and unwind. The atmosphere is calm and the sea around the resort is full of life: you can see starfish, corals and fish right at the doorstep without any equipment. The sunset and sunrise views are beautiful. Came with classmates and we all had a wonderful time. Very affordable too.
A simple and genuinely charming water resort. The top floor offers panoramic views and is perfect for photos. We watched the full moon rise over the sea from up there and it was a memorable moment. The food was tasty and very generous, especially the seafood. The owner made us feel completely at home.
Came for a solo trip and felt completely looked after. The owner and her staff checked in on me and made sure I was comfortable throughout. The package for 2 days and 1 night included afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast, all of which were satisfying. A calm, personal place with great views. Good value for the experience.
A very local and authentic water chalet experience. The owner is warm and the food is excellent with seafood in good supply. At night we sat outside watching the moonlight on the water. The marine life visible from the steps of the resort surprised me with its variety. A memorable and affordable stay.
This place has a completely different feel from the larger resorts in the area. It is personal, relaxed and genuinely warm. The owner greets you like an old friend. Seafood is plentiful at every meal. Looking into the clear water below the walkways and seeing starfish and fish is something you can do at any time of day.
The surrounding region represents a major hub for underwater exploration. The coral systems close to our property shelter countless species of crustaceans and cephalopods. Certified dive operators run daily trips for visitors of all skill levels.
For those with advanced certifications, Sipadan offers legendary sites like Turtle Cavern and Barracuda Point. You must secure a permit from licensed operators to visit this protected zone. Our staff is happy to connect you with reliable dive centers during the booking process.
We keep a fleet of kayaks on hand for those who prefer exploring the surface at their own pace. The gentle ocean conditions surrounding our chalets are highly favorable for paddling. You can easily gaze down at the coral formations through the crystal-clear water as you row.
Morning sessions offer incredibly still waters that reflect the sky beautifully. Confident paddlers can reach nearby shorelines with ease. Always verify current weather conditions with our front desk before setting out.
Dozens of fascinating islands are scattered across the local archipelago. Guided boat tours allow you to visit isolated sandy beaches and observe traditional sea-faring communities in a single day.
Boats typically anchor near shallow reefs and uninhabited stretches of sand where you can swim freely. We partner with experienced local guides who know the best routes away from heavy tourist traffic.
This famous volcanic pinnacle drops dramatically into the deep ocean. Upwelling currents bring rich nutrients that support an extraordinary variety of marine animals in a fully protected habitat.
Local authorities enforce strict daily caps on visitor numbers to preserve the delicate ecosystem. You should secure your passes through an authorized agency months ahead of your trip. We can provide recommendations for trusted partners.
This ancient volcanic crater forms a striking crescent shape in the ocean. A guided 45-minute trek through the forest brings you to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Sugud Islands lagoon.
Bird watchers often spot majestic sea eagles soaring above the tree canopy. Visitors must obtain a marine park pass before beginning the climb. We handle all necessary paperwork when you book the excursion through us.
The most immediate joy of staying over the water is the instant access to marine life. You can look down from the wooden walkways to spot sea stars, small corals and even the occasional passing turtle.
We provide basic equipment for our guests to use during their stay. The calmest conditions usually occur right after breakfast. Feel free to bring your personal gear if you prefer a customized fit.