Romantic Hotels in Semporna

"This overwater bungalow requires a boat transfer from Myding Lodge, which takes about 20-25 minutes. It's crucial to contact the hotel in advance to register for fixed boat transfer slots. Before my trip, I saw quite a few negative reviews online, so my expectations weren't high. I even double-checked the exact pick-up point with the hotel multiple times. However, upon arriving at the hotel, the stunning shallow waters and coral reefs along the boardwalk immediately dispelled my initial worries. The natural scenery here is truly exceptional. After a smooth check-in at the lobby, the staff informed us of the specific dining times for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. We then proceeded to our room. Regarding the actual room experience: the interior tends to be stuffy, and the air conditioning unit is quite noisy. Earplugs are definitely needed for a peaceful night's sleep. The water pressure in the bathroom is low, though not as bad as some reviews claimed (like a mere trickle). However, the faucet couldn't be completely turned off at night, leading to a constant dripping sound that somewhat disturbed our rest. Of course, the room type also had its highlights. I booked the Deluxe room, which came with lounge chairs and a popular hammock net on the balcony, perfect for relaxing in the evening. However, the hammock net was surrounded by wooden boards and nails, making it feel a bit unsafe, so we didn't dare to use it for too long. The room also had a private ladder directly into the sea, which is fantastic for guests who love to swim. The hotel offers complimentary rental services. Snorkeling enthusiasts can borrow masks from the front desk, and kayaks are also available for free, making for an excellent water activity experience. The waters in front of the hotel lobby are rich in coral. The best time for snorkeling is between 3-4 PM daily during high tide, when you can see numerous fish and extensive coral formations, creating a breathtaking view. During our stay, we often encountered Bajau people in small boats selling seafood. I highly recommend bargaining boldly for the best price. After a successful negotiation, you can have the hotel kitchen prepare it. On our first night, the processing fee was 10 MYR per dish, but it increased to 15 MYR on the second night. The prepared dishes were decent and satisfactory for everyday meals. The hotel's own buffet quality was rather average, and dining options would be quite limited if you didn't purchase seafood elsewhere. Overall, the biggest advantage of this overwater bungalow is its excellent privacy. You can quietly await the sunrise in the morning and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening, completely undisturbed by others. It's perfectly suited for those seeking a peaceful getaway and a close connection with nature."

"Unlike most guesthouses, which are typically large houses with several rooms, Pineapple Resort feels more like a hotel. It consists of a dozen small, standalone wooden cottages nestled among palm trees. The management is also quite hotel-like, and while breakfast isn't extensive, it offers a good variety. Although the resort is about five kilometers from Semporna town, considering the town's general disarray (especially near the jetty with seafood vendors and Bajau beggars), which can easily spoil a good mood, it's better to stay a bit further out in a quiet resort. Pineapple Resort offers free shuttle buses to and from Semporna jetty from morning to midday and in the evening, making transportation very convenient. What's more, it provides a warmer experience than a star-rated hotel, giving me a home-away-from-home feeling. For foodies, if you're a good cook (the resort doesn't yet have a professional chef), Pineapple Resort is happy to provide a cooking area for seafood bought from the town market, which is incredibly convenient for those of us who love beautiful views and good food."

"This stay was a truly pleasant surprise, I absolutely have to give it a great review! The hotel's location is excellent; it's convenient for both taxis and walking, and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. Upon arrival, the front desk staff were very friendly and efficient with the check-in process. They even proactively offered advice on local sightseeing routes. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the room was how clean it was. The floors, bathroom, and bedding were all spotless and odor-free. The decor was simple and comfortable, and the air conditioning, water heater, TV, and other amenities all worked perfectly. The daily housekeeping was prompt and proactive, and any requests to the front desk were quickly resolved. The breakfast service was very thoughtful; they delivered it to the room, which was super convenient when we didn't have time to eat before heading out for an excursion. The hotel's public areas were also clean and tidy. This hotel is suitable for solo travelers, couples, or families. The price is affordable, and the overall value for money is unbeatable. I've already saved this place and will definitely book it again next time I visit!"

"Three days, two nights, and every day brought a new kind of 'excitement.' Day one, the air conditioning didn't work, there were tons of mosquitoes, and the shower only had cold water. The only decent thing for dinner was the fried shrimp, which disappeared in seconds, and the few other dishes available were practically snatched away. It felt like a refugee experience. Day two, we got a different room. After swimming, I went back to shower, and there was no water, then cold water, then extremely hot water, constantly cycling. The water pressure was also incredibly low; I almost lost my mind trying to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. That night, it was very windy, and there was a lot of noise outside, as if something wasn't properly secured. On the third day, as we were checking out, our luggage was mistakenly taken by a staff member and given to other guests. It was only returned after the other guests realized the error. Our luggage was perfectly fine in the restaurant; how dare you just take it away? Do you have any basic management sense? Of course, the environment is nice, that's the only highlight. Given how expensive it was during Chinese New Year, you should provide a service level that matches the price. The buffet was cafeteria-standard, and we still had to fight for food. Are you not ashamed?"