The Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort was recently renovated in 2024, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Semporna. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. Guests tell us the location of this hotel is fantastic. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.
KKANG CHING2022.07.02
Water Chalet is non-air conditioner room. I dont know that my Chalet is non-Aircon Room so i have to stay in the hot room. many customers complaint very hot especially day time. For meal is buffet style and with variety food. drinking water and codial drink is free. Especially morning is very noisy because of the electric car pass by the chalet. For the view , i agreed with what i see in the youtube. During sunset . it is beautiful and romance enviroment. dues of lack of water. we cant use bath tub and the water shower is very small and i feel like i am staying in no- star hotel. But the hotel officer did tell us because of lack of water. but the transport to the Kapalai is quite frequent and free. this is bonus points. Generally, for couple those are going to honeymood and taking photos are the best to go.
The Santiri Island Resort is one of the newest hotels in Semporna, having opened in 2023. From the hotel, Tawau Airport is approximately 48km away. Tawau Airport is approximately 48km away by road. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. According to our guests, the location of this hotel is one of the best around. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.
Aahlam882024.05.03
We loved our stay here at Santiri Island Resort. We celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary and it lived up to our expectation. The resort was beautiful, it was small and intimate and not many rooms, which we enjoy because it limits the crowd on the island. It really felt like we had the island to ourselves. The picture doesn't do its justice. You need to go there to see it for yourself. The resort is unique as it has a sandbank when it's low tide, good for pictures taking or taking a stroll. The food was delicious and you could also get them to cook your seafood that you buy from the sea gypsies. They will try their best to entertain your request. You can snorkel, kayak and paddleboard around the area. The corals are very nice here. The staff here was very helpful and friendly, I would like to thank Dato' (owner), Mandy and Sam and other staff for your hospitality. We Will definitely come back here!
The environment is very good, the room is clean, the bed is very comfortable, and the boss is very enthusiastic! The check-in experience is perfect! The whole check-in process was very pleasant. The boss warmly welcomed me as soon as I got off the car and helped me with my luggage. If I had any questions, I communicated with the boss and he responded promptly! Especially cost-effective. Provide airport pick-up and drop-off services, free pick-up and drop-off in town and the pier. Originally, we said that we didn't need the boss to pick us up when we returned from town, as it was too late on the way back. The boss was afraid that it would be difficult for us to get a taxi, so he arranged a car to pick us up! It's really thoughtful. I will choose this place again next time I have the chance. The actual scenery is even better than the photos.
TTea1n2025.04.04
The environment is very good, the room is clean, the bed is very comfortable, and the boss is very enthusiastic! The check-in experience is perfect! The whole check-in process was very pleasant. The boss warmly welcomed me as soon as I got off the car and helped me with my luggage. If I had any questions, I communicated with the boss and he responded promptly! Especially cost-effective. Provide airport pick-up and drop-off services, free pick-up and drop-off in town and the pier. Originally, we said that we didn't need the boss to pick us up when we returned from town, as it was too late on the way back. The boss was afraid that it would be difficult for us to get a taxi, so he arranged a car to pick us up! It's really thoughtful. I will choose this place again next time I have the chance. The actual scenery is even better than the photos.
Very Good
115 reviews
9.2/10
Price from
PHP 3,836
per night
Check Availability
You Might Like
Semporna Hotels With BreakfastSemporna Hotels With Twin RoomSemporna Hotels With 1 Double BedSemporna Hotels With Swimming PoolSemporna Hotels With Free Cancellation
Perfect Forest Eco Semporna centrally located at Sabah Semporna. Guesthouse offers strategic location and easy access to the lively city has to offer. Guesthouse require 1 hour and 11 minutes drive away from Tawau Airport and 24-minutes from Tawau town.
GGuest User2025.02.05
A very happy trip to Semporna:
The hotel accommodation environment is pleasantly surprised. The jungle-style accommodation and the sea tour give the trip a different and novel experience.
The boss Xiangcai and his friends are very easy-going. In addition to helping arrange the sea tour, they also provide timely help for other needs and reply to messages quickly. Everyone is also very humorous and the way they get along makes people feel relaxed.
Looking forward to the next trip to Semporna.
Very good! I read the reviews and thought it was good, so I booked a 4-night stay. The boss's family can communicate in Chinese very well, and you can contact her on WeChat if you have any questions. Airport pick-up is a charge, but it is cheaper than taking a taxi on Grab. When I arrived on the first day, it was afternoon and I didn't report the island hopping itinerary. After asking the boss's wife, I reported a half-day tour of the mangrove forest. It was pretty good and I could really see a lot of fireflies. The room facilities are very new and clean, with a hair dryer and mosquito repellent, and the hot water for bathing is also stable. Our room is on the first floor, but there is no situation that others say that there are people talking in the public area late at night. Maybe the guests living with us are relatively quiet. The sound insulation is really not very good. If people walk upstairs, we can hear the sound in our room. There is a buffet breakfast every day, and the boss's wife will buy mangosteen for us to eat. Mangosteen is super delicious and cheap! On the last day, we had to leave for the airport at 5 am, and the boss's wife also contacted a car to send us to the airport, which did not delay the trip at all, and the price was reasonable. The schedule was full every day so I forgot to take pictures of the hotel, so I'll post a picture of breakfast ~ Anyway, I highly recommend it!
AAnonymous User2024.10.08
Very good! I read the reviews and thought it was good, so I booked a 4-night stay. The boss's family can communicate in Chinese very well, and you can contact her on WeChat if you have any questions. Airport pick-up is a charge, but it is cheaper than taking a taxi on Grab. When I arrived on the first day, it was afternoon and I didn't report the island hopping itinerary. After asking the boss's wife, I reported a half-day tour of the mangrove forest. It was pretty good and I could really see a lot of fireflies. The room facilities are very new and clean, with a hair dryer and mosquito repellent, and the hot water for bathing is also stable. Our room is on the first floor, but there is no situation that others say that there are people talking in the public area late at night. Maybe the guests living with us are relatively quiet. The sound insulation is really not very good. If people walk upstairs, we can hear the sound in our room. There is a buffet breakfast every day, and the boss's wife will buy mangosteen for us to eat. Mangosteen is super delicious and cheap! On the last day, we had to leave for the airport at 5 am, and the boss's wife also contacted a car to send us to the airport, which did not delay the trip at all, and the price was reasonable. The schedule was full every day so I forgot to take pictures of the hotel, so I'll post a picture of breakfast ~ Anyway, I highly recommend it!
There are several fruit trees in the garden of the B&B with branches covered with branches, emitting bursts of fragrance. The boss told me that this place is called ”threshing”! I am very satisfied with the room. I would never have guessed that there is such a modern accommodation in Semporna town.
Breakfast is not bad! There are fried noodles with eggs, chicken sausages, and we also bought seafood for processing at noon. It tastes good!
Finally no need to wait for an hour at the pier restaurant!
It's quite comfortable here and the boss is nice!
GGuest User2024.08.16
There are several fruit trees in the garden of the B&B with branches covered with branches, emitting bursts of fragrance. The boss told me that this place is called ”threshing”! I am very satisfied with the room. I would never have guessed that there is such a modern accommodation in Semporna town.
Breakfast is not bad! There are fried noodles with eggs, chicken sausages, and we also bought seafood for processing at noon. It tastes good!
Finally no need to wait for an hour at the pier restaurant!
It's quite comfortable here and the boss is nice!
A friend recommended it to me, so I came here to try it out. It is said to be the best local B&B brand. (It is said that the local town accommodation is very poor, so I considered it for a long time and finally booked it based on the recommendation.)
Environment: You can’t tell from the outside of the manor, but there is a lot going on inside, with birds singing and flowers blooming in a garden-like environment
Facilities: There are teahouses and restaurants. Compared with B&Bs and business hotels, it is relatively friendly. You can also buy seafood processing, and the cooking tastes first-class. It is worth recommending
Hygiene: Cleaning and changing towels every day, the room and surrounding environment are clean and hygienic.
Service: The locals are very friendly, and there is a Chinese-speaking butler, so communication is barrier-free. They also gave us afternoon tea, which was just right. There was also Xiaohei singing during dinner, and the atmosphere was full, good reviews
GGuest User2025.02.19
A friend recommended it to me, so I came here to try it out. It is said to be the best local B&B brand. (It is said that the local town accommodation is very poor, so I considered it for a long time and finally booked it based on the recommendation.)
Environment: You can’t tell from the outside of the manor, but there is a lot going on inside, with birds singing and flowers blooming in a garden-like environment
Facilities: There are teahouses and restaurants. Compared with B&Bs and business hotels, it is relatively friendly. You can also buy seafood processing, and the cooking tastes first-class. It is worth recommending
Hygiene: Cleaning and changing towels every day, the room and surrounding environment are clean and hygienic.
Service: The locals are very friendly, and there is a Chinese-speaking butler, so communication is barrier-free. They also gave us afternoon tea, which was just right. There was also Xiaohei singing during dinner, and the atmosphere was full, good reviews
Nestled in the prime tourist hub of Bandar Semporna, Seafest Hotel ensures a delightful and rejuvenating experience for its guests. The hotel provides a comprehensive array of services and conveniences aimed at enhancing comfort and ease. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, accessibility features for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, parking facilities, and efficient room service. Each meticulously designed room is adorned to evoke a homely ambiance, and select accommodations feature amenities like LCD/plasma screen TV, plush towels, complimentary wireless internet, a luxurious whirlpool bathtub, and non-smoking options. The serene ambiance of the hotel extends to its recreational offerings, including a fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool, spa, and massage services. Anticipate a warm welcome and good service throughout your stay at Seafest Hotel. It's just a better choice.
WWongRichard2024.11.18
Good location near the Seafest jetty. Decent hotel with decent sized rooms. Nice sunset view from the room window.
However, the rooms are quite old and the air conditioner is not cold at all. Otherwise the shower water pressure is great. The breakfast buffet has limited options and the food is below average. The egg counter gives pre-cooked eggs instead of made-to-order
Summer Holiday Semporna is offering accommodation in Semporna. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The units at the guest house feature air conditioning and a desk. The nearest airport is Tawau Airport, 77 km from Summer Holiday Semporna.
GGuest User2024.12.30
I rarely write reviews, but this hotel is really good. The sanitation is very clean and the layout is very warm. The front desk is very friendly and enthusiastic. You can ask the boss lady to help you book an island hopping tour. The price is favorable and the quality is good. It's only more than 200 per night. It's great value. You can go island hopping on the day of check-out. You don't have to worry about luggage storage. There is also a toilet for washing and changing clothes. Thank you so much
Starz Water Village: A Paradise by the Water
Nestled in a picturesque location, Starz Water Village is a haven of tranquility and luxury, offering a unique and unforgettable stay experience for all guests.
Location and Surroundings
Our hotel is strategically situated by the water, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Whether it's the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore or the beautiful sunsets reflecting on the water, every moment here is a visual treat. The nearby areas are filled with charming local attractions, from quaint fishing villages to vibrant markets, providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Accommodation
At Starz Water Village, we take pride in our diverse range of accommodation options. Our rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, combining modern comfort with a touch of local charm. Each unit is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a private balcony or terrace offering breathtaking views of the water or the lush gardens. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, we have the perfect space to suit your needs.
Dining Experience
Indulge your taste buds at our on-site restaurants. Our culinary team is dedicated to creating a mouthwatering array of dishes, featuring both local specialties and international favorites. Using only the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets, every meal at Starz Water Village is a celebration of flavors. Enjoy your meal while overlooking the water, creating a dining experience that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Service and Hospitality
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional service and warm hospitality. Our friendly and attentive staff are always on hand to cater to your every need, ensuring that your stay at Starz Water Village is nothing short of perfect. From the moment you arrive until the time you depart, we strive to make your experience with us memorable and enjoyable.
Come and experience the magic of Starz Water Village for yourself. Book your stay with us today and let us create unforgettable memories for you.
GGuest User2025.03.14
Depart from the pier, take a speedboat, and there will be local children carrying luggage to the boat. It will take about 25 minutes to reach the water house. The sea breeze blows gently along the way, and it feels so comfortable.
When I arrived at the water house, I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I entered the house. The facilities in the house are so complete, air conditioning, hot water supply equipment and facilities are all available, and the layout is warm.
The bathroom is also clean, without any odor, and the bath towels are snow-white, which is comfortable to look at. After putting the luggage, the room has a separate balcony.
The sea water around the water house is clear and you can clearly see the fish. You can see starfish lying slowly on the seabed when you look down, and there are groups of colorful small fish swimming around.
The fish feel a little dull. . . . What satisfies me most is the food here. Just arrived in the afternoon, the staff told us that we can have afternoon tea from 15:00 to 16:00,
small cakes, fruits, juice, while enjoying the sea view and eating desserts, I feel that all the fatigue has disappeared. The dinner was even more sumptuous, with a table full of seafood.
The crabs were all fat, and when you peeled the shells, the crab roe flowed out, and the aroma was intoxicating. The squid and shrimp were also very fresh and bouncy. Paired with a few plates of refreshing and greasy blanched vegetables,
the nutritional combination was perfect!!! I lived comfortably every day during these few days, and the staff was very friendly. Any needs could be solved immediately. This stay experience was really great.
It is very suitable for couples to date or family vacations. I sincerely recommend it to everyone.
19 reviews
8.9/10
Price from
PHP 15,299
per night
Check Availability
See all Hotels near Kapalai
Top Pick Hotels near Kapalai
See all
Discover our most booked hotels near Kapalai from the last 30 days!
No.1
8.8/10
21 review
Mabul Water Bungalows
Tawau Division | 6.45KM from Kapalai
"Good Location"
Select dates to view prices
No.2
9.4/10
14 review
Amina Holidays
Semporna | 6.89KM from Kapalai
"Great stay!""Friendly owner"
Select dates to view prices
No.3
7.3/10
23 review
Mabul Backpackers
Tawau Division | 6.9KM from Kapalai
"Good Location"
Select dates to view prices
No.4
6.8/10
7 review
Uncle Chang Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge Semporna
Semporna | 7.43KM from Kapalai
"Good Location"
Select dates to view prices
What Travelers Said About the Best Hotels in Semporna
See all
Read genuine traveler ratings & reviews to find your perfect stay.
9.7/10
Excellent
GGuest UserI don’t think I have ever written a review of a hotel. I returned home from Semporna after a transfer in the middle of the night, but my heart was still in the water house in Semporna.
It was my first time to Malaysia. I saw that this water villa was new and had high ratings, so I booked it with the mentality of giving it a try. The result was really beyond my expectations.
The thoughtful arrangements made by the Chinese butler, the clean yacht for pick-up and drop-off, and the warm and honest black people all made our anxiety turn into peace of mind.
Along the way, everyone was amazed by the jelly-like ocean, the clearly visible starfish, and the various small fishes everywhere.
The clean rooms, the quiet environment with only six rooms, the fresh and hygienic dishes, the fun of being able to go down from the public area to play in the water and catch crabs at any time, the simple black people who took close care of us while diving and took us to visit the Bajau people, all left our family with a good impression of Semporna and even Malaysia.
Because the sun is too strong and the lighting for taking pictures is not good, let the beautiful scenery be recorded in your eyes and heart.
I highly recommend staying at this hotel when you go to Semporna. It's such a great experience.
WWill_ChenI traveled alone and stayed here for 4 nights from 8/4 to 8/8.
**Environment:**
The resort is so amazing that I wish I could keep it a secret rather than share it with you. Located in the middle of the sea, with no other structures around, you can easily enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and the starry sky every day. During the daytime, you can participate in various water sports, and if you're lucky, you might spot a sea turtle at night.
**Food:**
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included when you book the hotel, so there’s no need to worry about meals. The resort offers seafood and local cuisine daily. Please note: Visitors should bring their own snacks and drinks before boarding the resort, as it only provides water, coffee, and tea.
**Facilities & Service:**
All the staff here will treat you kindly, even if there might be a language barrier (English is spoken here!). If you're afraid of swimming, the staff will accompany you while you're in the sea (life jackets are provided in each room). Each room also has a balcony with a lounge chair where you can relax, grab a beer, and do nothing but enjoy the soothing sea breeze.
You may not want to stay in the middle of nowhere like I did to escape from modern civilization, but I truly recommend staying at the resort for at least 2 nights. You'll definitely feel completely recharged!
Finally, I want to say that the view is so astonishing that I can hardly describe it with my limited English. You must visit this place yourself.
JJi ChengOverall I enjoyed our stay in sky water villa. When I was booking I read the reviews also worried that they are a bit old, so that the houses might not be well maintained. But during my stay I feel like the houses are used but still in okay manner. The best thing for this hotel is that I think they have the best house reef, and you can see turtles at night from your balcany. I went snorkling a few times during my stay I saw quite a few clown fish aka nemo and many fishes and even a sea eel one day. They also provide “galss” kayak which you can watch sunset on it. And the best thing they offer is that the tours you book with the villa starts around 10 am, you can just get ready and wait in your room, and when the boat is here the staff will get you from your room, and you’ll finish the tour around 3-4 pm which is the afternoon tea time at the villa. Instead of in the town area you need wake up early and meet and wait at the jetty around 8:15 am . And power supply is stable just may be ocassion blackout but it would turn back on very soon. However I do think they need to clean their air con as the one in our room seems very dusty, we had to clean the filter ourselves, they were very dusty. And during the afternoon coz our villa faces the sunset direction the air con feels a bit not strong enough. And the aircon outer unit is installed right at the room’s wall so it’s a little bit noisy, I’d suggest why not just use a more powerful window unit instead. The food is so so, but it’s difficult to cater everyone’s preference for food. The hotel is not cheap and maybe not very cost effective compare to hotels in other places, but to be fair i think if you want to go to semporna, this might be a reasonable option as overall semporna and malaysia is very expensive for tourists. And i higly recommend to stay at least 2-3 nights instead of 1 night to fully enjoy and relax yourself.
GGuest UserThis is the first time I have reviewed a hotel so seriously. I told everyone about the problems I encountered and prepared myself for the expected events in advance.
Let me talk about the good things about the hotel first, and then complain about the bad things.
Advantages: Ruijin Haifeng has a good location, with convenience stores and seafood restaurants downstairs. It is indeed the best hotel in Semporna. The hotel's infinity pool has a nice view, clean water, and a children's entertainment area. The rooms are of a suitable size and the view facing the sea is also nice.
Minefields:
1. The hotel service attitude is good, but they just don't do anything. I asked for mineral water for three consecutive days, but no one brought it. No matter how much I told the front desk and the cleaning staff, it was useless. They just said: no one brought it. I had to buy it at the convenience store downstairs.
2. I checked into a twin room booked by the hotel, but the hotel changed it to a double room without my permission. After we found out, we communicated with a person in charge at the front desk and asked if we could get an extra quilt. The hotel said: pay more! (RM250 a day) I was speechless. It was the hotel's mistake and they asked me to pay for it. Moreover, the front desk knew that they had changed the room type without permission, but they just asked us to pay extra for the quilt (hotel policy). I asked the hotel to contact the manager, but they said he was off work and I didn't know how long it would take to get in touch with him. Ctrip subsequently intervened, but communication was fruitless. But Ctrip is still very helpful and provided us with a guaranteed plan, so we have to give it a thumbs up. At around 12 o'clock in the morning, when I went to the front desk to argue again, the guy who made the mistake and was processing the on-boarding procedures quietly gave me a quilt. Alas...this is the so-called 5-star service in the local area.
3. There are two strange designs in the room, see the attached pictures.
The shower head in the shower room is estimated to be 1.3 meters high. Men basically have to half-squat or use one hand to take a shower. I don't know what the hotel was thinking when designing it.
There is no plug for the hair dryer on the sink, so you have to move to the water-boiling area to blow dry your hair. This design is speechless.
4. Breakfast is very average, very average, very average.
5. There is no service in the infinity pool, so please bring your own towel when you go there.
The above is my own experience, and I understand the local situation. In order not to affect everyone’s mood for travel, I share my experience and make mental preparations in advance.
GGuest UserIs nice hotel, just close the bathroom door otherwise a ugly smell will enter the room! They have washing machine with dryer wich is great! but then you can also hang your clothes outside in the balcony, the staff are friendly. Main area is a bit depressing, they could make it look a bit more cozy so people can sit there and chat.
AAnonymous UserI don’t recommend choosing this hotel, the location is too remote. It is about 800 meters away from the lively area of the town and far away from convenience stores, laundries and restaurants, which is very inconvenient. Most dive shops are at the pier, about 1.2km away. It's not very far to walk there, but there are no sidewalks on the road and there are a lot of cars, so you have to walk in the mud next to the road, which makes it very dirty. There are also a lot of mosquitoes on the road.
The store has a car delivered to the pier every day, but the time and location are fixed. The dive shop I chose is not at the pier, so I didn't use it. I have seen several other hotels with similar prices before, some of which are more conveniently located and have in-room toilets.
The bathroom and toilet are shared and it is not convenient to go to the toilet at night. The toilet is quite dirty. The dirt on the toilet seat is so serious that it cannot be wiped off with paper towels. At the same time, there are many mosquitoes when going to the toilet. The water pressure in the shower is also very low, and there is no cold water if there are other people taking a shower nearby.
There is only one bed in the room and no other facilities. The hygiene situation is okay and the bed is relatively clean. There is a small balcony, but the balcony door is broken and cannot be opened. The only thing worth mentioning is that the bed is very comfortable, it seems to be a latex mattress.
In addition, my room was close to the outside and the window faced the road. People passing by the bus can see directly inside, and the noise is very loud. Every night I wear noise-canceling headphones to fall asleep.
GGuest UserIt was my first time to experience a water house. The slide went directly into the sea. It was very interesting.
Service: The hotel's arrangements are in place and they can help you solve any problems you have. We booked a charter boat for snorkeling for two people. The instructor is also very professional and will dive to the bottom of the sea to help you catch the fish from the bottom of the sea.
Facilities: As soon as I entered the room, I couldn't wait to experience the slide. At first, I was worried that I would sink into the sea if I slid down. There are life jackets at the front desk, so there is no need to worry.
Free dinner: The dishes are very rich, the chicken is very tender, the crabs are also very fresh, there is crab roe in it, you can’t get enough of the shrimps
GGuest UserIt’s similar to hotels/guesthouses in China, and much simpler than domestic budget hotel chains such as Home Inns or GreenTree Inn. Hotels in Sabah generally feel two stars lower than those in China. The one I stayed in in Kota Kinabalu is owned by Marriott The Le Méridien hotel is also comparable to domestic All Seasons hotels, so don’t expect too much.
The sanitation is quite clean, and there are often people chanting sutras with loud speakers in the morning and evening... overall it's not bad.
It is two kilometers away from the pier and takes a taxi for 6-8RM. You can go to the seafood market to bargain for dragon knives, which is quite fun!
AAzieraThe water pressure is really slow for sink & toilet.. for shower is acceptable.. I came down around 7am to checkout but both staff are sleeping at the receptionist area😅 I dont mind if u want to sleep but at least 7am u should wakeup already. The pic is a place near to this hotel u can walk 5-10mins..
What's the average price of hotels near Kapalai this weekend?
According to Trip.com data, the average price for a one-night stay at a hotel near Semporna Kapalai this weekend is PHP 33,585. Please note that prices fluctuate frequently, so the above price is for reference only.
What's the average price per night of hotels near Kapalai?
According to Trip.com data, the average price for a one-night stay at a hotel near Semporna Kapalai is PHP 10,930. Please note that prices fluctuate frequently, so the above price is for reference only.