Hotels near Kapalai, Semporna

Almost completed my 6N5D trip with my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. We had a great hospitality from the diving coaches but feel a great pity that the resort mgmt has wasted a great jewel and have not lived up to its luxurious potentials (maybe due to COVID and the resort had to furlough majority of the staff for over 5 months within the last 2 years and it has yet to recover). First, I was impressed with the photos seen on social media and decided to book this (supposed to be the BEST and most expensive resort near Sipadan) First, the jetty transfer in Semporna was smooth but there were plastic trash all over. If the company wants to portray a good image for international tourists, probably should first clean them up? Once arrived at Kapalai, the welcoming process was subpar. There was no receptionist welcoming us, and we were a bit lost. Since it is lunch time, we just straight dive into buffet lunch. Then, a staff clumsily come to offer a glass of diluted sugary orange juice and we were left there. After almost 1.5 hours, we were reached out by diving coaches about our program (the adults were taking advanced PADI open water, and the kids were taking junior PADI open water) Once we checked into the room, overall “hardware” appears nice, but after staying for 6 days some basic problems surface 1) No intercom/phone in the room - since we are at the far corner of the resort and it takes 10mins to walk to lobby, we sometimes need to call buggies. But we were only given a local phone number to call, and the mobile/cell reception is bad here 2) No proper shampoo and conditioner - for my ladies who have long hair, assuming this luxurious should have this basic provided but they don’t 3) Broken chair in the balcony and water dripping out from air condition unit In term of food at the restaurant, it was ok-ish but there are so many opportunities to let the tourists spent more. No wine, no ice cream and no a la cart ordering. The local store has limited daily necessities and it is essential to well prepared before coming. Lastly, for this type of resort, you will see the general manager walking around to ensure all are good in place. I have not seen it over 6 days and the receptionists all seems junior and lack of international experience/exposure to hosting well travel international guests. In term of diving experience, I can feel that the diving coaches and staff have done everything they can to put on a smiley face. My teenager girls have a GREAT experience on their junior open water (OW) experience (with Linda Ho, thank you!) but less so on the advanced open water. (AOW). I feel a bit rush on the AOW but don’t feel the knowledge has sunk in and that is a real pity. Something to be improved. Many of us really want to learn, rather than just get the AOW license in order to dive in Sipadan (need at least AOW to dive there). Have been diving around the world, I would say the diving experience is world class. Water is generally clear and Sipadan is truly

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!

We enjoy our stay in Summer Holiday. 10-min walking distance to the peak and all the dive shops. It’s good to keep some distance from the peak as the area there is a bit crowded and untidy. This hostel is tidy and clean. The staff clean the room every day. There’s a share balcony with provided clips/clothes hangers to dry the clothes.

I booked a hotel with my friends on the spur of the moment. The guy in the store speaks really good Chinese, without even an accent. You can cook and wash clothes in the store, and there is a small rooftop where you can watch the stars. You can also book an island hopping trip, and you can use your local advantage to help bargain at the seafood market, and you can also process seafood. When we came back from the beach on our last day, it was past the check-out time, but the guy in the store helped us store our luggage and found a room for us to take a shower before leaving. The most important thing is! We left for the airport at 7pm, and the carpool driver we found said that we could only have a carpool if we left before 6pm, and we had to charter a car at 7pm, but Xiaocheng helped us get a carpool price for 7pm, saving 100 MYR!

The hotel is about fifteen minutes' drive from the town's pier. There is a shuttle bus available every day. The owner is very good at providing service and is always responsive. The only drawback is that there are bugs in the room that crawl onto the bed, which is understandable because there are woods nearby.

Crystal Water House, sitting on the charming jelly sea, has a clean and hygienic environment. The water house rooms are beautifully decorated, and the blue sea and sky can be seen through the windows, making people feel like they are in a dream world. Here, you can also snorkel for free and experience the beauty of the underwater world. The owner of the water house is hospitable and attentive, and will also provide professional snorkeling guidance. Although my partner and I were injured during the trip because we are not good at water, the owner of the water house thoughtfully bandaged our wounds and treated them properly. All in all, this is a very good place worth recommending. The Crystal Water Villa in Semporna, Malaysia, boasts a charming jelly sea, a clean and hygienic environment. The villa's rooms are beautifully decorated, and the windows overlook the blue sea and sky, making people feel as if they are in a dream world. Here, you can also enjoy free snorkeling and experience the wonders of the underwater world. The villa owner is warm and hospitable, providing attentive service and professional snorkeling guidance. Although my partner and I were injured due to our lack of proficiency in swimming during the trip, the villa owner kindly bandaged our wounds and handled them properly. In short, this is a great place worth recommending.

I highly recommend the Jelly Seawater House Supreme Pool Water House! I had so much fun! The environment is so beautiful! The photos are so good! The room is clean and sanitary. There is a certain distance between the water houses, so we won't disturb each other. The three of us stayed in the water house and they added a bed. There was a light fragrance in the room, and the seafood in the lunch and dinner buffet was very fresh! The guy in the water house was very cute and enthusiastic! We were reluctant to leave [snickering]

It was my first time to stay in a water house. I thought it was perfect. It was newly built and very comfortable. It was exactly what I wanted. The service staff were very shy and friendly. I was also very satisfied with the dinner. I woke up early in the morning and watched the sunrise. It was amazing. Looking forward to Anmei. When I went out for a walk at night, I could see many starfish and fish coming out, and small fish could also be seen in the room. It rained heavily when I fell asleep very late that night. The roof was made of iron sheets, and the sound of rain amplified. Many times, when it is windy and rainy, I will be a little scared and dare not sleep. At other times, it is perfect. I will choose the water house next time I come.

In fact, water houses should be the yearning and dream of many people. There are various water houses in many countries around the world, but the one that is closer to China and has great water and scenery is probably Semporna. In the early years, everyone would say to go to Sabah, but now it is Semporna. Before going, I chose many water houses and read a lot of guides. Finally, I chose Lelebang Resort. After arriving, I found that it was absolutely worth the money. First of all, in terms of service, there will be Chinese butlers on the island, so you won’t worry about language barriers. The butlers are always in a position where you can find them at any time. The black people on the island are also very simple and will take care of you when they see you, making you feel very safe The environment on the island is even more amazing. This island has only been open for 9 months, so all the facilities are very new. There is a double bed, a single bed, and a double sofa in the room. This is the standard equipment of each room. The two lounge chairs on the balcony are particularly comfortable and leisurely Your room fee covers all your consumption since you arrive on the island, including three meals a day and afternoon tea. Of course, if you want to drink some cold beer or drinks, you have to pay for it yourself But it is very cheap and affordable. The island will go snorkeling twice a day in the morning and afternoon. It doesn’t matter if you can’t swim. There will be two black guys on the boat to escort you. In general, it may not be as large as a large mature resort, but it is very quiet. There are only six rooms at present. The private space is very good and worth exploring and checking in.

This hotel is very new and not well-known in Semporna, but it is really a niche place with super treasures. There is only one hotel on the island. It is very quiet and suitable for a family with children, because here you can not only take your children snorkeling, but if you are lucky, you can also see turtles hatching. There is an infinity pool and swings on the island. There is also a very empty beach on the island, which is great. In addition, the island also organizes trips to Mataking and Timba Timba Island, so you won't be bored on the island. My sisters also upgraded the sea fishing and sunset projects. The hotel is great and very clean. You can see corals and groups of small fish snorkeling around. I will definitely take my family there again next time, stay in a sea view room, and lie on the bed to watch the sea view.