Παραθαλάσσια ξενοδοχεία στην τοποθεσία Σεμπόρνα

"This resort is truly beautiful — scenic, clean and affordable. The surroundings are stunning and the rooms are well-maintained. However, there were several service issues that affected our overall experience. 1. Boat pick up was said to be 1.30pm. We were made to wait on the boat for almost 30 minutes because the resort manager had gone to town to buy supplies. The transfer only proceeded after I complained to the service manager. Shouldn’t the boat came earlier if u need to buy supplies?? 2. Upon arrival at the resort, we had to wait again for check-in, even though ours was the only boat arriving and there were only four rooms to be checked in. 3. Dinner was scheduled from 7-8 PM. When we arrived at the café at around 7:30 PM, only rice and chicken were left. The vegetables and prawns had already run out. When I requested a fried egg as a replacement, I was offered clams instead. It should’t be an excuse if other customers took too much food or we came late. 7.30pm is not late. You shd manage the food serving, it was not ur 1st week of business. 4. Breakfast was scheduled from 7-8AM. We arrived at 7:20 AM, but breakfast was not ready yet. Once the food was served, guests had to queue (this is fine) but by the time it was our turn, the eggs and chicken were already finished. I had to personally knock the kitchen to inform before the food was replenished. 5. Trip.com stated that check-out time was 11:00 AM, but the front desk informed us that check-out was at 10:00 AM. Only after I pointed out the booking details was I allowed to check out at 11:00 AM. Belief they wants more ample time to tidy up the rooms at the cost of the customers. Other area that improve:- 1. When I contacted the receptionist via WhatsApp regarding a booking modification, the responses were not particularly friendly or accommodating. A more customer-oriented approach would greatly improve the guest experience. 2. The receptionist’s appearance and presentation did not seem professional. Throughout my stay, she was dressed very casually, resembling sleepwear, and I initially assumed she was part of the housekeeping team rather than the front desk staff. Overall, the resort has great potential due to its beautiful setting, cleanliness, and affordability. With improvements in service standards, communication, and guest management, it could provide a much better experience for visitors."

"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."

"The hotel is located in town, not too out of the way. Overall, it's considered a decent hotel for the area, and the value for money is pretty good. Before coming here, I'd already researched everything online, so I didn't bother taking many pictures of the hotel. Instead, I've shared some photos from my boat trip for everyone to enjoy."

"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."

"Here are three pros of Amina Resort Water Bungalows on Mabul Island: First, the environment is absolutely beautiful, with jelly-colored seawater. There's also a world-class, super-large overwater resort next door that you can visit. Second, the proprietress manages the place strictly, and the service is incredibly attentive. Third, the dive instructor is excellent, patient, and speaks Chinese. It's close to Sipadan, but you need to apply to go there. Overall, Amina is only a 40-minute transfer away, which isn't far at all. It's perfect for diving enthusiasts, families, and friends."

"This used to be called Pom Pom Island Dragon Pearl Resort, but now it has a new name. It's a 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna jetty. This is a private island, free from tour groups and local disturbances. There are very few people on the island, so it feels like you have the whole island to yourself for three days, with only the sound of the waves for company. The 'jellyfish sea' lives up to its reputation. The shallow waters are vast and incredibly clear, even at two to three meters deep, where you can easily see coral and schools of fish. Every photo you take looks like a wallpaper. Sea turtles and clownfish are frequent visitors. The beach is spacious, and there are sun loungers and hammocks right outside the beach bungalows, giving you a true private beach experience. This time we stayed in a beach bungalow. The facilities are indeed dated – wooden structure, and electricity relies on its own system, with two short power outages every day (something to consider if this bothers you). However, the cleaning was very thorough. The ant problem was quite prominent, so remember to put away all food. The room comes with life jackets, and upon arrival, guests are reminded to wear them when swimming and that swimming is prohibited after 6 PM. Safety warnings are visible everywhere. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are buffet-style, with very limited choices and ordinary taste. The only fruits available are watermelon and papaya, rotated daily. Perhaps because there are so few guests, the food replenishment is also slow. Don't go with high expectations; just consider it as a way to refuel. Tips: There's no WiFi on the island, and mobile signal is sporadic. The service is neither good nor bad, not particularly enthusiastic. The facilities are old, but the scenery and tranquility are its strong points. If you're looking for luxury and comfort, I'd advise against it."

"The rooms are new and spacious, and the all-inclusive package covers four meals a day with unlimited water and beverages (excluding alcohol and coconuts!). The views and facilities are great, with snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards available for use. There's also a KTV, gym, and kids' activity center. You can even charter a boat for nearby diving or fishing trips. Plus, the food is prepared by a Chinese chef, making it perfect for Chinese palates."

"This resort was exactly as I imagined. Each room is a standalone cabin with papaya trees planted nearby. The view from the room itself was beautiful. They took us snorkeling in the afternoon, and the underwater world was filled with nothing but starfish and scattered corals. During our stay, Semporna was experiencing power and water outages, but the resort seemed to have a generator, so we still had an outlet in the room to turn on the lights and fan. Since we had a flight the next evening, the person in charge was so considerate and allowed us to check out late. At dinner, two children were performing a dance in the dining area, like some kind of Muslim gathering. They didn't interact with us; we just ate nearby and enjoyed the children's adorable dance. We'd love to stay here again if we have the chance. 😊"

"I think I might be the first Korean visitor :) I am from Malaysia but it was a beautiful experience in East Malaysia, which was my first visit. For safety, I recommend that you understand the territorial disputes and historical background of East Malaysia. You will need to communicate with the local resort through email and WhatsApp, so if you have difficulty speaking English, you can get information about boats and resorts with plenty of time."

"Our stay at the Sagittarius Water Bungalow was absolutely fantastic! From our butler Xiao Gu to all the staff on the water bungalows and even the owners, everyone was incredibly nice. The rooms are equipped with smart Xiaomi home devices, clean and tidy. Opening the curtains reveals the beautiful 'jellyfish sea,' and the scenery is simply captivating. The food at the water bungalows is also delicious; breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are all included in the price. Airport transfers and boat rides to the island are also covered, making it excellent value for money! We stayed for five days and four nights and didn't want to leave. The atmosphere on the island is also great, with KTV and song requests every night – the owner and his wife sing really well, by the way! The water bungalows offer a lot of entertainment, including sea fishing, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and drone photography. The local staff (Xiao Hei) are also happy to help with photos 📸. You can even get your diving certification and go on island-hopping day trips, keeping you thoroughly entertained. We came to Semporna specifically to get our diving certification, and the water bungalow's own dive shop is highly recommended. The instructors are very responsible and dedicated. I'd like to thank Xiao Li and Instructor Mohd Rizal Baba Selleh. The prices are fair, and the teaching focuses on the safety and skills of the students, which is very reassuring. The dive shop owner's wife is also super nice. All in all, this trip was incredibly worthwhile, and we'll definitely be back! I'll also be recommending it to my friends and family 😊"