Located just a short 15 minutes boat ride from Semporna, Sand Bay Resort blends overwater chalets with a large open-air restaurant suitable for groups and families.
Click here to Book your Reservation (Special Online Discount)
With no beach or shoreline access, the resort offers a true and unique overwater experience. The beautifully designed wooden chalets are perched above calm, shallow sandy seas — perfect for ocean lovers who want to experience staying right on top of the water.
Peaceful Chalets Above the Sea
Sand Bay Resort is made up entirely of wooden traditional overwater chalets connected by boardwalks. The rooms are beautifully designed and furnished, each with a seaview balcony, private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning. Most have king-size beds and balcony facing the sunrise, Bohey Dulang Island or the sunset. Just sit back and relax while watching the tide rise and fall right beneath your feet.
The resort is far from the nearby island of Bom Bom and while inside your chalet and balcony, you might just hear the small waves and the sea breeze. The chalets are ideal for couples looking for a romantic mid-range honeymoon or friends and families who want to wake up surrounded by the ocean views.
Snorkeling from the Jetty
Guests can snorkel and enjoy some water activities such as kayaking from the main jetty near the restaurant area. While marine life here isn't as impressive as Sipadan, you'll still find clear water with small reef fish darting below and the occasional sea turtle.
A Launchpad for Island Adventures
Sand Bay Resort is well-placed for island-hopping tours at the nearby Tun Sakaran Marine Park. We can help organize boat trips to Bohey Dulang, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Timba Timba or Sebangkat Islands. Most guests return by late afternoon to enjoy beautiful sunsets on the deck, often with a buffet-style seafood dinner followed by a sky full of stars.
Convenient Pre-Dive Stop to Mabul and Sipadan
Sand Bay Resort is a favorite choice for divers and snorkelers alike who are arriving in Semporna. Instead of staying in the busy port of Semporna, just choose Sand Bay Resort for a much quieter and peaceful break. Spend a night or two here at Sand Bay Resort before heading to Mabul island and Sipadan which are world renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Remember that Sipadan permits are limited, so be sure to ask us to reserve your guaranteed permit early. Ask us about combined stay options that include Sand Bay Resort plus diving or non-diving packages on Mabul Island.
Who Should Stay at Sand Bay Resort?
Perfect for travellers who want an affordable, no-frills overwater stay without beach crowds. Great for couples, backpackers, and anyone looking to experience the sensation of living directly above the sea without leaving Sabah.
Final Thoughts
Sand Bay Resort might feel a bit crowded at time, but its popularity comes from all about the settings, the luxury of the king-size bedrooms and the wide choice of food at the delicious buffet-style restaurant. Floating over-the-water, Sand Bay Semporna Resort offers the experience of overwater living in style. It's not for those needing 5-stars luxury and buttler services, but for those who value local charm, peace, the ocean breeze air and the unforgetable sunsets and sunrises.
How to Book
Contact us for a personalized package that includes Sand Bay Resort and island-hopping excursions during your stay.
Contact Sand Bay Resort online to get a special discount.
Looking to combine Sand Bay Resort with a stay on Mabul or Sipadan? Ask about our multi-destination packages featuring a resorts on Mabul Island.