Sunset view of overwater rooms at Dayang Resort in Semporna

Dayang Resort

Experience a comfortable overwater getaway near premier diving destinations. Your stay includes three daily meals alongside private sea-view balconies and immediate snorkeling access.

About Us

Dayang Resort Semporna

Resting on stilts above the Celebes Sea near Sabah's Semporna is a balanced retreat offering direct access to clear marine waters. Guests can step off the jetty for snorkeling or simply relax on private sea-facing balconies. Every booking features three daily meals to ensure a comfortable stay for couples and families who want to maximize their ocean time.

You can choose between two overwater room styles that look straight out across the sea. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning alongside a private bathroom and daily housekeeping services. Complimentary snorkeling gear allows you to explore the designated marine zone safely between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Traveling to the property is very straightforward. A dedicated speedboat leaves from Seafest Jetty in Semporna town every afternoon to bring you over the waves. If you arrive at Tawau Airport expect a 90-minute drive to the town center before catching the brief boat ride to your room.

Impressive hero shot of the overwater Dayang Resort in Semporna

Our Accommodation

Overwater Rooms

Every accommodation rests directly above the water with clear ocean views from a private balcony. Designed to comfortably house up to four guests all units feature two queen beds alongside standard amenities like air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom.

Wooden Classic Room

Built in a traditional Sabahan style this spacious room features warm wood-paneled walls alongside polished teak floors. Step outside to your private balcony to take in the endless ocean horizon.

  • Two queen beds
  • Private sea-view balcony
  • En-suite bathroom with hot shower
  • Air conditioning

Modern White Room

Bright and contemporary this overwater unit features a clean minimalist design. Large glass doors open onto a private balcony framing expansive views of the calm sea below.

  • Two queen beds
  • Private sea-view balcony
  • En-suite bathroom with hot shower
  • Air conditioning
Reservations

Send an Inquiry

Fill out the form below so we can check availability and send you pricing for your desired dates. Our team strives to reply within 24 hours.

We reply to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Activities

Activities

A blue kayak in the Semporna Islands near a luxury resort near the Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Semporna serves as a famous hub for marine adventures in Sabah's Tawau District. Staying here gives you access to famous spots like Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mabul, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang and the celebrated Sipadan dive site. The surrounding waters provide rich marine biodiversity for everyone from experienced divers to total beginners.

Official signboard at the entrance of Mantabuan Island Dayang Resort

Island Hopping

Travel by speedboat to explore different islands within Tun Sakaran Marine Park. This flexible guided trip is perfect for photographers and snorkelers wanting to see white-sand beaches alongside healthy reefs.

Encountering a sea turtle while snorkeling in Semporna Dayang Resort

Reef Snorkeling

Step right off the resort jetty to observe the marine life of the Celebes Sea. These warm waters host giant clams alongside tropical fish and sea turtles. We provide the equipment for guests of all experience levels.

An expert dive buddy guiding scuba divers along the reef with Dayang Resort in the Semporna Islands area.

Scuba Diving

Semporna features some of the best dive locations anywhere including Sipadan Island. Local licensed operators can arrange trips for certified divers as well as absolute beginners. Just remember that Sipadan permits require booking well ahead of time.

Guest enjoying a sea kayaking session in the lagoon Dayang Resort

Sea Kayaking

Paddle through sheltered waters at whatever speed you prefer. You can float above shallow coral formations or navigate toward quiet sandbars during low tide. We offer kayaks for individual rental alongside guided half-day excursions.

At the Resort

  • Kayaking
  • Trampoline
  • Snorkeling
  • Karaoke
  • Sunrise Watching
  • Sunset Watching
Hiking Bohey Dulang peak for an amazing viewpoint with Dayang Resort near Semporna.

Day Tour: Hiking Bohey Dulang

This extinct volcano forms a massive caldera filled by a sheltered lagoon inside Tun Sakaran Marine Park. A 600-meter forest trail leads up volcanic rocks to a summit 353 meters above sea level. Reaching the top takes about 45 minutes to reward hikers with panoramic views of the open ocean and nearby islands.

  • Hike up the 353-meter peak for vast island views
  • Walk the 600-meter nature trail across volcanic rock
  • Look down onto the protected turquoise lagoon
  • Snorkel nearby at Pulau Mantabuan alongside Pulau Sibuan
  • Spend a full day exploring Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Day Tour: Mataking, Timba-Timba and Pom Pom Islands

Spend a full day visiting three quieter islands on a speedboat journey departing from Semporna town. Mataking features an underwater post office alongside a low-tide sandbar. Timba-Timba provides shallow reefs perfect for easy snorkeling while Pom Pom is a fantastic location to spot sea turtles. The package covers your lunch, snorkel gear, boat fees and park passes.

  • See the famous underwater post office at Mataking Island
  • Explore the low-tide sandbar connecting the two Mataking islands
  • Enjoy easy reef snorkeling in clear water at Timba-Timba
  • Spot local sea turtles swimming around Pom Pom Island
  • Experience three unique reef settings during one day trip
The unique underwater post office at Mataking Island with Dayang Resort near Semporna.
A relaxing day excursion to beautiful Sibuan Island with Dayang Resort in the Celebes Sea.

Day Tour: Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Sabah's largest marine park protects 346 square kilometers of sea across eight distinct islands. Located just a short ride away this protected zone sits right within the Coral Triangle. Snorkelers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the quieter atmosphere far away from large tourist crowds.

  • Visit Pulau Mantabuan alongside Pulau Sibuan for beach relaxation
  • Swim in clear ocean waters filled with diverse marine life
  • Explore healthy reef systems right inside the Coral Triangle
  • Discover eight protected islands within a premier marine reserve
  • Enjoy a peaceful day away from the busy mainland

Day Tour: Mabul and Kapalai Islands

The marine life around these islands is truly remarkable. Mabul offers famous muck-diving opportunities alongside a massive 80-meter wall drop. Your tour operator will arrange a lunch stop near the Mabul Water Bungalows before heading to Kapalai where you can snorkel straight off the boat over rich sandbar reefs. You might even spot traditional Bajau Laut houseboats during the journey.

  • Stop at the Mabul Water Bungalows to take photos
  • Snorkel through highly diverse tropical reef ecosystems
  • Look out for sea turtles alongside colorful nudibranchs
  • See the traditional Bajau Laut houseboats floating near Mabul
  • Enter the water directly from your boat to explore Kapalai
Snorkeling at Mabul and Kapalai to spot sea turtles with Dayang Resort near the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
Scuba diving Sipadan Island to see huge schools of fish with Dayang Resort in the Semporna Islands area.

Day Tour: Sipadan Island (Permits Required)

As a premier global diving destination Sipadan features a 600-meter vertical wall surrounded by healthy coral. You will find thousands of fish species here alongside large numbers of green and hawksbill sea turtles. Because it is a strictly protected reserve you must secure a permit early through a licensed dive operator. Guests can easily add a few nights at a Mabul-area property to access these highly regulated permits.

  • Experience deep wall dives down the vertical oceanic drop-off
  • Observe massive schools of jackfish alongside barracuda
  • Swim near hawksbill and green sea turtles all year long
  • Watch for white-tip reef sharks patrolling the depths
  • Book ahead with a licensed operator to secure daily permits
  • Permit holders are limited to three dives per day as of May 2026

Boats depart from the Mabul or Kapalai area to reach Sipadan in about 15 minutes. The crossing from Semporna town takes nearly an hour. The best visibility happens between March and October while the park closes completely every November.

Diving Sipadan Island

This destination offers highly celebrated underwater sites. The island rises as an oceanic pillar from deep water to create strong currents that attract abundant marine life along its ledges and walls. Every specific dive location presents a different underwater environment.

Divers exploring the reefs of the Sipadan Marine Park Dayang Resort
Barracuda PointWatch dense groups of schooling jackfish alongside barracuda swirling together in strong currents.
Drop OffA massive vertical wall near the jetty dropping 600 meters straight down into deep water.
Turtle PatchA wide seagrass zone supporting high numbers of resting green and hawksbill sea turtles.
South PointStrong currents gather here bringing white-tip reef sharks alongside occasional deep-water species.
Hanging GardensRocky shelves covered in soft corals where you can spot nudibranchs alongside giant moray eels.
Turtle TombA limestone cave system opening near the Drop Off wall. Deep penetration remains strictly prohibited.
Multi-day island packages including accommodation and hopping tours Dayang Resort

Multi-Day Package: Semporna Island Hopping

Experience Semporna's best marine environments with a comprehensive island hopping package. You can pick a relaxed snorkeling itinerary or add a hiking trip up Bohey Dulang. The guided trips visit top reefs like Pandanan, Mataking and Kapalai without requiring any dive certifications. It is an ideal choice for families and casual travelers alike.

  • Pick between pure snorkeling itineraries or add a hiking excursion
  • Visit premier locations like Mataking alongside Kapalai
  • Enjoy marine life without needing any scuba certifications
  • Perfect for families seeking an easy tropical getaway
  • Covers your gear, transport, meals and park entrance tickets

Dining Options

Meals

Meal Structure

Every booking includes three daily meals served buffet-style in the main restaurant.

What's on the Buffet

Our chefs prepare fresh dishes daily using Western, Chinese, Malaysian and local Sabahan recipes.

Local Sabahan Cuisine

Enjoy authentic home cooking featuring rice, fragrant curries, fresh fruit, sambal and local herb salads.

Chinese Dishes

We offer fried rice, stir-fried noodles and other classic Chinese dishes for both lunch and dinner.

Western Options

Breakfast includes familiar items like toast, baked beans, cereals and sunny-side-up eggs.

Fresh Seafood BBQ (Optional)

If you want a special dining experience you can request a fresh seafood barbecue with advance notice. We grill locally caught fish, squid, prawns and shellfish so you can taste the natural flavors of the Celebes Sea. This is an optional extra so please ask about pricing when you book.

Dietary Notes

  • Vegetarian meals available upon request at booking.
  • Please inform us of any allergies beforehand.

Drinks

We supply free drinking water during your stay. You can also purchase coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks directly from the resort.

Exclusive private lunch arrangement for resort guests Dayang Resort
BreakfastIncluded
LunchIncluded
DinnerIncluded
Drinking waterIncluded
Soft drinksExtra charge
Fresh seafood BBQOptional extra (book ahead)

Getting Here

Getting Here

By Air to Tawau Airport (TWU)

Tawau Airport (TWU) is the closest flight gateway to Semporna. Airlines like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia run regular domestic routes here.

  • Direct from Kota Kinabalu (BKI): around 50 minutes
  • Direct from Kuala Lumpur (KUL): around 2 hours 45 minutes
  • From Singapore (SIN): transfer through Kota Kinabalu
  • From Beijing (PEK): transfer through Kuala Lumpur
  • From Seoul (ICN): transfer through Kuala Lumpur

Tawau Airport to Semporna: Road Transfer

We can organize a comfortable private SUV or tourist van to take you from the airport to the Semporna town jetty.

  • Distance covered: about 85 km
  • Travel time: roughly 90 minutes
  • Grab vehicles remain available as an alternative option

We can pick you up straight from the airport, your Tawau hotel or a designated meeting point in Semporna.

Semporna Jetty to the Resort: Speedboat Transfer

Once you reach the jetty our private speedboat will take you straight to your room. The quick ride gives you an immediate preview of the clear ocean waters. We also handle the return trip to town and your onward vehicle to the airport when it is time to check out. Just share your flight schedule with us to organize the logistics.

Transfer Coordination

Please provide your arrival details as early as you can so we can prepare your transport. If you have a large group or special requirements just send us a message using the contact form.

Convenient ground transport from Tawau to Semporna with Dayang Resort in the Semporna.
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Travel Tips

  • Reserve TWU flights early during peak diving seasons.
  • Carry Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as cash is needed on-site.
  • Visit between March and October for the calmest conditions.

Guest Reviews

Guest Reviews

From start to finish, the staff took exceptional care of us. The resort sits right in the middle of the sea and the rooms are clean and well-designed despite being surrounded entirely by water. Snorkeling and kayaking were available and the staff enforced the safety rules clearly. A family-friendly place that delivers on its promises.

Isabelle L.
France

One of my favourite resorts so far. It is a Muslim-friendly resort run by a team of hardworking young staff. Traveled with two young kids and the staff were patient and very attentive with them. The rooms are lovely and surrounded by the sea. My kids were already making friends with the staff by day two.

Boon Keat H.
Malaysia

A peaceful place surrounded by the Celebes Sea. The room was clean and comfortable, the staff were professional and the activity options including snorkeling and kayaking kept us busy. Disconnecting from city life here was exactly what we needed. We stayed for 5 days and wished we had booked more.

Liang T.
China

Came here with friends for a reunion and had a genuinely wonderful time. The resort is set beautifully over the water with great views in all directions. The staff were helpful and friendly and the jetty transfer ran smoothly. Activities are well-supervised and the safety procedures give you confidence.

Charmaine C.
Singapore

A paradise of a place for a few days of complete relaxation. The staff are professional and very helpful, the ocean setting is beautiful, and snorkeling around the resort revealed surprisingly good marine life. Rooms are clean and spacious. Ideal for anyone looking to properly disconnect for a few days.

Ryota N.
Japan

Stayed for 3 days and it was excellent from the transfer at the jetty all the way to check-out. The rooms are beautifully placed over the ocean. Clear water for snorkeling. Children in our group were close to the staff by the first evening. Would absolutely come back to Dayang Resort.

Mei L.
China