(Updated 27 July 2022)
Whether you're enchanted by the scenic Kundasang or majestic Mount Kinabalu, there's more to Sabah than meets the eye. In fact, one of Sabah's greatest gems is the beautiful islands. If you're planning to go on a romantic honeymoon this year, don't miss your chance to stay at these stunning floating villas in Sabah.
1. Nusakuya Resort, Semporna
Situated off the coast of Semporna, you'll find Nusakuya, a floating resort that sits on beautiful azure waters. Operating since late 2019, the resort has finally reopened after closing temporarily due to the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. Given the resort's remote location, similar to other island resorts in the area, Nusakuya offers an all-in stay package for guests, including meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and boat transfer to and from Semporna jetty as well as snorkelling equipment. There are also optional add-ons such as an airport transfer from Tawau to the jetty, a barbecue meal, or you can also make special arrangements (such as meals delivered to your chalet) at an extra charge.
#HHWT Tip: Read more about Nusakuya Resort before your next trip to Semporna!
Rate: Starts at RM800 per night (for 2 pax, inclusive of meals, boat transfer and snorkelling equipment)
Address: Nusakuya Resort, Semporna, Sabah
Contact: +6014-224 4513
Email: [email protected]
2. Gayana Marine Resort, Gaya Island
If you're searching for another floating villa in Sabah, look no further than Gayana Eco Resort which sits on a coral-reef island and is complete with a view of Mount Kinabalu. What's amazing about Gayana Eco Resort is that they have over 52 overwater tropical villas circled by the mangrove forest and the vast sea. The only sound that'll lull you to sleep is the waves underneath your floating villa. The plus side to its location is the chance to snorkel or dive from anywhere around the resort! Other than that, you can visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre which aims to grow endangered giant clams and coral reefs.
#HHWT Tip: The resort is taking bookings for stays from 1 Aug 2020 onwards. Get 5% off when you book 30 days in advance!
Rate: Starts at RM1,075 per night
Address: Malohom Bay Pulau Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +608-8380 390
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Sipadan Island
Perched on the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is immensely popular among honeymooners. While it may look like a village out of nowhere, a night spent at this luxury water village will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Overlooking the Celebes Sea, each wooden chalet also comes with its own private balcony. If you want to try diving for the first time, fret not as this is the right place for you to start! The resort offers shore diving as well as snorkelling for those who wish to spend more time in the waters.
Rate: Starts at RM2,126 per night (with a minimum 2-night stay), inclusive of meals, based on Booking.com
Address: Semporna, Sabah
Contact: +6012 619 3945
4. Mabul Water Bungalow, Mabul Island
While it's easy to imagine a getaway to the beautiful Mabul Island, the Mabul Water Bungalow will give you more reasons to save up and make your dreams come true. Just a boat ride away from Tawau in Sabah, this four-star floating dive resort, which reopened in August 2020, is where divers go to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
Sprawled with 24 wooden bungalows that stand above the waters, each bungalow is designed with contemporary touches and complete with a comfortable bed, private bathroom, television, and free Wi-Fi. You might be tempted to enjoy the cool air-conditioning after standing out in the sun, but don't forget to unwind on the private balcony and catch the evening skies too.
#HHWT Tip: Read more about Mabul Water Bungalow before your future vacay in Mabul Island!
Rate: Starts at RM2,249 for 2D1N (per non-diver) and RM3,770 for 2D1N (per diver)
Address: Lot A-1-G, Block A, Signature Office, KK Times Square, Off Coastal Highway, 88100, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact: +6088 230 006
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
5. Pom Pom Island Resort, Sipadan Island
Featuring the best white sandy beach and the turquoise waters of the Celebes Sea, the Pom Pom Island Resort is a resort that's named after the island it sits on, Pom Pom Island. Offering different types of accommodations, ranging from house villas to garden villas, the one that should be on your radar is the water villa complete with a private balcony. Besides being absolutely romantic for a honeymoon, you are free to jump into the open ocean at every chance. Other than diving around the island, there are many things to do at Pom Pom Island Resort, like kayaking, beach football or cycling.
Rate: Starts at RM1,000 for the water villa (non-water villas start from RM800) based on their website
Address: Jalan Causeway, Semporna, 91307 Pulau Sipadan, Sabah
Contact: +6089 781 918
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Dragon Inn Floating Resort, Semporna
Starting off our list is a floating resort in Sabah called the Dragon Inn Floating Resort, also known as Semporna Floating. Thanks to the close proximity to the nearby town, the resort is a popular accommodation for anyone passing through Semporna. Inspired by the traditional Bajau water village, as Semporna is the main home to the Bajau ethnic group, Dragon Inn gives guests the opportunity to mingle with the locals while having a good time around the resort.
Due to its perfect location, guests come to the resort as an inexpensive alternative compared to an island accommodation. It is also ideal for anyone who wishes to not only explore the Semporna waters, but also the town itself!
Rate: Starts at RM226 per night
Address: 1, Jalan Kastam, Taman Bandar Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Contact: +6089 781 077
If you're planning a romantic honeymoon in Malaysia, we hope you've found the perfect floating villa in Sabah for your next couple's retreat. To help you plan your Sabahan adventure, check out our recommended reads below.
- 6 Scenic Accommodations In Sabah With A View Of Mount Kinabalu
- 10 Exciting Things You Never Knew You Could Do In Sabah (Besides Mt Kinabalu!)
- 5D4N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary For The Best Of Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang And Beyond
Tags:accommodationwater-chaletssabahvilla-terapungwater-villasfloating-villas