Sunset view of overwater villas at Bubblefish Water Villa in Semporna

Bubblefish Water Villa

Premium overwater accommodation above the Celebes Sea in Semporna

Aerial view of Bubblefish Water Villa overwater villas on Bum Bum Island, Semporna
  • Premium Overwater Villas Above the ocean
  • Included Water Sports Snorkelling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat
  • Full-Board Dining Three meals daily
  • 24-Hour Power Continuous electricity
  • Climate Control Fully air-conditioned
  • Location Semporna, Sabah
The Destination

Premium Overwater Living Above the Celebes Sea

Situated on sturdy stilts above the gentle shallows off Bum Bum Island, this resort offers an immediate connection to the ocean environment. Guests sleep directly over the tide. Clear floor panels in the accommodations reveal marine life swimming beneath your feet. Every well-maintained space features reliable climate control alongside uninterrupted ocean sights from a private deck.

Step right off the deck or take the slide straight into the warm water. Your reservation covers various aquatic pursuits right off the jetty, from paddleboarding to peering through a glass-bottom boat. The main dining area prepares three comprehensive meals each day featuring authentic Sabahan flavors alongside popular Malaysian recipes. Guests frequently gather for casual karaoke sessions after dark.

This region serves as the primary gateway for exploring nearby marine reserves. Daily boat excursions launch toward the renowned coral reefs of Sipadan, Mabul as well as Kapalai. To ensure smooth arrivals, the property coordinates scheduled speedboat journeys directly from the main town jetty.

  • Premium Overwater Villas Above the ocean
  • Included Water Sports Snorkelling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat
  • Full-Board Dining Three meals daily
  • 24-Hour Power Continuous electricity
  • Climate Control Fully air-conditioned
  • Location Semporna, Sabah
Your Stay

Our Accommodation

Choose from four distinct accommodation types resting entirely on stilts. Every option provides an exclusive deck facing the open water. Browse the specific features below or proceed directly to our reservation system.

Family Ocean-View Rooms

A generous family space featuring clear viewing panels set into the floor. The outdoor deck includes a suspended relaxation net. Climate-controlled with an attached bathroom designed for groups traveling with children.

  • Accommodates 4 guests
  • Sea-facing private deck
  • Attached bathroom with hot water
  • Clear viewing panels
  • Air conditioning

Seaview Room

A modern retreat offering an ocean-facing king bed for maximum visibility. The attached bathroom features high-quality finishing touches. Climate-controlled with an exclusive deck right above the tide.

  • Accommodates 2 guests
  • Sea-facing private deck
  • Attached bathroom with hot water
  • King bed
  • Air conditioning

Superior Ocean-View Room

Offered with either a double or twin bed arrangement facing the ocean. Fully air-conditioned alongside an upgraded bathroom equipped with a modern backlit mirror. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

  • Accommodates 2 guests
  • Sea-facing private deck
  • Attached bathroom with hot water
  • Double or twin bed setup
  • Air conditioning

Luxury Villa

The premier offering at the property. Highlights include a round king bed along with a private projector screen. The expanded deck features an overwater hammock swing plus a suspended lounging net. Completed with a large double-vanity bathroom.

  • Accommodates 2 guests
  • Sea-facing private deck
  • Attached bathroom with hot water
  • Round king bed with projector
  • Air conditioning
Bookings

Request a Reservation

Provide your details below so our team can check availability for your preferred travel dates. We will reply promptly with accurate pricing.

Our team usually replies within a day.

Marine Experiences

Excursions and Adventures

Inflatable water activities at Bubblefish Water Villa

This district is globally recognized for its exceptional underwater biodiversity. Guests easily access the sprawling Tun Sakaran Marine Park from our location. Travelers frequently venture out to the volcanic peak of Bohey Dulang alongside the celebrated diving grounds of Sipadan.

Scuba diving in Semporna, Sabah

Scuba Diving

The surrounding ocean holds some of the most celebrated diving locations on earth. Certified operators in town provide customized underwater journeys for beginners as well as seasoned divers.

Snorkelling in clear waters of the Celebes Sea

Snorkelling

Swim directly off the property's wooden jetty to observe thriving coral ecosystems. These warm waters provide shelter for sea turtles alongside colorful reef fish.

Sea kayaking around Semporna overwater resort

Sea Kayaking

Navigate the peaceful surface around the property at your own rhythm. Glide over shallow coral beds while exploring nearby mangrove ecosystems during low tide.

View from Bohey Dulang summit, Semporna

Island Hopping

Secure a spot on a speedboat to visit multiple white-sand islands in a single trip. Local guides ensure a safe experience suitable for all skill levels.

Available at Bubblefish Water Villa

  • Direct Water Slide
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Rides
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Evening Karaoke
  • Sunrise Viewing
  • Sunset Viewing

Guided Excursions & Day Tours

Bohey Dulang island and lagoon view from the summit, Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Hiking Bohey Dulang

This extinct volcano rim remains the most photographed landmark in the district. The physical ascent takes about forty minutes across rough terrain. Hikers are rewarded with an incredible perspective over the interior lagoon.

  • 353-meter peak offering panoramic views
  • 600-meter forest trail taking roughly 40 minutes
  • Moderate difficulty requiring proper footwear
  • Located within Tun Sakaran Marine Park (fees apply)
Beach swing at Mataking Island, Semporna

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

Spend a full day exploring three distinct quiet islands. Guests visit the country's unique underwater post office before walking along a pristine sandbar. The afternoon concludes with swimming above healthy coral formations.

  • View the underwater post office at Mataking
  • Walk the natural sandbar during low tide
  • Spot sea turtles near Pom Pom Island
  • Fully inclusive package covering lunch along with equipment
Pulau Mantabuan island, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna

Day Tour: Tun Sakaran Marine Park

This expansive protected zone covers eight distinct islands spanning 346 square kilometers. The day trip caters perfectly to nature enthusiasts wanting to see diverse marine life across multiple locations.

  • Sabah's largest marine reserve spanning 346 sq km
  • Snorkel locations at Pulau Mantabuan alongside Pulau Sibuan
  • Situated within the globally significant Coral Triangle
  • Required park fees collected prior to departure
I Love Mabul sign at Mabul Island, Semporna

Day Tour: Mabul & Kapalai Islands

Divers have flocked to these coral reefs since the late seventies to observe rare macro life. The surrounding shallows host a large population of sea turtles. Visitors can easily swim right off the transport vessel.

  • Swim through a highly diverse coral environment
  • Encounter sea turtles alongside tropical fish
  • Direct boat access for shallow swimming at Kapalai
  • Photograph the famous Mabul wooden sign
Sipadan Island Park sign, Sabah marine reserve

Day Tour: Sipadan Island (Permits Required)

This strictly protected marine reserve requires an advance entry permit for all visitors. The defining feature is a massive underwater wall dropping straight down into the deep ocean.

  • Famous wall sites including Barracuda Point
  • Encounters with large pelagic fish species
  • Exceptionally high sea turtle population
  • Advance reservations through licensed operators are mandatory
  • Sabah Parks restricts permit holders to three daily dives

Day trips to this site depart from specialized dive resorts in the area. Visitors should book additional nights elsewhere to secure diving permits. Note the complete closure during November.

Scuba diving at Sipadan Island wall dive site

Sipadan Diving: What to Expect

Experts consistently rank this location among the finest underwater destinations globally. The structure rises dramatically from the deep seafloor. This unique geography attracts enormous schools of pelagic fish alongside resident reef predators.

  • Barracuda Point featuring massive fish tornados
  • Turtle Cavern accessible by advanced divers
  • South Point offering seasonal shark sightings
  • Hanging Gardens showcasing colorful soft corals
Multi-day island hopping package, Semporna Sabah

Multi-Day Package: Semporna Island Hopping

Experience the entire district through a comprehensive extended itinerary. Options range from pure swimming schedules to mixed active holidays involving both ocean viewing alongside physical hiking.

  • Select between swimming-only itineraries or active hiking combinations
  • Visit premium locations including Mataking alongside Kapalai
  • Ideal for families requiring non-diving activities
  • Complete package covering transport along with meals
Buffet dining at Bubblefish Water Villa restaurant, Semporna
Full-Board Dining

Three Meals Included

Every reservation comes complete with daily dining served buffet-style at the main restaurant. The culinary team prepares fresh meals blending regional Sabahan specialties with familiar Asian recipes.

Breakfast

Fresh eggs, toasted bread, baked beans alongside cereal options. Hot coffee poured daily.

Lunch

Steamed rice, fried noodles, flavorful curries paired with tropical fruits. Various Chinese-inspired dishes are provided.

Dinner

A changing menu featuring regional Malaysian cuisine. Enjoy grilled meats alongside traditional herb salads.

Travel Guide

Reaching Bubblefish Water Villa

Your journey requires a domestic flight followed by a scenic drive. The final leg is a quick boat ride crossing the channel directly to our wooden jetty.

By Air to Tawau (TWU)

Travelers must first fly into Tawau Airport (TWU). Major domestic airlines provide regular daily connections from Kuala Lumpur as well as Kota Kinabalu. International guests typically transit through these major hubs.

Road Transfer: Tawau to Semporna

The drive from the airport to the town takes roughly ninety minutes. We highly recommend arranging a private vehicle or shared minivan prior to your arrival date.

Speedboat Transfer

A dedicated vessel departs the town dock to bring you straight to your accommodation. Please share your flight itinerary after securing a reservation so we can plan your sea transit.

Travel Tips

Secure Tawau (TWU) flights well in advance. Seats fill up fast during peak dive seasons.

Carry local currency (MYR). Cash machines operate in town rather than on the property.

Optimal travel window: March through October provides the calmest ocean conditions.

Guest Experiences

What Guests Say

We stayed for three nights and the water color was different every day depending on the light and weather. The villa is new and very clean. The slide into the sea was a favorite for the whole group. Snorkeling is included and the water around the villa is clear with good visibility. Manager Andy was incredibly helpful throughout.

Guest
Hong Kong

Came with my family including two young children and everyone had a great time. The private balcony in the family room was perfect for watching the sunrise each morning. Turtles appeared in the water next to the villa which the kids were thrilled by. Staff were kind and attentive and the atmosphere in the evenings was fun and lively.

Guest
China

A very enjoyable 5-day stay with the family. The villa is clean, the rooms are well set up and the free activities kept everyone busy: snorkeling, kayaking, glass boat and paddleboarding. The staff are enthusiastic and friendly. We saw turtles swimming below the deck, which was a highlight of the whole trip.

Guest
Japan

Came during the rainy season and it was still perfect. Clean cabin, friendly staff member, delicious dinner and a sunrise the morning we left that made us wish we had booked longer. The water slide into the sea is fun and the snorkeling around the villa is easy and rewarding. Very happy with this choice.

Guest
China

Very new property with everything in excellent condition. The rooms are clean and modern, the glass boat and kayak are included free, and the view from the balcony during sunset is beautiful. Staff organized everything smoothly and even joined guests for karaoke in the evening which made the atmosphere very warm. Would return.

Guest
Malaysia

A solid overwater villa option in Semporna. The water is clear, the room was clean and we had good sea views for both sunrise and sunset. The slide into the sea is a fun touch. Good food, friendly staff and well-maintained facilities throughout. A genuinely pleasant stay.

Guest
United Kingdom