Hotels near Mabul Island, Tawau Division

Almost completed my 6N5D trip with my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. We had a great hospitality from the diving coaches but feel a great pity that the resort mgmt has wasted a great jewel and have not lived up to its luxurious potentials (maybe due to COVID and the resort had to furlough majority of the staff for over 5 months within the last 2 years and it has yet to recover). First, I was impressed with the photos seen on social media and decided to book this (supposed to be the BEST and most expensive resort near Sipadan) First, the jetty transfer in Semporna was smooth but there were plastic trash all over. If the company wants to portray a good image for international tourists, probably should first clean them up? Once arrived at Kapalai, the welcoming process was subpar. There was no receptionist welcoming us, and we were a bit lost. Since it is lunch time, we just straight dive into buffet lunch. Then, a staff clumsily come to offer a glass of diluted sugary orange juice and we were left there. After almost 1.5 hours, we were reached out by diving coaches about our program (the adults were taking advanced PADI open water, and the kids were taking junior PADI open water) Once we checked into the room, overall “hardware” appears nice, but after staying for 6 days some basic problems surface 1) No intercom/phone in the room - since we are at the far corner of the resort and it takes 10mins to walk to lobby, we sometimes need to call buggies. But we were only given a local phone number to call, and the mobile/cell reception is bad here 2) No proper shampoo and conditioner - for my ladies who have long hair, assuming this luxurious should have this basic provided but they don’t 3) Broken chair in the balcony and water dripping out from air condition unit In term of food at the restaurant, it was ok-ish but there are so many opportunities to let the tourists spent more. No wine, no ice cream and no a la cart ordering. The local store has limited daily necessities and it is essential to well prepared before coming. Lastly, for this type of resort, you will see the general manager walking around to ensure all are good in place. I have not seen it over 6 days and the receptionists all seems junior and lack of international experience/exposure to hosting well travel international guests. In term of diving experience, I can feel that the diving coaches and staff have done everything they can to put on a smiley face. My teenager girls have a GREAT experience on their junior open water (OW) experience (with Linda Ho, thank you!) but less so on the advanced open water. (AOW). I feel a bit rush on the AOW but don’t feel the knowledge has sunk in and that is a real pity. Something to be improved. Many of us really want to learn, rather than just get the AOW license in order to dive in Sipadan (need at least AOW to dive there). Have been diving around the world, I would say the diving experience is world class. Water is generally clear and Sipadan is truly

We loved our stay here at Santiri Island Resort. We celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary and it lived up to our expectation. The resort was beautiful, it was small and intimate and not many rooms, which we enjoy because it limits the crowd on the island. It really felt like we had the island to ourselves. The picture doesn't do its justice. You need to go there to see it for yourself. The resort is unique as it has a sandbank when it's low tide, good for pictures taking or taking a stroll. The food was delicious and you could also get them to cook your seafood that you buy from the sea gypsies. They will try their best to entertain your request. You can snorkel, kayak and paddleboard around the area. The corals are very nice here. The staff here was very helpful and friendly, I would like to thank Dato' (owner), Mandy and Sam and other staff for your hospitality. We Will definitely come back here!

I brought six children to stay here. I was a little nervous before I went there because the reviews online were mixed. I regretted it when I went there. Why didn't I book a few more nights? It's worth it to just relax in this paradise for a few days even if I didn't go to the beach. There are different feelings in the morning and evening. The scenery and the park are all very attentive. The indoor and outdoor are very detailed. The sockets in the house are all Chinese standards, no need to convert, and it's not like what the Internet says that Malaysian hotels don't have toothbrushes and slippers. It's really domestic standards. He has everything that is available in China. There are electric fans and air conditioners. The hygiene is very good. There are no mosquitoes. It must have taken a lot of effort. I want to focus on a few customer service staff. Three of them can communicate in Chinese. They are so nice, barrier-free, and they are very honest. There are also two local service staff. The children are not big, they are always smiling, and Lun also smiles when he sees them 😊 It's really warm. Recommend the shrimp, crab, squid, and chicken in the restaurant. Hahahaha, they are really super delicious, and the cooking skills are great. I really linger and recommend it! ! !

We did not expect such a small private property of hotel with this cheap price can provide so lovely and clean room , room is super clean , not very big but enough for 2 person and with all basic equipment that u need , simple breakfast and helpful staff , everything is good , will come back again if have chance .

The room was very clean and tidy, with hot water. There was also a laundry room which was very convenient. The location was very good, very close to the tourist pier, which made it very convenient for us to island hop in the morning and come back. The boss was very nice. I forgot my bag at the hotel, and the boss helped arrange a driver to bring it back. Highly recommended!

Crystal Water House, sitting on the charming jelly sea, has a clean and hygienic environment. The water house rooms are beautifully decorated, and the blue sea and sky can be seen through the windows, making people feel like they are in a dream world. Here, you can also snorkel for free and experience the beauty of the underwater world. The owner of the water house is hospitable and attentive, and will also provide professional snorkeling guidance. Although my partner and I were injured during the trip because we are not good at water, the owner of the water house thoughtfully bandaged our wounds and treated them properly. All in all, this is a very good place worth recommending. The Crystal Water Villa in Semporna, Malaysia, boasts a charming jelly sea, a clean and hygienic environment. The villa's rooms are beautifully decorated, and the windows overlook the blue sea and sky, making people feel as if they are in a dream world. Here, you can also enjoy free snorkeling and experience the wonders of the underwater world. The villa owner is warm and hospitable, providing attentive service and professional snorkeling guidance. Although my partner and I were injured due to our lack of proficiency in swimming during the trip, the villa owner kindly bandaged our wounds and handled them properly. In short, this is a great place worth recommending.

Friends' feedback: The rooms are relatively new and the environment is OK, but the target customers are foreigners, not Chinese. The restaurant does not have knives and forks, so it is too difficult for them to use chopsticks. In addition, the restaurant is a buffet, and many of the favorite foods are gone a little later. The supply is not timely, just like many domestic buffets, and there is nothing to eat a little later. They can accept it if they go diving. The biggest regret: On the plane to Malaysia, the customer was stolen in the cabin, and the cash was stolen. The password box was opened. Friends who come to travel must be careful.

It was my first time to stay in a water house. I thought it was perfect. It was newly built and very comfortable. It was exactly what I wanted. The service staff were very shy and friendly. I was also very satisfied with the dinner. I woke up early in the morning and watched the sunrise. It was amazing. Looking forward to Anmei. When I went out for a walk at night, I could see many starfish and fish coming out, and small fish could also be seen in the room. It rained heavily when I fell asleep very late that night. The roof was made of iron sheets, and the sound of rain amplified. Many times, when it is windy and rainy, I will be a little scared and dare not sleep. At other times, it is perfect. I will choose the water house next time I come.

This hotel is very new and not well-known in Semporna, but it is really a niche place with super treasures. There is only one hotel on the island. It is very quiet and suitable for a family with children, because here you can not only take your children snorkeling, but if you are lucky, you can also see turtles hatching. There is an infinity pool and swings on the island. There is also a very empty beach on the island, which is great. In addition, the island also organizes trips to Mataking and Timba Timba Island, so you won't be bored on the island. My sisters also upgraded the sea fishing and sunset projects. The hotel is great and very clean. You can see corals and groups of small fish snorkeling around. I will definitely take my family there again next time, stay in a sea view room, and lie on the bed to watch the sea view.