The Sanctuary

Suspended over the gentle turquoise currents of the Celebes Sea, Turtle Seaweed Resort provides a sophisticated gateway to the wonders of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. From your private balcony, the aquatic world unfolds directly in the glass-clear shallows beneath your feet. The resort jetty serves as your launchpad for bespoke daily speedboat excursions to world-renowned destinations like Bohey Dulang, Mabul, Kapalai, and Sipadan.

Our identity honors the rich marine heritage of the Sabah region. The name celebrates the green sea turtles nesting across these historic sanctuaries, alongside the traditional seaweed farming practiced by the indigenous Bajau community. Designed for discerning couples and family retreats, a standard three-day itinerary balances marine discovery with unstructured hours watching the ocean horizon from your private deck.

Every stay includes full board dining, featuring a selection of Sabahan, Malaysian, and Chinese culinary traditions prepared fresh daily. Our hospitality focuses on intuitive, attentive care, ensuring your island logisitics and individual requests are managed with precision.

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High angle drone shot of Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Semporna Islands

Accommodations

Refined overwater sanctuaries built over the tides, complete with personal outdoor decks and clear vistas of the sea.

Spacious and modern interior of the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a comfortable bed, teal sofa, and access to an ocean-view balcony.

Comfortable living area inside the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a teal sofa, flat-screen TV, and modern furnishings.

Stylish marble dining table and teal velvet chairs bathed in natural light inside the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Outdoor wooden deck of the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring an overwater hammock net and beautiful sea views.

Private infinity plunge pool and sun loungers on the deck of the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort, overlooking the clear turquoise sea.

Modern bathroom vanity inside the Bedroom Deluxe 1 Bed at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a textured grey floating cabinet and a round backlit mirror.

1 Bedroom Deluxe

Overwater Chalet · Sea View

Double bed
Private plunge pool & balcony
Air conditioning

An elegant overwater chalet built directly over the tides, featuring a personal veranda.

Spacious and modern interior of the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort, featuring two beds, a large sectional sofa, and balcony access.

Two comfortable queen beds positioned against a textured stone accent wall beneath modern pendant lighting in the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Comfortable living area inside the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a large grey sectional sofa, TV, and arched double doors.

Elegant clear textured floor lamp glowing warmly inside the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Complimentary bottled water and elegant porcelain mugs with gold turtle logos on a welcome tray in the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Large wooden wardrobe and garment steamer provided for guest convenience in the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Private infinity plunge pool and sun deck with woven loungers overlooking the beautiful turquoise ocean at the Bedroom Deluxe Two Queen Beds, Turtle Seaweed Resort.

2 Bedroom Deluxe

Overwater Chalet · Sea View

Two queen beds
Private plunge pool & balcony
Air conditioning

An expansive premium chalet configured with two queen beds, tailored for families or small groups.

Spacious and elegant interior of the Deluxe Suite at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a large bed, teal sofa, and glass balcony doors.

Sunlight illuminating a stylish marble table and teal velvet chairs next to the bed in the Deluxe Suite at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Elegant snack and drink setup on a marble table with teal velvet chairs inside the Deluxe Suite at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Room amenities including a black mini-fridge and an electric glass kettle provided in the Deluxe Suite at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Deluxe Suite

Overwater Chalet · Sea View

Extra-long bed
Private plunge pool & balcony
Air conditioning

A secluded suite featuring an independent entryway, alongside an integrated plunge pool and veranda oriented toward the ocean.

Wide interior view of the Family Deluxe room at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a large sectional sofa, comfortable beds, and high ceilings with elegant lighting.

Two large beds decorated with turtle towel art against a textured stone wall inside the Family Deluxe room at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Detail view of a stunning multi-pendant glass chandelier hanging from the high ceiling in the Family Deluxe room at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Family Deluxe

Overwater Chalet · Sea View

Ocean view
Private plunge pool & balcony
Air conditioning

A generous family chalet featuring broad marine vistas, a private plunge pool, outdoor deck, and an indoor dining room. Climate control and full board packages are provided.

Wide interior view of the Family Room at Turtle Seaweed Resort showing two comfortable beds, a sectional sofa, and balcony access.

Elegant multi-pendant glass chandelier illuminating two beds inside the Family Room at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Living space in the Family Room at Turtle Seaweed Resort featuring a flat-screen TV, console table, fan, and mini-fridge.

Tall standing mirror reflecting the comfortable living area and beds inside the Family Room at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

Family Room

Overwater Chalet · Sea View

Bathtub
Private plunge pool & balcony
Air conditioning

A comfortable family option complete with a personal plunge pool and veranda looking out to sea. The bathroom incorporates a dedicated bathtub, paired with an indoor dining area, full board service, and air conditioning.

Marine Expeditions

Semporna represents one of the premiere aquatic ecosystems globally. Our guests enjoy direct speedboat access to Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mabul, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang, and Sipadan.

Snorkelling

Discover the preserved coral systems of Tun Sakaran Marine Park straight from our resort pier. The warm and pristine depths of the Celebes Sea provide a sanctuary for green sea turtles, clownfish, giant clams, and schools of tropical species. Professional gear is provided for all skill brackets.

Expert dive buddy guiding scuba divers with Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Semporna

Scuba Diving

Semporna hosts legendary dive spots including Sipadan Island, universally acknowledged among the top marine territories on the planet. Experienced master divers and novices alike can coordinate excursions through licensed local operators. Pre-arranged permits are required for all Sipadan itineraries.

Sea Kayaking

Navigate the calm, protected shallows surrounding our overwater chalets independently. Glide over fragile coral ecosystems, track marine channels, and explore exposed sandbars during low tide windows. Watercraft are open for private rental or guided group trips.

Island Hopping

Set out by speedboat to discover the diverse islands within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park network. Fine white sand beaches and healthy marine life await on custom itineraries led by professional guides, perfect for photographers and snorkel enthusiasts.

Hiking Bohey Dulang

Ascend the 600-meter volcanic pathway to the 353-meter crest of Bohey Dulang. The peak awards travelers a birds-eye perspective of the turquoise lagoon structure and the expansive Celebes Sea. This trail requires sensible footwear and adequate hydration.

Scuba diving Sipadan Island to see huge schools of fish with Turtle Seaweed Resort

Sipadan Diving

Perched on a dramatic 600-meter ocean wall, Sipadan Island stands as an elite global dive environment. Divers routinely encounter massive schools of swirling barracuda, jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles. Daily entry allocations are strictly capped, making early registration vital.

Day Tours & Excursions

These guided excursions are managed by trusted professional operators in Semporna and can be integrated into your itinerary. Inform our team to assist with your bookings.

Hiking Bohey Dulang with Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Semporna Islands

Tun Sakaran Marine Park & Hiking Bohey Dulang

Encompassing 346 square kilometers of protected ocean habitats across eight islands, Tun Sakaran stands as Sabah’s premier marine sanctuary. This curated day trip merges marine exploration at Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan with the mountain trek up Bohey Dulang, an ancient volcanic ridge cradling an azure lagoon.

Climb Bohey Dulang's 600-metre trail to the 353-metre summit
Panoramic views over the islands, lagoon and Celebes Sea
Snorkel at Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan
Clear reef waters with abundant tropical fish life
Ideal for nature lovers, snorkellers and hikers

Exploring the beautiful sandbars of Pulau Mataking with Turtle Seaweed Resort

Mataking, Timba-Timba & Pom Pom Islands

Situated in Semporna's northern waters, Mataking features a striking fine sandbar visible at low tide alongside a remarkably calm reef system. The trip includes stops at uninhabited Timba-Timba for its exceptional water clarity, followed by Pom Pom Island to explore its peaceful beaches and flourishing shallow corals.

Walk the Mataking sandbar at low tide
Snorkel at Timba-Timba and Pom Pom reefs
Spot sea turtles, reef fish and clownfish
Quieter, less crowded than Mabul or Sipadan
Suitable for non-divers and families

Exploring crystal clear waters by kayak near Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Celebes Sea

Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping

A managed marine voyage exploring the protected marine zones of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Spanning 346 square kilometers across eight separate islands, it offers some of Sabah's most transparent shallow water conditions. This trip focuses exclusively on reef exploration and can be booked independently of the mountain trek.

Visit Sibuan, Mantabuan and other park islands
Snorkel in protected, calm reef waters
See coral gardens, reef fish and sea turtles
Sabah Parks entrance fee collected on arrival
Flexible duration, suitable for all levels

Snorkelling at Mabul and Kapalai with Turtle Seaweed Resort near Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Mabul & Kapalai Islands Snorkelling

Renowned globally for macro marine life, Mabul and Kapalai present a fascinating underwater environment. This excursion provides access to the iconic Mabul water resort platforms for photography, paired with an offshore lunch. Travelers then head directly to Kapalai's shallow sandbar reef structures to view marine life right from the vessel.

Stop at Mabul Water Bungalows for photos and lunch
Snorkel at Kapalai's shallow reef from the boat
Spot sea turtles, reef fish and coral gardens
Pass Bajau Laut houseboats near Mabul
Full day, guide-led, suitable for non-divers

Sipadan Island day tour with Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Celebes Sea

Sipadan Day Tour

Rising 600 meters from a deep oceanic base, Sipadan Island ranks securely among the earth's greatest underwater environments. Access is stringently managed via a daily entry permit framework. Non-diving travelers holding a valid permit can observe large schooling fish populations, sea turtles, and white-tip reef sharks right from the surface layers.

Limited daily permits, book well in advance
Snorkel with reef sharks, turtles and barracuda
Encounter bumphead parrotfish in large schools
Suitable for snorkellers and divers
Permits arranged via licensed Semporna operators

Scuba diving Sipadan to see huge schools of fish with Turtle Seaweed Resort

Sipadan Diving

The vertical topography of Sipadan plunges steeply into deep blue waters, offering top tier drift diving. Notable points include Barracuda Point with its legendary swirling predatory schools, South Point for observing pelagic hammerheads, Turtle Cavern’s unique submerged chambers, and the vertical drop-offs of the Hanging Gardens lined with soft corals.

Barracuda Point: swirling schools of barracuda
Turtle Cavern: flooded cave with resident turtles
South Point: schooling hammerhead sharks
Hanging Gardens: gorgonian walls and soft corals
Experienced guides and all equipment available

Multi-day island hopping tour packages with Turtle Seaweed Resort in the Semporna

Multi-Day Island Hopping Package

Designed for travelers seeking an all-encompassing view of the archipelago, this multi-day managed collection links the highlights of Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Timba-Timba, Pandanan Reef, and Bohey Dulang. This comprehensive itinerary requires no formal scuba credentials and blends shallow water tracking with mountain trail access.

Snorkel at Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Timba-Timba and Pandanan
Optional Hiking Bohey Dulang for lagoon views
Beginner-friendly, suitable for families
All-inclusive: gear, permits, lunches and transfers
Flexible itinerary, paced for comfort

Enquire about this tour

Buffet meals for breakfast and dinner at Turtle Seaweed Resort

Island Dining

All guest itineraries feature full board dining, served buffet-style within our main dining room. The kitchen creates a rotating menu of Sabahan, Malaysian, and Chinese culinary options using fresh, seasonal provisions.

Breakfast	Included
Lunch	Included
Dinner	Included
Drinking water	Included
Soft drinks & coffee	Available at extra cost
Fresh seafood BBQ	Optional, advance notice required

The Buffet Selection

Our main service presents traditional Sabahan and Malaysian culinary specialties, including aromatic curries, specialty sambals, rice dishes, fresh garden vegetables, and tropical fruits. These sit alongside Chinese-style wok creations and fried noodles. Breakfast sessions combine live egg stations and artisanal toast options with popular international choices, backed by daily vegetarian alternatives.

Private Seafood Barbecue

To celebrate special milestones or a romantic evening, guests can pre-arrange an exclusive seafood barbecue feast. Our culinary team prepares fresh catches from the local Celebes Sea networks, grilling them to order over open flames. Surcharges apply, and requests should be logged during the reservation stage.

Vegetarian options at every meal. Allergies or dietary requirements? Let us know when booking.

Arrival Guide

By Air: Tawau Airport (TWU)

Your journey begins with a flight to Tawau Airport (TWU), the central aviation portal for the Semporna district. Main operators like AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines schedule regular daily connections into Tawau from key hubs including Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

From Kota Kinabalu (BKI): approximately 50 minutes direct
From Kuala Lumpur (KUL): approximately 2 hours 45 minutes direct
From Singapore (SIN): connect via Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur
From Seoul (ICN): connect via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu

Tawau Airport to Semporna

Upon arrival at the terminal, Turtle Seaweed Resort coordinates your onward land transit to the coastal town of Semporna utilizing spacious shared vans or private executive transport vehicles.

Distance: approximately 85 km
Journey time: about 90 minutes
Pickup from Tawau Airport or Tawau city hotels

Semporna Jetty to the Resort

At the Semporna marina, a private resort speedboat receives travelers for the final water crossing. This brief cruise brings you to your overwater chalet and provides a welcoming look at the quiet marine landscape of the archipelago.

Our guest services team coordinates all departure logistics, linking your water transit back to the mainland with coordinated land transfers to the airport terminal. Please submit your airline schedules after finalizing booking details for flawless coordination.

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What Guests Say

Guest experiences shared from recent stays at Turtle Seaweed Resort.

"Three days and two nights at Turtle Seaweed Resort and the experience was flawless from the moment we arrived. The service is exceptional and consistent throughout. Staff member Zul was warm, smiling and always ready to help with anything. The sea view from the chalet is beautiful and the water below is crystal clear. Food was outstanding. Highly recommended."

Kah Wai H.

Malaysia

"A genuinely exclusive resort at a very reasonable price. The view from the chalet is beautiful and you can see the clear water directly below. The service was attentive from arrival to departure. Food portions were very generous and everything we tried was delicious. The atmosphere is peaceful and calm throughout the day and evening. A wonderful stay."

Seo-yeon J.

South Korea

"Our stay was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived we felt calm and cared for. Zul was particularly wonderful, smiling, attentive and always ready to help. The setting is beautiful with clear sea water visible directly below the chalet. Every detail felt looked after. Food was very good. A resort that exceeded all expectations in every way."

Liam C.

Australia

"Turtle Seaweed Resort is exclusive in atmosphere and very good value for what it provides. The sea view from the chalet is lovely and the water is clear enough to watch below from the balcony. The service was consistently excellent throughout the 3D2N stay. Zul in particular stood out for his warmth and helpfulness. Food was delicious and filling. Perfect."

Hsin-yi W.

Taiwan

"An outstanding overwater chalet experience. The combination of clear water below, beautiful sea views and exceptional staff made this one of my favorite stays in Malaysia. Zul set the tone from the first greeting and maintained that warmth throughout. The food was excellent and generously portioned. The 3D2N stay felt perfectly paced. Will return without question."

Jun W.

China

"A resort where the service is truly on top from beginning to end. The chalet is over clear sea water with beautiful views. Staff were warm and attentive throughout. Zul was especially memorable for his genuine friendliness. Food was delicious and plentiful at every meal. The peaceful atmosphere made the whole stay deeply restorative. A perfect choice."

Qing L.

China