Crystal Resort
Private overwater chalets floating above the Celebes Sea in Semporna
Private overwater chalets floating above the Celebes Sea in Semporna
Fourteen private timber dwellings stand on stilts directly above the Celebes Sea off Bum Bum Island. This intimate destination serves as a premium escape within the Semporna archipelago. Every suite includes a personal balcony designed for observing the shifting turquoise and deep blue hues of the water right beneath your feet.
Honeymooners and small gatherings often choose this location to avoid the busy atmosphere found at larger neighboring properties. The clarity of the ocean here is remarkable. During low tide you can look straight through the wooden boardwalk to watch colorful reef fish swim among the corals. It offers that true jelly-like water aesthetic that travelers seek when visiting Malaysian Borneo.
We provide a complete getaway package featuring all-inclusive dining alongside round-the-clock power and climate control. Guests receive complimentary access to snorkeling gear as well as our signature glass-bottom boat. Our primary focus remains on showcasing the incredible marine life and raw beauty defining the Semporna islands.
Two distinct seaview suites offering private overwater balconies and expansive Celebes Sea views.
An oceanfront room offering a personal balcony over the water with your choice of a twin or queen bed. It includes polished wooden floors, continuous air conditioning and immediate sea views from inside the room or out on the deck. Private en-suite facilities and reliable Wi-Fi come standard.
A spacious accommodation tailored for small families featuring one double and one single bed. This unit features elegant hardwood flooring, a classic Sabahan timber roof and large sliding doors leading to a private wooden viewing deck. Air conditioning, an attached bathroom and internet access are included.
The marine environment surrounding Semporna harbors unmatched biodiversity. Our property rests just outside the Tun Sakaran Marine Park boundaries. This prime location allows guests to immediately slip into warm waters to spot sea turtles and colorful corals. If you want to explore further we organize daily excursions to famous destinations like Sipadan, Mabul and Mataking.
Protected clear waves surround our wooden walkways. We provide the essential gear and a glass-bottom boat free of charge. You can observe thriving coral colonies and resident turtles just steps from your door. We also organize guided trips to nearby protected reefs upon request.
Semporna rests right inside the celebrated Coral Triangle. Certified divers have easy access to phenomenal underwater terrain near Bum Bum Island. We partner with established dive centers to arrange trips to Sipadan and Mabul. Lessons and guided sessions are readily available for all experience levels.
Glide across the peaceful surface right near the shore. Paddling past local Bajau water villages provides a unique cultural perspective. We highly recommend early morning or late afternoon sessions for optimal lighting and calm weather conditions.
Take a fast boat out to the remote corners of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Popular stops include Sibuan and Mantabuan. Every location features pure white sand and thriving reef ecosystems perfectly suited for a day of swimming.
A prominent volcanic formation dominates this island profile. Hiking the jungle path takes roughly two hours round trip and remains a top highlight for visitors. The summit delivers sweeping panoramic views of the vast lagoon beneath. Hikers frequently encounter hornbills and macaques along the shaded route.
Spend a full day exploring three distinct northern islands. Mataking features an underwater post office alongside a massive sandbar revealed during low tide. Timba-Timba highlights soft sandy stretches leading into shallow coral beds. Finally Pom Pom offers quiet waters where sea turtles gather frequently.
This vast protected zone spans 346 square kilometers of open ocean and pristine islets. Sibuan and Mantabuan remain the most popular stops due to their superb visibility and healthy marine habitats. You can wade straight from the beach into coral gardens teeming with aquatic life.
Famous for macro photography, Mabul sits just south of our location. Divers flock here to spot ribbon eels, frogfish and mantis shrimp hiding in the muck. Nearby Kapalai is essentially a developed sandbar encircled by a gorgeous shallow reef. Both are a short boat ride away.
Recognized globally as a premier diving hotspot, this volcanic pillar drops 600 meters straight down into the abyss. Divers encounter massive schools of jackfish, swirling barracuda and countless turtles. Access is strictly regulated by the government with a hard daily permit limit. We can help you transition to a partnered dive lodge to secure your necessary passes.
Travelers staying with us typically pair their visit with a short extension at a dedicated Mabul dive center. From there, early morning speedboats reach the Sipadan park boundary in just minutes.
Six legendary sites surround the island pillar. A quick speedboat ride from Mabul puts you right over the drop-off.
Spending more time in Semporna yields a much richer travel experience. A balanced schedule might pair a relaxing stay at our chalets with high-energy dive days on Mabul. You could spend one day hiking Bohey Dulang and the next floating over Mataking's sandbar. Let our team assemble a customized travel plan for your entire Borneo holiday.
Your reservation incorporates a comprehensive full-board meal plan. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in our communal dining space. The kitchen prepares a diverse menu featuring authentic Sabahan recipes, classic Malaysian favorites, regional Chinese cuisine and familiar Western plates.
A hearty morning buffet featuring eggs, fresh fruit, noodles and toast alongside hot beverages. A mix of Asian and Western morning staples.
A satisfying midday selection centered around fresh local seafood, warm soups and rice dishes perfectly suited for island days.
Evening service showcasing Sabahan specialties, flavorful Chinese-style seafood dishes and select Western main courses.
We are happy to accommodate specific dietary needs. Simply mention them during booking.
Tawau Airport serves as the primary entry point for the region. Major domestic airlines provide daily scheduled connections from key Malaysian hubs.
We coordinate reliable overland transport straight to the Semporna jetty using modern passenger vans or SUVs. The 85-kilometer drive takes approximately one and a half hours. Drivers can collect you from the airport terminal or any downtown Tawau hotel.
Upon arriving at the harbor our private boat will whisk you across the water to the chalets. This final leg is brief and incredibly scenic.
When it is time to leave we handle the return logistics entirely. Forward your flight details early so we can secure your transportation smoothly.
Supplying your travel itinerary well in advance ensures a smooth arrival process. If you are traveling with a large party please use our contact form to discuss tailored arrangements.
The sea here is the jelly-colored water I had seen in photos and it fully lived up to expectations. At low tide we could see coral and fish through the gaps in the wooden walkway. The room was clean, bright and came with a balcony. Staff were simple, friendly and responsive throughout the stay.
We chose Crystal for our honeymoon and it was perfect. The resort is small and quiet, we practically had the place to ourselves. The snorkeling and glass boat were included and we used them every day. The room is photogenic from every angle and the sea backdrop made everything feel special. Great staff too.
Stayed for 4 days and 3 nights with my group of friends. On both nights there was a storm and the bungalow shook, which was honestly thrilling in a good way. The room is better than the photos suggest. Meals were good. 24-hour air conditioning meant we were always comfortable even in the heat.
Very peaceful water villa with an incredible sea view. We valued the privacy here compared to the more crowded resorts nearby. All staff were friendly. Snorkeling around the resort showed good coral coverage and the glass boat gave a great view of the marine life below. Well worth choosing.
The service was amazing throughout. The resort arranged our shuttle boat for an early morning flight without us even asking. Food was excellent and the setting, with the sea visible through the window, was something we had never experienced before. A truly relaxing place to unwind.
Beautiful resort with a genuinely photogenic setting. The water color changes throughout the day and the balcony view is hard to leave. The staff were kind and welcoming and the food was satisfying. We brought a camera and had amazing material. A lovely choice for couples.