Aerial drone view of the overwater Sicily Resort

Sicily Hotel Resort

Wake up to endless ocean views at our refined overwater retreat in Semporna. Your stay includes thoughtfully prepared meals, direct access to healthy reefs, plus tailored island hopping experiences across the Celebes Sea.

A Refined Escape

Sicily Hotel Resort offers an elegant overwater experience just a short speedboat ride from Semporna town. We designed our property to provide exceptional comfort above the Celebes Sea. Each space features premium touches like freestanding soaking tubs along with smart toilets. Guests enjoy unbroken ocean views right from their private decks.

Our dedicated team is always on hand to ensure every aspect of your visit feels effortless. Your reservation covers full buffet-style dining from morning to evening. We also organize personalized island hopping trips to nearby marine parks. Couples as well as families appreciate our balance of attentive service with genuine privacy.

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High angle drone shot of the hotel in Semporna

Overwater Stays

Choose between two distinct overwater layouts tailored for couples or small groups. Every space provides premium amenities, contemporary styling, plus a private deck facing the open water.

Room

A contemporary overwater space featuring a king bed alongside a private balcony deck facing the ocean. Enjoy modern amenities including a freestanding soaking tub, a smart toilet, plus an open-plan bathroom layout.

  • King Bed
  • Air Conditioning
  • Freestanding Soaking Tub
  • Smart Toilet
  • Direct Ocean View
  • Private Balcony Deck
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Balcony Room

An expansive water bungalow highlighting a large ocean-facing balcony alongside a private plunge pool. This layout offers a glass floor entrance, lounge seating, a breakfast bar, plus your choice of king or twin beds.

  • King or Twin Beds
  • Air Conditioning
  • Private Plunge Pool
  • Soaking Tub
  • Ocean-Facing Balcony
  • Lounge Area
Booking

Request a Stay

Share your preferred travel dates below. Our team will get back to you promptly with current availability alongside exact pricing for your getaway.

Ocean Adventures

The Celebes Sea surrounding Semporna holds an incredible variety of marine life. Sicily Hotel Resort places you right at the center of these natural wonders. Guests can easily join trips to famous diving spots. You can also simply snorkel right off our wooden decks.

Snorkeling with a green sea turtle in Semporna

Snorkelling

Step right from our jetty into the inviting waters. The healthy house reef hosts colorful fish alongside graceful sea turtles. You can start exploring immediately without needing a boat.

Scuba diving at the renowned Sipadan Island

Sipadan Diving

Join a guided excursion to one of the most famous dive sites worldwide. We arrange all necessary permits for your visit. Make sure to request your spot early due to strict daily visitor limits.

Guest enjoying a kayaking session in the turquoise sea

Sea Kayaking

Take out a kayak to glide over the shallow coral gardens. This peaceful activity lets you observe underwater life from above. Go at your own pace around the resort perimeter.

Scuba diving in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Scuba Diving

Explore the incredible underwater diversity of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. We coordinate daily dive trips to various locations across the archipelago. Both novice divers as well as experienced professionals will find rewarding sites.

Day trip to the iconic Bohey Dulang island

Hiking Bohey Dulang

Follow the jungle path up to the famous twin peaks. The 45-minute trek rewards you with spectacular views across the entire marine park. This remains a highly recommended morning activity.

Scenic beach with palm trees during island hopping

Island Hopping

Spend a few hours visiting nearby white sand beaches. These tours combine scenic boat rides with multiple snorkeling stops. It is a perfect choice for non-divers wanting to see the area.

At the Property

  • Snorkeling off the jetty
  • Swimming in the sea
  • Sea kayaking
  • Relaxing on the deck
  • Sunset watching from the balcony

Day Trips & Excursions

Group of divers exploring the Sipadan Marine Park

Sipadan Day Dive

Malaysia's only oceanic island provides an unforgettable underwater experience. Divers drop along dramatic vertical walls to encounter massive schools of fish. Popular sites like Barracuda Point showcase the raw beauty of the Celebes Sea. Sabah Parks heavily restricts daily entry to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Each permitted guest is currently allowed a maximum of three dives. We strongly suggest arranging your permits with us well in advance of your arrival. Non-divers are also welcome to join the boat for surface snorkeling.

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A beautiful day trip to Mataking Island

Mataking & Timba-Timba

Travel to the outer archipelago to visit a dedicated turtle conservation zone. Mataking offers exceptionally clear visibility alongside beautiful coral formations. Right next door sits the pristine sandbar known as Timba-Timba. This narrow strip of sand features shallow waters perfect for relaxed snorkeling. We usually combine these two locations into a single rewarding day trip. Guests can also choose to add Pom Pom Island for an extended itinerary.

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Relaxing on the beaches of Sibuan Island near Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

This vast protected area contains several beautiful islands including Sibuan along with Mantabuan. Sibuan features a picture-perfect white beach ideal for swimming. Mantabuan attracts divers hoping to spot large schools of bumphead parrotfish. The entire park serves as home to the nomadic Bajau Laut people. You will likely spot their traditional wooden houseboats while cruising between the islands.

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Scenic view of Mabul Island during a guest tour

Mabul & Kapalai

Macro photography enthusiasts travel from everywhere to explore the waters around Mabul. The reefs here hide rare species like flamboyant cuttlefish along with frogfish. You can also observe a local Bajau village right from the shoreline. A short boat ride away lies the submerged sandbar of Kapalai. This location provides fantastic shallow dives away from the heavier crowds. We regularly schedule full-day trips covering both of these unique spots.

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Day trip visit to the iconic Bohey Dulang island

Bohey Dulang Island Hike

The distinct silhouette of Bohey Dulang dominates the local skyline. A clear trail guides hikers up through the forest to the main viewing deck. Reaching the top takes under an hour at a steady pace. The panoramic vantage point looks out over colorful reefs stretching toward the horizon. We recommend starting early to avoid the midday heat. A refreshing snorkeling session afterward makes the perfect cooldown.

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Scenic beach with palm trees during Semporna island hopping

Semporna Island Hopping

Discover the beauty of the Semporna region without strapping on a tank. Our organized trips take you to the most accessible beaches across the archipelago. You will spend the day swimming in clear shallows before relaxing on the sand. The specific route changes daily depending on weather patterns. This relaxed outing suits guests of all ages. Private charter boats are also available for groups wanting a custom schedule.

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Multi-day island hopping tour packages in the Semporna archipelago

Multi-Day Island Tour Packages

Maximize your time with a carefully planned multi-day itinerary. We can bundle a Sipadan permit with macro diving at Mabul plus a scenic island trek. Our team designs these combinations based on your specific interests. We take care of all equipment rentals alongside the boat logistics. Let us know how long you plan to stay. We will draft a schedule that highlights the very best of the region.

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Close up of fresh food on the hotel buffet table at Sicily Resort

Included Meals

Your reservation covers comprehensive buffet dining throughout your stay. Our chefs prepare a mix of local Sabahan seafood alongside classic Malaysian recipes. We source our fish directly from the surrounding waters to guarantee freshness.

Breakfast

Start your morning with freshly prepared international favorites alongside local specialties. Enjoy tropical fruits, eggs to order, traditional nasi lemak, plus hot coffee.

Lunch

Refuel with a hearty midday selection of noodles and fresh seafood. We provide lighter choices for those heading straight back out to the water.

Dinner

Gather in the evening for a feast highlighting the catch of the day. Expect rich regional curries alongside grilled fish prepared in true Sabahan style.

All daily food service is built into your room rate. Please note that we do not sell alcohol on the property. You are welcome to purchase your own spirits at the Tawau airport duty-free before heading to the jetty.

Arrival & Transfers

By Air: Tawau Airport (TWU)

Book your flight into Tawau Airport (TWU) to begin your journey. Major domestic airlines fly here daily from key transit hubs.

  • From Kota Kinabalu (BKI): roughly 50 minutes direct
  • From Kuala Lumpur (KUL): nearly 2 hours 45 minutes direct
  • From Singapore (SIN): connection via Kota Kinabalu
  • From Beijing: connection via Kuala Lumpur
  • From Seoul (ICN): connection via Kuala Lumpur

Tawau Airport to Semporna: Road Transfer

We arrange private SUVs or comfortable vans for the overland trip to the Semporna town jetty.

  • Distance: roughly 85 km
  • Journey time: nearly 90 minutes by private car
  • Other options: Grab cars are available outside rush hours

Pickup service is available right from Tawau Airport, Tawau city hotels, plus other designated meeting points.

Semporna Jetty to the Resort: Speedboat Transfer

A quick boat ride from the mainland brings you straight to our wooden decks. This brief journey gives you a spectacular first look at the local waters.

We handle your return transport to the airport when your vacation ends. Simply share your flight schedule with us after booking.

Transfer Coordination

Please forward your arrival details as soon as they are confirmed. Use our contact form if your group requires special transport arrangements.

What Guests Say

Read experiences from past visitors.

"A newly opened water bungalow that represents very good value. The sea water is crystal clear and the room is clean and modern with a smart toilet, a detail I appreciated. Meals are served buffet style and were plentiful. The Chinese owner was attentive and personally responsible throughout our stay. Island hopping was easy to arrange directly from the resort."

Ching L., Hong Kong

"One of the better value overwater properties in Semporna. The sea water around the bungalow is very clear. The room is clean and has a smart toilet. Buffet meals were good and included without extra charge. The owner was helpful and communicated clearly throughout our stay. We booked island hopping from here and the trip was well-organized and rewarding."

Hao L., China

"A clean and comfortable new water bungalow with good facilities. The sea below is clear and beautiful. Smart toilet in the room is a welcome touch. Meals were buffet-style and satisfying throughout. The owner was present and genuinely helpful, even helped locate something we had left in the lobby. Island hopping was arranged easily and was very enjoyable."

Kah Wai T., Malaysia

"A new property that has clearly been set up with care. The room is clean and modern and the sea outside is crystal clear. Buffet meals were good quality and sufficient. The owner's attentive approach meant any questions or requests were handled quickly. Island hopping from the resort was a highlight. Good cost-effectiveness for a newer property in Semporna."

Yang H., China

"A good new overwater property with clean rooms, clear sea and attentive management. The smart toilet in the room was a modern touch not found at all resorts. Buffet meals were well-provided. Island hopping was easy to book directly from the resort. The owner was present and helpful throughout. A solid and comfortable base for exploring the Semporna area."

Sakura K., Japan

"We chose Sicily Hotel because it was new and the sea water in this area is very clear. The room was clean and well-equipped with a smart toilet. Buffet meals were included and gave good variety. The owner was responsible and attentive throughout our stay. Booking island hopping from the resort was straightforward. A comfortable and well-run new water bungalow."

Rachel S., United Kingdom