Floating resorts in Malaysia
Malaysia is home to many beautiful islands and beaches that are ideal travel destinations for both locals and tourists alike. Even so, some of us have long admired island nations like the Maldives that boast renowned floating resorts with picture-perfect sea views and diving experiences.
If you think there’s no closer match to that elsewhere in the world, think again. There are some amazing places in our own country that you can visit for a trip to the ‘Maldives’ without a passport and minus the lavish spending.
Here, we’ve rounded up 11 floating resorts in Malaysia that you should visit for spectacular sea views while you immerse yourself in a relaxing vacation.
Table of Contents
- Floating resorts in Malaysia
- 1. Nusakuya Resort, Sabah
- 2. Lankayan Island Dive Resort, Sabah
- 3. Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor
- 4. Avillion Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
- 5. Pom Pom Island Dive Resort, Sabah
- 6. Mabul Water Bungalows, Sabah
- 7. Sipadan Water Village, Sabah
- 8. Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort, Kedah
- 9. Kenyir Eco Resort, Terengganu
- 10. Gayana Marine Resort, Sabah
- 11. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Sabah
- Floating resorts in Malaysia
1. Nusakuya Resort, Sabah
Image credit: Nusakuya Resort via Facebook
Semporna is home to countless beautiful islands in Sabah that have gained international reputation for its diving sites. Amid the famous islands with floating resorts is a secluded floating resort off the coast of Semporna called Nusakuya Resort.
Image credit: @lalavelouette via Instagram
This small resort in the middle of the sea is a great place to enjoy crystal clear blue waters and the natural sea breeze of East Malaysia.
Image credit: @yahya_ajid via Instagram
Don’t underestimate the resort by its smaller size, because the fully air-conditioned rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TVs, and even a private deck with stairways that lead directly to the sea.
Image credit: Nusakuya Resort via Facebook
The resort offers an all-in stay package for guests that includes three meals a day, boat transfers to and from Semporna jetty, as well as rental snorkelling equipment – so all you’ll have to worry about is packing your bags and making your way here.
Guests can also choose to try out transparent kayaking, scuba diving, and island hopping for an additional fee.
Price: From RM900 per night
Address: Kg Tundun Bum-Bum Lot No 20-031204014 Peti Surat 852, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Contact: 014-224 4513 | Nusakuya Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Lankayan Island Dive Resort, Sabah
Image credit: Lankayan Island Dive Resort via Google Maps
Lankayan Island Dive Resort is a luxury dive resort with floating water chalets set on a small island in the Sulu Sea in Sabah. It takes a 1.5-hour boat ride from the north of Sandakan to get here.
Image credit: Lankayan Island Dive Resort via Google Maps
This resort is famous for its pristine island ecosystem, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters for visitors to dive and discover corals, colourful small fish, sting rays, turtles, and many other marine life.
Image credit: Alfies Lu via Google Maps
The floating resort has 23 waterfront wooden chalets. Some of the facilities in the rooms include hot baths, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, and freshwater from the mainland.
Image credit: @tang_matters via Instagram
There’s also a common TV room, a sunset bar for evening barbecue gatherings, and a gift shop that sells souvenirs such as postcards and T-shirts along with essential items.
Price: From RM2,200 per night
Address: Lankayan Island Dive Resort, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Contact: 089-673 999 | Lankayan Island Dive Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor
Image credit: Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort via Google Maps
Compared to popular beach destinations like Port Dickson and Sabah, Selangor may not be a top pick for beach resorts – let alone island hopping excursions. But that shouldn’t hinder you from considering the state for possible seaside staycays, because it’s proudly home to a 5-star floating hotel that’s just 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Image credit: Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort via Google Maps
Called Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, this floating resort in Bagan Lalang, Selangor, is a massive resort comprising 315 Polynesia-inspired overwater villas in a private beachfront location.
There are four different types of rooms to choose from, each accommodating different group sizes.
Image credit: Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort via Google Maps
One of the resort’s highlights is its various facilities that guarantee a comfortable stay.
Besides enjoying the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the resort, there are five food and beverage outlets, two bars, and a lounge – which will give you ample food and drink options whenever you start to feel peckish on your vacation.
There’s also an infinity pool with wooden sundecks to lounge on and relish the seaside scenery.
Price: From RM500 per night
Address: 67 Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang, Kg Bagan Lalang, Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor
Contact: 03-3182 3600 | Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Avillion Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Image credit: Nordin Ahmat via Google Maps
Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan is arguably one of the most well-known vacation spots in Peninsular Malaysia. Apart from the popular Lexis Hibiscus, the coastal town also has another floating resort that offers spectacular sea views of the Straits of Malacca – Avillion Port Dickson.
Image credit: KH Lee via Google Maps
This 5-star beach resort spans 23 acres of coastal area, and is home to 258 beautifully-designed rooms, chalets, and villas that are ideal for couples and families looking for a staycay spot under 2 hours from KL.
This resort was built in the style of an Old World Malay fishing village, combined with modern facilities. The water chalets here feature private balconies with partial to full sea views, and open-sky bathrooms with bathtubs and rain showers.
Image credit: Shern Yang Tan via Google Maps
Selected rooms are also equipped with a mini kitchen with a microwave, coffee machine, and refrigerator, in case you need extra amenities during your stay. Despite being a 5-star hotel, you can grab room deals for as low as RM250, making it a viable option for budget travellers too.
Image adapted from: @laipoh via Instagram
Price: From RM250 per night
Address: 3rd Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Contact: 06-647 6688 | Avillion Port Dickson’s website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Pom Pom Island Dive Resort, Sabah
Image credit: Klook
Sabah’s reputation as a popular diving and island-hopping destination in Malaysia is made possible by another floating resort located on Pom Pom Island in Semporna – Pom Pom Island Dive Resort.
This resort is a perfect place for romantic getaways, as villas here are specially designed to accommodate two individuals. But if you’re planning to bring the fam bam along, extra beds are available upon request.
Choose between beach, garden, or water villas, with rates starting from RM600 per night.
All your meals will be covered, with full board meals included in a night’s stay. The rates also cover land transfer between Tawau Airport and Semporna Jetty, and sea transfer between Semporna Jetty and the Pom Pom Island Resort.
Image credit: Hotelbeds
For the price paid, you’ll get to spend a night in fully air-conditioned rooms equipped with an attached bathroom with hot showers, among other facilities that ensure maximum comfort for visitors.
The Water Villas are highly recommended, as you’ll have panoramic views of the sea right from your room. Each villa is also equipped with a pair of sun beds and a bathtub.
Image credit: @vivsteviv via Instagram
If you’re a sea lover, you can try out diving, swimming, and snorkelling – all made possible thanks to the unpolluted sea waters. Those skipping out on water-related activities can opt to play beach volleyball, embark on adventurous island trekking, or even go cycling on the island.
Price: From RM600 per night
Address: Jalan Causeway, 91307 Semporna, Sabah
Contact: 089-781 918 | Pom Pom Island Dive Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Mabul Water Bungalows, Sabah
Image credit: Mabul Island
Mabul Island is one of many beautiful Islands in Sabah that’s famous for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. One such resort is Mabul Water Bungalows, a 4-star floating hotel located just 15 minutes away by speedboat from Sipadan Island.
Image credit: Mabul Water Bungalows
This floating resort offers top class services, with three types of wooden overwater bungalows, namely the Water Villa, Bougain Villa, and Royal Villa suite.
Each bungalow is fully air-conditioned, and equipped with a private bathroom with hot and cold shower, TV, mini bar, in-room safety box, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms also feature spacious private balconies that lets guests soak up panoramic views of the blue sea from their beds.
Image credit: Mabul Water Bungalows
Other facilities in the resort include a restaurant that serves local and Western cuisines, souvenir shop, dive centre, and health spa outlet. Visitors at the resort also have access to diving during their stay to explore the majestic marine ecosystem surrounding the island.
Price: From RM2,000 per night
Address: Mabul Island, 91031 Mabul, Sabah
Contact: 088-230 006 | Mabul Water Bungalows’ website
7. Sipadan Water Village, Sabah
Image credit: Sipadan Water Village via Google Maps
Sipadan Water Village is another floating resort on Mabul Island, located just a stone’s throw from Mabul Water Bungalows. As one of the top-class diving spots in Sabah, Sipadan Water Village is perfect for travellers prioritising diving while on vacation.
Image credit: Yaseelan 13 via Google Maps
The 45 floating water chalets at the resort are built in a traditional style of Bajau architecture, and come with varying levels of luxury and comfort – from junior chalets to grand deluxe rooms. All rooms have private sundecks, ceiling fans, mini-bar, sofa, wardrobes, and hair dryers.
Image credit: Nieta J via Google Maps
Another interesting point about this resort is that it offers babysitting services. So, just in case you’re travelling with your little ones but want to try out adventurous activities such as diving or snorkelling, you can leave them with the friendly babysitters to complete your mission.
Price: From RM3,000 per night
Address: Mabul Island, 91031 Mabul, Sabah
Contact: 089-751 777 | Sipadan Water Village’s website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort, Kedah
Image credit: Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort via Google Maps
If you’ve been eyeing floating resorts for your next staycay but are sticking to a budget, Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort may be the best choice for you. This affordable beachfront resort situated in Langkawi, near Langkawi International Airport, is about 10km away from Mahsuri Mausoleum.
Image credit: Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort
Room rates here start from as low as RM150 per night, making it one of the most affordable overwater resorts in Malaysia. Despite being a budget-friendly spot, the resort features various facilities such as a garden, fitness centre, bar, and two outdoor swimming pools for hotel guests.
Image credit: Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort
All rooms have a balcony, TV with satellite channels, kitchenette, dining area, private bathroom, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The overwater rooms also boast spectacular sea views, perfect for water lovers who want to wake up to a view and fresh air from the sea.
Price: From RM150 per night
Address: Lot 78, Jalan Kuala Muda, Kampung Padang Mat Sirat, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah
Contact: 04-953 3750 | Langkawi Lagoon Beach Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Kenyir Eco Resort, Terengganu
Image credit: Kenyir Eco Resort
Apart from the eight floating resorts listed above, travellers should also check out Kenyir Eco Resort on Kenyir Lake in Terengganu. Unlike the ones on the sea, this lake resort is an alternative option for those who want to experience a vacation above water without burning a hole in their pockets.
Image credit: Kenyir Eco Resort
There are lots of activities to check out during your stay, such as visiting an orchid farm and the Butterfly and Herbal Islands. Else, opt for laidback activities such as chilling in the Saok Waterfall, or fishing and sightseeing around Kenyir Lake.
Expect to soak up fantastic mountain views and the natural beauty of the rainforest that surrounds the lake while you’re here.
Image adapted from: Kenyir Eco Resort
Rooms start from RM300 per night for Malaysians, and is inclusive of air conditioning, a shower room, towels, and toiletries. For Non-Malaysians, there’s a 10% surcharge on the room rates. There are standard quad sharing rooms and standard six to eight sharing rooms to choose from too.
Price: From RM300 per night
Address: Jalan Pengkalan Utama, Tasik Kenyir, 21700 Kuala Berang, Terengganu
Contact: 019-280 4877 | Kenyir Eco Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Gayana Marine Resort, Sabah
Image credit: @fb_dronegraphy via Instagram
Nestled on Gaya Island, Gaya Marine Resort is an ultra-luxe spot that strikes a balance between ecology and indulgent luxury. It boasts 45 floating tropical villas, each designed to make the most of the views of the aquamarine sea and mangrove forest, and the lulling sounds of the surf beneath the villa.
Image credit: @gayanamarineresort via Instagram
The most sought-after Ocean Villa offers uninhibited views of the azure waters of the South China Sea. Plus, there’s also a private balcony with stairs that lead you straight into the sea.
Image credit: @nicholasbek via Instagram
A stay here is priced at RM1,200, inclusive of breakfast for two.
Price: From RM1,200/night
Address: Malohom Bay Pulau Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 088-380 390 | Gayana Marine Resort’s website | Instagram
11. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Sabah
Image credit: @sipadankapalaidiveresort via Instagram
Just a short boat ride from Sabah’s renowned Sipadan and Mabul islands, the well-known Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort features a vast, pristine sandbank stretching over a mile, surrounded by crystalline waters – you’ll be pretty much vacaying at this overwater resort without a glimpse of land in sight.
Image credit: @shubz19 via Instagram
The rates for rooms here start at a slightly pricier RM2,300/night, depending on your choice of villa. But each villa features a balcony complete with a hammock, allowing guests to relax and soak up the captivating surrounding in privacy. The facilities here are worth checking out too – there’s a Sunset Island that features loungers set on overwater piers.
Image credit: @shanana17 via Instagram
Another way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery is through kayaking in clear boats or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Price: From RM2,300/night
Address: Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Contact: 088-238113 | Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort’s website | Instagram
Floating resorts in Malaysia
From Langkawi to Sabah, Malaysia is certainly a viable option for travellers looking to stay at a floating resort to get a feel of the Maldives without having to break the bank or travel too far. Visiting these places is also a great way for us to show our appreciation towards local tourism, and the coastal communities that depend on them for a living.
For more staycay recommendations in Malaysia, check out these 7 resorts with oversea vibes and these 10 mountain resorts.
Cover image adapted from: @shubz19 via Instagram, Sipadan Water Village via Google Maps, Lankayan Island Dive Resort via Google Maps, @lalavelouette via Instagram
This article was first published on 25th August 2022, and updated by Yusintha on 23rd November 2023.