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Royal Resort Semporna: A New Floating Resort & Mini Maldives In Sabah

Royal Resort Semporna


When we think of pristine beaches and sun-soaked holidays, what springs immediately to mind is the Maldives. But we don’t always have to budget in hefty flight costs and budget-stretching resorts when a slice of paradise can be found much closer to home.

Cue Royal Resort Semporna. This new floating resort has its rooms just steps away from the shores of Semporna, with bathtubs and a private balcony pool overlooking the sea. The second best part? It’s an all-inclusive resort, so you don’t have to plan your meals or activities.


A new floating resort in Sabah


View - Royal Resort SempornaImage credit: @ainhalis via Instagram

Joining the line-up of jaw-dropping floating resorts in Malaysia is the newly opened Royal Resort Semporna. Just an hour’s flight from KL, this resort is Malaysia’s answer to the Maldives.

Royal Resort Semporna - rooms
Image adapted from: @farahinain_ via Instagram

The only way to get to the uber-private resort is via a 15-minute scenic boat ride from Seafest Semporna Jetty. The resort is all-inclusive, with all boat transfers and meals – including breakfast, dinner buffet, and special high tea set – covered for each guest.

Departure to the resort is set at 2pm, with a dedicated team waiting to escort you to your accommodation at the jetty.

Royal Resort Semporna - beds
Image credit: Royal Resort Semporna via website

If you’re wondering just how privacy Royal Resort Semporna offers, there are just eight suites here. They all float over the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Semporna, so whether for family trips or romantic staycays with bae, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mini “Maldives”.

Royal Resort Semporna - ocean views
Image credit: Royal Resort Semporna via website


Suites at Royal Resort Semporna


Royal Resort Semporna has three room types: Suite Ocean & Sunset View, Suite Ocean View, and Family Suite. Your pick of accommodation will likely depend on the size of your group, and whether you want to get a sunset view from the privacy of your room.

Royal Resort Semporna - family suite
The Family Suite comes with two king-sized beds.

Image credit: Royal Resort Semporna via website

After all, each suite boasts a view of the ocean and direct access to it from a private balcony – every guest will get to unwind by marvelling at the azure waters or by snorkelling and swimming.

Other shared perks include a private pool and seating net, and complimentary snorkelling equipment.

Outdoor - Royal Resort Semporna
Image credit: Royal Resort Semporna via website 

When it comes to the interior of the suites, a stay here will be pure luxury.

Guests can revel in a spacious, air-conditioned room, with high ceilings and minimal yet tasteful furnishing. To make the most of the resort’s surroundings, plush beds face the ocean, with large windows allowing natural light to flood the space.

Bathtub - Royal Resort Semporna
Image credit: Royal Resort Semporna via website

In the bathroom, a bathtub with an outdoor view is another spot to recharge at.

Royal Resort Semporna - meals
Image credit: @pijaminaz via Instagram

As for prices, a night’s stay starts from RM599/pax for the Family Suite, which requires a minimum of two guests, and from RM789/pax for the Ocean View and Ocean & Sunset View suites, with a minimum of four guests.


Go on a Maldives-holiday at Royal Resort Semporna


The sound of the lapping ocean and its breathtaking beauty guarantees a retreat that will soothe your soul. If you’re eyeing a beach getaway in your future, look no further than this new floating resort in Sabah that’ll save you the hassle of long trips and the expense of a far-flung travel.

Address: GMF2+CJ, Semporna, Sabah
Opening hours: 2pm-2.30pm (Check-in) | 11am (Check-out)
Contact: Royal Resort Semporna’s website | Instagram

For more beach getaways, check out Coconest in Langkawi and these 6 beach resorts in Johor.


Cover image adapted from: @farahinain_ via Instagram, Royal Resort Semporna via website, Royal Resort Semporna via website