Pearl Island Resort
A private overwater retreat set on an exclusive Semporna island
A private overwater retreat set on an exclusive Semporna island
As the sole property on this island within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park boundaries, our retreat guarantees absolute privacy. Guests experience a level of isolation rarely found throughout Sabah since there are no other tourists sharing the grounds.
You will enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree sightlines of the Celebes Sea. Jumping right off the main pier drops you instantly into thriving coral reefs. Swimmers often spot sea turtles alongside colorful reef fish just a few steps from land. The surrounding waters remain calm all day long, making them perfect for relaxed kayaking sessions.
Our team handles all your logistical needs. We manage your initial speedboat journey as well as any daily trips around the archipelago so you can simply relax. Each spacious room is outitted with premium amenities while providing clear ocean views.
Guests stay in our signature Standard Executive Chalet. These spacious living quarters feature rich wood accents alongside sweeping ocean vistas. You get a private balcony directly over the water. Inside, authentic Sabahan timber design meets premium modern amenities for a highly comfortable stay.
This large wooden retreat sits directly above the ocean waves. Huge glass doors fold back to reveal endless horizon lines. Inside, you will find two comfortable beds along with full climate control. Step outside onto the private deck to relax on wooden loungers. The layout also includes a massive bathroom equipped with a deep soaking tub.
Our location puts you directly inside Southeast Asia's richest marine ecosystem. You can easily snorkel straight from our main jetty to see incredible underwater life. Kayaking around the shoreline is another popular daily choice. We also manage off-island trips for our guests. You can easily visit famous spots like Tun Sakaran Marine Park or the legendary Sipadan drop-off.
Jump right into crystal-clear waters from our dock. You will immediately find massive coral formations surrounded by tropical fish species alongside frequent sea turtle sightings.
Hop on a speedboat to reach world-famous drop-offs. We facilitate incredible underwater trips to nearby marine parks as well as legendary sites like Sipadan.
Take a quiet paddle around our private shores. The wind and waves remain very mild here, making it safe for anyone to explore the surrounding ocean.
The surrounding archipelago features countless white sand destinations. We run daily boat trips heading out to Mataking, Pom Pom alongside the famous Tun Sakaran viewpoints.
The waters of Semporna hold top-tier diving spots along with massive coral reefs. Our staff coordinates every aspect of your boat trips. You will travel in small groups accompanied by experienced local guides for maximum safety.
Ride a speedboat to this massive volcanic formation located right inside the marine park. Your guide will lead you up a jungle path until you reach an incredible observation deck overlooking the entire archipelago. The upward trek takes a bit of effort yet most guests complete the round trip within two hours. We cover all your park fees alongside the boat transport.
Head far from the crowds by visiting these pristine outer sandbars. Mataking provides incredibly soft white sand dropping into shallow, easy-to-navigate reefs. The nearby stops at Timba-Timba along with Pom Pom provide completely different marine environments to explore. This full-day itinerary lets you experience three unique spots while traveling comfortably in our private boats.
Explore a massive protected zone featuring famous spots like Sibuan and Bodgaya. Dropping into these waters reveals huge schools of fish hiding among completely untouched coral structures. You will also pass through thick mangrove forests while observing local Bajau Laut wooden homes built over the sea. Our team handles your necessary permits prior to departure.
Discover weird and wonderful macro sea life just beneath the surface at Mabul. This island also hosts vibrant local fishing communities living right over the waves. Nearby, the famous Kapalai sandbar offers rare sightings of tiny sea creatures like seahorses or ghost pipefish. We can easily merge both of these locations into a single exciting day out on the ocean.
Divers travel from across the globe to see this legendary vertical wall plunging 600 meters down into the abyss. Because it functions as a highly protected reserve, the government severely restricts daily access. Current regulations allow a maximum of three dives per person during each visit. We help certified guests secure these rare permits while organizing early morning transport to sites including:
Hardcore scuba enthusiasts can book extended itineraries designed specifically around visiting this famous drop-off multiple times. We bundle your luxury room together with guaranteed boat seats alongside premium gear rentals. Because park access is so tightly controlled, you must confirm these arrangements months ahead of time. We work directly with top-rated local dive centers to ensure a safe experience.
Travelers wishing to see every corner of the archipelago can request customized weekly schedules. You might spend time snorkeling various remote reefs before switching locations completely. We tailor these journeys for adventurous families looking to maximize their time off the grid. Every boat ride is planned perfectly to prevent any wasted holiday time.
Your booking features full board dining via our extensive daily buffets. Our chefs blend authentic Borneo recipes with familiar Western favorites. We source our fish straight from local fishermen to ensure absolute freshness. Every plate is enjoyed in our open-air restaurant featuring fantastic ocean panoramas.
Wake up to sweet local fruits alongside warm baked goods. We also prepare fresh eggs to your liking alongside traditional hearty morning meals.
Midday spreads feature an array of crisp salads paired with hot noodle dishes. Expect plenty of ocean catch cooked using classic Malaysian spices.
Evenings bring out premium grilled fish plates alongside savory pasta creations. Finish your night with handmade sweet treats under the stars.
We gladly adjust menus for specific allergies. Please inform our staff about any food restrictions when you finalize your reservation.
Visitors must fly into Tawau Airport (TWU) to reach the eastern coast. Major domestic hubs like Kuala Lumpur provide daily direct connections here. The trip from the capital takes roughly two and a half hours in the air.
Once you grab your luggage, a quick one-hour drive separates the runway from the main harbor town. You can easily hire a taxi right outside the terminal doors. Our reservation staff will happily help you secure a trusted private driver if needed.
The final leg of your journey involves a fun 45-minute boat run across the ocean. You will zip past sea gypsy villages before seeing our private dock appear on the horizon. Since you will be riding in an open vessel, we recommend keeping electronics sealed away from sea spray. We share exact boarding times immediately after your payment clears.
The only resort on Pearl Island which means you have the whole place to yourselves. The snorkeling off the island was excellent and the views are magnificent from every angle. After booking, the resort emailed clear instructions for the boat dock which made the whole arrival smooth and stress-free. A beautifully organized and peaceful island escape.
Came during off-season and had the resort almost entirely to ourselves. The sea views around the island are beautiful and the snorkeling is very good close to shore. The resort was well-organized from the booking process through to the boat transfer. A genuinely peaceful and remote island experience that I would recommend to couples and small groups.
A rare experience — a whole island resort with few other guests. The snorkeling was excellent with clear water and good marine life diversity. The resort communicated all transfer details clearly after booking, making the logistics easy. The setting is magnificent and the atmosphere is calm throughout. A wonderful island getaway.
Pearl Island Resort stands out because it is the only accommodation on the island. This gives the whole stay a sense of exclusivity that is hard to find elsewhere in Semporna. The snorkeling was very good and the sea views are exceptional in all directions. Everything was well-organized and the team were helpful throughout. An excellent choice.
A beautiful island resort with outstanding snorkeling and magnificent views. The resort handled the logistics well — boat dock details came by email and the transfer was smooth. The island setting is peaceful and very different from the overwater village style resorts. The whole experience felt genuinely remote and special. I am glad we found this place.
Stayed as a couple and the island felt like it was entirely ours. The snorkeling off the shoreline was excellent. The resort communicated all the important details after booking and the arrival went smoothly. Sea views from the property are beautiful throughout the day. A well-run and genuinely peaceful island resort in the Semporna area.
