Experience life above the Celebes Sea in our three private water houses. Your stay includes all meals, beautiful ocean views and guided boat tours to the nearby marine park.
Check AvailabilityThe Resort
Perched on a sturdy wooden platform near Kampung Look Ibah, Adil Waterhouse Resort offers a genuine overwater living experience in Sabah. Our three guest rooms rest directly above the Celebes Sea. You can wake up to the gentle sounds of the ocean and step right out onto your private balcony for clear morning views.
We are perfectly positioned for exploring the 346 square kilometers of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Speedboats depart right from our jetty for daily island excursions. If you prefer staying close to home, our house reef provides fantastic snorkeling opportunities just steps from your door.
Your room rate includes a daily buffet featuring fresh seafood sourced directly from local fishermen. We maintain a small scale to focus on friendly hospitality instead of massive resort crowds. It is an ideal setting for couples or small groups seeking a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable lodging and immediate access to the surrounding islands.
Your Stay
We offer three air-conditioned overwater accommodations. Each space provides direct views of the Celebes Sea alongside a private balcony for your comfort.
A cozy overwater room featuring a unique slanted ceiling and beautiful sea views. Includes air conditioning, wooden paneling and a comfortable bed directly over the water.
A bright overwater room with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ocean views. Features air conditioning, warm wooden interiors and direct balcony access above the sea.
A spacious water house featuring two queen beds and a private balcony. Great for families or groups of four. Includes air conditioning and large sliding glass doors.
Reservations
Fill out the form below with your travel details. Our team will check availability and send you an email with a customized price quote.
LOCATION
Kampung Look Ibah, Semporna
Sabah, Malaysia
BOAT TRANSFER TIMES
Morning: Semporna to resort
Afternoon: Resort to Semporna
QUICK FACTS
Local Adventures
The waters around Semporna are part of the Coral Triangle, an area famous for its rich marine life. You can spend your days snorkeling right off our deck or taking full-day boat trips to nearby islands.
The Semporna islands sit inside the famous Coral Triangle. You can jump directly from our platform to explore the house reef or take a short boat ride to shallow island reefs. Turtles, reef sharks and colorful fish are common sights in these waters.
Semporna features famous dive sites accessible directly from our jetty. You can explore the coral walls of Tun Sakaran Marine Park or arrange a special day trip to Sipadan Island for a memorable underwater experience.
Take out one of our transparent kayaks for a clear view of the coral below. The sheltered waters near our property provide a calm environment for paddling. You can explore the mangrove edges or head toward the nearby sandbar during low tide.
Dozens of distinct islands dot the Semporna region. We organize daily speedboat tours to Tun Sakaran Marine Park as well as outer islands like Mabul, Mataking and Pom Pom. You can choose between half-day and full-day itineraries to suit your schedule.
Bohey Dulang features a 353-meter peak within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. A 45-minute hike takes you to the summit for a sweeping view of the lagoon. This high vantage point is a must-see for photographers visiting Sabah.
These outer islands require a slightly longer speedboat ride. Mataking features a healthy resident turtle population while Timba-Timba and Pom Pom provide excellent white sand beaches. We can organize a full-day circuit to visit all three locations.
This park covers 346 square kilometers and protects eight islands. It is also home to traditional Bajau Laut communities who live on the water. A day trip lets you snorkel the reefs and see the local water villages.
Mabul Island is famous for muck diving. The sandy shallows are full of rare macro life like frogfish and seahorses. Kapalai is a unique sandbar resort built on stilts, offering a relaxed vibe and great shallow reef exploration.
Sipadan is a protected marine sanctuary located 36 kilometers away. It frequently ranks among the best dive spots on earth. Because daily permits are restricted to 120 visitors, you must book well in advance to walk the white beaches and see the resident turtles.
Diving at Sipadan is an extraordinary adventure. Barracuda Point features a massive swirling school of bigeye barracuda. You can also explore Turtle Tomb, the Drop Off wall and Hanging Gardens for an incredible variety of marine life.
Guests staying four nights or longer can request a custom multi-day itinerary. A typical schedule includes Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Bohey Dulang, Mabul and Sipadan if permits are secured. We handle all transfers, meals and snorkeling gear to keep your vacation easy.
Food & Drink
Every stay includes three daily meals served buffet-style in our main dining space. Our menu highlights traditional Sabahan recipes and locally caught seafood. We purchase our fish fresh from local fishermen every day, meaning your meals will vary based on the latest catch.
Rice porridge, noodle soup, eggs, toast, local sweets, fresh fruit and hot beverages.
Buffet featuring fish and chicken curries, stir-fried greens, rice, sambal and fresh fruit.
Fresh seafood like grouper, snapper, squid and prawns served with rice and vegetables.
Complimentary water, coffee and tea all day. Soft drinks available for purchase.
Our kitchen blends Malaysian, Sabahan and Chinese cooking styles to create a varied menu. We offer vegetarian alternatives at every meal. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs when you book your room.
Travel Info
The closest commercial hub is Tawau Airport. You can fly in daily from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. Semporna town is located 85 kilometers from the airport.
You can take a taxi or pre-book a van from Tawau Airport to the Semporna jetty. The 85-kilometer drive takes about 90 minutes on a paved highway. Shared minibuses provide a cheaper alternative. Let us know if you need help arranging this transfer.
A quick speedboat ride connects Semporna town to our property. We will schedule a boat to meet you upon arrival. Please provide your flight and land transport details during booking so we can coordinate your pickup.
Testimonials
Highlights from past guest stays at Adil Waterhouse Resort.
The views from our room over the sea were better than we expected. The water is clear and calm, and sitting on the balcony at night listening to the waves while watching the stars was genuinely memorable. The room was spacious and the staff were attentive without being intrusive. A calming place for a couple who needed to get away from the city.
United States
Came with the kids and they loved every part of it. The zipline over the sea was a huge hit and the transparent kayak was something they had never tried before. All equipment was in good condition and the staff were patient and made sure the children were safe. The seafood dinner each evening was fresh and generous.
China
I traveled alone and was initially uncertain, but the staff were genuinely kind and looked out for me throughout. The resort has a quiet, unhurried vibe. I spent most evenings on the balcony watching the sea, and the snorkeling during the day was good. Simple but very satisfying for a solo trip.
Japan
Came with a group of friends and had a great time. The food was a real highlight with plenty of fresh seafood and everything cooked well. We tried snorkeling, the glass kayak and the zipline and they were all fun. The room was roomy and clean, and the staff were helpful throughout our stay.
Taiwan
The room had a nice view directly out over the sea and was clean and comfortable. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the sound of the water outside is constant in a good way. Good option in Semporna if you want something quieter without the big resort setup. The staff were friendly and responsive.
Malaysia
We chose this resort for a few nights and were happy with the decision. Staying over the water gives a very different feeling from land-based hotels. The sea view is lovely, the staff greeted us warmly on arrival, and the seafood dinner was fresh and flavorful. Simple accommodation done well.
China