Our Story
Positioned near Bum Bum Island outside Semporna, our intimate overwater property offers direct access to the protected waters of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Because we maintain only a select number of rooms, we provide highly personalized care for every couple along with traveling families. The owner manages daily operations personally while speaking fluent Mandarin to ensure communication is easy.
Each evening features a fresh seafood dinner prepared directly by the owner. Mornings start with regional specialties like fried cassava. Our property avoids the busy crowds of large-scale hotels to focus on a peaceful environment where you can relax deeply. You can often watch sea turtles swimming freely right beneath your deck.
Accommodations
Choose between two distinct accommodations designed with fully transparent walls. These air-conditioned spaces float directly above the ocean to provide unbroken views of the horizon as well as the stars.
A clear bubble dome room set directly over the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling walls offer 360-degree views of the Celebes Sea alongside an open sky above. An illuminated whale headboard adds a soft evening glow. Complete with an en-suite bathroom and modern fixtures.
This twin dome room comfortably fits small families with two queen beds inside a clear enclosure. Enjoy wrap-around sea views, a private overwater balcony, along with a full en-suite bathroom. Perfect for guests seeking a shared overwater experience.
Contact Us
Please submit your travel details below. Our reservation team will respond via email shortly with current availability and a comprehensive quote for your stay.
Location
Near Bum Bum Island, Semporna
Sabah, Malaysia
Boat Transfers
Semporna to Resort: Morning along with Afternoon departures
Resort to Semporna: Morning departures
Please contact us to confirm your specific transfer times.
Quick Facts
Excursions
The surrounding Semporna region is rich with natural beauty. You will find hidden sandbars, exceptional diving locations, jungle trails, alongside thriving coral reefs. You can reach all these destinations easily by speedboat directly from our private dock.
Local reefs near our property attract frequent visits from sea turtles. We arrange guided snorkeling excursions to the finest underwater locations across the archipelago.
Navigate the peaceful morning channels around the property in a kayak. This is a wonderful way to view the traditional water villages before daily boat traffic begins.
Explore over 50 dive sites within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. These waters host dense schools of reef fish, manta rays, plus occasional whale sharks. We offer packages for both beginners as well as certified divers.
Join half-day or full-day boat trips to untouched white-sand beaches. Destinations include Sibuan, Maiga, Mantabuan, plus other picturesque islands within the marine park boundaries.
A 40-minute hike up a forested trail leads you to the 353-meter summit of Bohey Dulang. The peak provides an unforgettable panoramic view over the turquoise lagoon below.
Mataking features beautiful shallow coral gardens perfect for underwater exploration. Nearby, Timba-Timba reveals a pristine sandbar during low tide. These two locations combine perfectly for an easy morning excursion.
Spanning 346 square kilometers, this protected marine zone contains several beautiful islands like Sibuan as well as Maiga. Visitors can spend the day resting on pristine beaches or swimming over protected reefs.
Mabul is famous for exceptional muck diving opportunities. Nearby, Kapalai rests on a sandbar offering incredible macro photography chances. These sites host rare marine life rarely seen elsewhere.
You can visit the famous Sipadan Island on a dedicated day trip. Because Sabah Parks heavily limits daily entry, advance permits are strictly required. You will dive legendary spots like Barracuda Point alongside the dramatic Drop-Off.
We organize multi-day Sipadan packages tailored for certified divers. We handle all permit arrangements while pairing you with a certified divemaster for every descent. We work directly with trusted Semporna dive operators.
Build a custom itinerary covering the best local highlights. Typical journeys combine Bohey Dulang, Mabul, the marine park, plus scheduled days diving at Sipadan. Our team will tailor the schedule around your preferences.
Local Cuisine
Dining here is an intimate experience with all daily meals included in your stay. The owner cooks dinner every evening using fresh catches from local fishermen. Our kitchen focuses on authentic Sabahan recipes alongside Malaysian Chinese favorites. We gladly prepare vegetarian alternatives upon request. Please share your dietary needs when reserving your stay.
Regional breakfast choices including fried cassava, fresh fruit, alongside hot drinks
Freshly caught seafood paired with local Sabahan specialties
Owner-prepared evening service featuring Malaysian Chinese dishes
Soft drinks plus bottled water are available. We maintain a halal environment
Arrival Guide
Tawau Airport (TWU) serves as the primary gateway to the region. Travelers can easily find daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Kota Kinabalu (BKI). A flight from Kota Kinabalu takes roughly 45 minutes. We provide dependable shuttle services to handle the 85-kilometer drive from the airport straight to the Semporna jetty.
The overland journey from Tawau takes about 90 to 120 minutes by private car or shuttle van. The route winds through palm plantations before reaching the harbor. We manage these transfers directly for your convenience.
A brief speedboat ride transports you from the main jetty directly to our overwater property. The journey glides past traditional stilted villages out toward the marine park. We will confirm exact departure times prior to your arrival based on daily tides.
Guest Experiences
Highlights from past stays at Turtle Garden Resort.
"Only 5 rooms and the owner treats every guest like a personal friend. He speaks fluent Mandarin which made everything easy. The seafood dinner he prepared personally was genuinely delicious. Fried cassava for breakfast is a simple but wonderful touch. The environment is beautiful and the atmosphere is quiet and unhurried throughout. A place we will remember warmly."
"A beautifully calm resort with a small number of rooms and an owner who makes everything feel effortless. The seafood he cooks himself is excellent. Breakfast featuring fried cassava was a pleasant daily ritual. The environment is beautiful and far from the noise of town. The owner speaks fluent Mandarin and is always helpful. A great family choice."
"A quiet and personal resort experience. With only 5 rooms the atmosphere is very intimate and the owner has time to look after every guest properly. Seafood dinner prepared by the owner himself was a real treat. The fried cassava at breakfast is delicious. The setting is beautiful and peaceful. A place worth finding on a Semporna trip."
A completely transparent bubble dome room positioned above the water. Floor-to-ceiling walls deliver uninterrupted panoramic views of the Celebes Sea alongside the sky above. An illuminated whale headboard adds personality to the space at night. The room features one king bed paired with an en-suite bathroom containing modern fixtures. Fall asleep beneath the open stars.
This twin room offers two queen beds inside a clear bubble dome. It is highly suitable for friends or small families seeking an overwater experience. Transparent walls provide consistent sea views. The room includes a private overwater balcony as well as a full en-suite bathroom. The dome ceiling opens the sky above for excellent stargazing.