Pom Pom Island Resort is located on Pom Pom Island, a small private island off the coast of Semporna, in the east of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The island sits within the Celebes Sea, an area known for clear waters, coral reefs, and relatively untouched marine life. From Semporna town, the journey to the island typically involves a boat transfer that takes just under one hour, depending on sea conditions.
As a Sabah-based tour operator, we understand that travellers visiting this part of Borneo are usually looking for a balance between comfort, nature, and a slower pace of travel. Pom Pom Island Resort is well suited to this expectation. It is not a large commercial resort, and it does not try to compete with high-density island destinations. Instead, it focuses on privacy, simplicity, and close access to the surrounding marine environment.
The island itself is small enough to walk around, with soft white sand beaches, shallow lagoons, and reef areas close to shore. There are no villages or public facilities on Pom Pom Island. Guests staying at the resort are effectively staying on a private island, which creates a quiet and contained environment throughout the visit.
Pom Pom Island is part of the Semporna island cluster, an area internationally recognised for marine biodiversity. The waters around the island are home to coral reefs, reef fish, turtles, and occasional larger pelagic species. The island also plays a role in sea turtle conservation, with nesting sites monitored and protected by the resort in cooperation with conservation partners.
The natural setting is one of the island’s main strengths. There is no urban development, no traffic noise, and no nightlife outside the resort. Electricity, water, and waste management are all handled internally. This creates a sense of separation from the mainland, which many guests appreciate after spending time in cities or busy travel hubs.
Weather conditions in Semporna are generally warm year-round. Sea conditions are usually calm, especially during the main travel season. While rain can occur at any time, it is often brief and does not usually affect overall travel plans.
Pom Pom Island Resort offers accommodation designed to blend into the island environment while still providing comfort and privacy. The villas are built using natural materials and are spaced to maintain a quiet atmosphere.
Beach Villas are located directly along the shoreline, with easy access to the beach and clear views of the sea. These villas are suitable for guests who enjoy stepping straight onto sand from their accommodation. They are commonly chosen by couples and families who prefer staying closer to the beach and resort facilities.
Each Beach Villa typically includes:
The design is practical rather than luxurious, with an emphasis on ventilation, space, and comfort suited to a tropical island environment.
Water Villas are built on stilts over the shallow lagoon surrounding the island. These villas provide direct access to the sea and unobstructed ocean views. Guests staying in Water Villas often value the privacy and the experience of staying above water, especially for sunrise and sunset views.
Water Villas usually include:
These villas are popular with honeymooners and couples seeking a quieter experience.
Pom Pom Island Resort operates on a full-board basis, with meals served at the main restaurant. The dining experience is simple and practical, focusing on fresh ingredients and a mix of local and international dishes.
Meals are typically served buffet-style or as set menus, depending on occupancy levels. Guests can expect:
Dining schedules are fixed, as the island operates independently from mainland supply chains. This helps ensure smooth operations and consistent service.
The resort facilities are designed to support a comfortable stay without overdevelopment. These include:
There are no shopping outlets or entertainment venues on the island. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the natural surroundings and planned activities.
Activities on Pom Pom Island are centred around the sea and the island’s natural environment. The pace is relaxed, and participation is optional.
Snorkelling is one of the most accessible activities on the island. Coral reefs are located close to shore, allowing guests to snorkel directly from the beach or jetty. Equipment is usually available through the resort, and guided sessions can be arranged.
Marine life commonly seen includes reef fish, corals, and sea turtles.
The island is well positioned for diving in the Semporna region. The on-site dive centre arranges dive trips to nearby dive sites suitable for both certified divers and beginners. Courses and guided dives are available, subject to weather and availability.
Kayaks are available for guests who want to explore the lagoon at a slower pace. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels and provides a different perspective of the island.
Pom Pom Island is an active turtle nesting site. Depending on the season, guests may have the opportunity to observe conservation activities, including hatchling releases. These activities are managed responsibly and depend on natural nesting cycles. This activity is currently on hold by Pom Pom Island Resort until further notice.
Many guests choose Pom Pom Island specifically for rest. Walking around the island, reading by the beach, and enjoying quiet evenings are a significant part of the experience.
In addition, guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, football with resort staff, bicycling or running along the jogging track, island trekking at Bohaydulong Island, snorkelling, and relaxed leisure time indoors with board games, a pool table, and the bar area. In the evening, guests may also visit the Dive Desk to learn more about marine life and plan activities for the next day.
Staying on Pom Pom Island is about simplicity and environment rather than luxury or entertainment. There is limited mobile coverage and internet access, which many guests consider a positive aspect of the stay. Evenings are quiet, with natural sounds and minimal artificial lighting.
This experience suits:
It may not be suitable for travellers seeking nightlife, shopping, or constant activity options.
As a Sabah-based travel company, we offer a Pom Pom Island Resort package designed for travellers who prefer a smooth and well-managed island experience.
Our Pom Pom Island package focuses on non-divers and leisure travellers who want to enjoy the island without managing multiple bookings independently. The package is structured to reduce uncertainty and provide clear inclusions from arrival to departure.
What the Package Typically Includes:
By arranging your stay through Remarkable Borneo, you will benefit from local coordination in Sabah, clear communication, and practical travel planning. We work closely with local operators and understand the logistics involved in reaching island resorts in Semporna.
This package is particularly suitable for:
You can view detailed package information through our official listing for Pom Pom Island Resort.
Travel typically starts with a flight into Tawau Airport. From Tawau, guests travel by road to Semporna town, followed by a scheduled boat transfer to Pom Pom Island. Transfers are coordinated based on resort schedules and sea conditions.
Our team assists with timing and coordination to ensure a smooth connection, especially for guests arriving on the same day.
Pom Pom Island Resort offers a quiet and well-contained island experience in Semporna, Sabah. It is a destination that prioritises environment, marine life, and rest over entertainment and commercial development. For travellers who understand and value this balance, the resort provides a rewarding and memorable stay.
By choosing the Pom Pom Island package through Remarkable Borneo, guests gain the advantage of local knowledge, structured planning, and reliable support from a Sabah-based team that understands both the destination and traveller expectations.
Tell us what kind of adventure you’re looking for. From mountain climbs and island escapes to wildlife and cultural tours. We’ll customize it just for you!
Need help? Call our tour experts at 019-5491400
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
