Simple overwater chalets for straightforward island relaxation in Semporna.
THE RESORT
This budget property stands above the shallow water of the Celebes Sea in Kampung Tampi-Tampi near Scuba Tiger. Guests stay in basic stilt wooden rooms positioned directly over the sea. The location is open to day visitors as well as overnight stays. It features a netted ocean enclosure for swimming, which makes it safe for families traveling with children. The day entry fee is RM2 per person. Basic open-air showers and shared changing facilities are available on site. Parents need to watch their kids because high tide water levels can exceed 7 feet.
An informal on-site restaurant operates alongside local food stalls that serve beverages and fried snacks. Guests can purchase meals here or bring along their own food. This casual venue also serves as an affordable option for local weddings or family gatherings. Speedboats depart from the property to access the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. The park covers 346 square kilometers of protected marine habitat across 8 islands inside the diverse Coral Triangle ecosystem.
The wider Semporna region is a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sipadan Island remains globally recognized for its exceptional reef encounters. For travelers hoping to visit more spots, our front desk helps arrange simple day excursions and multi-island trips to Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking or the scenic volcanic trail on Bohey Dulang.
ACCOMMODATION
Basic overwater rooms built above shallow sea flats with simple private balconies facing the water.
Simple overwater room featuring sea views and a private balcony over the water. The resort offers practical lodging within reach of the reef ecosystems and islands inside Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
MAKE A BOOKING
Submit your travel details and room preferences below. We respond within 24 hours.
CULINARY
The main dining pavilion cooks casual regional dishes every day. The cooks prepare straightforward meals blending Sabahan, Malaysian, Chinese and basic Western entry-level cooking using daily ingredients from local markets.
Eggs cooked to order, toast, cereal selection and seasonal fruits. Traditional rice porridge and simple hot items are provided.
Steamed rice, classic curries, wok vegetables and noodle stir-fries. Basic regional recipes prepared daily.
Family-style selection with local, Chinese and simple Western favorites. Barbecue items can be organized with prior notice.
Drinking water supplied. Aerated beverages, commercial coffee and tea available at a surcharge. Beer options available at a surcharge.
Meat-free options are provided at every sitting. Please state any food intolerances or requests during your booking process.
OCEAN ADVENTURES
Semporna serves as the primary base inside Tawau District for marine excursions, reef exploration and island trips. Boats depart from our jetty toward the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, the macro environments of Mabul and Kapalai, the deep reefs at Sipadan and the panoramic volcanic path on Bohey Dulang. The surrounding archipelago features excellent marine life numbers for budget snorkelers and deep-sea divers alike.
Swim above shallow reefs around the main property jetty. The calm shallows house wild sea turtles, clownfish, clams and multiple small reef fish varieties. Standard rental gear is open to all visitors.
The local waters lead directly to world-class marine points like Sipadan Island. Local dive centers provide beginner discovery sessions and regular fun dives for certified individuals. Pre-booking is required for special park entry slots.
Explore the protected coastal flats surrounding the property at your own pace. Watch the coral patches below your boat or tour the outer edge of nearby mangroves during high tides. Rentals are billed hourly.
Board an affordable day boat exploring the nearby islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park to walk on white sandbanks and swim over shallow coral areas. Ideal for families, hobby photographers or budget day trips.
This high volcanic peak remains a central attraction for travelers because of its deep lagoon view. The upward route uses a 600-meter rustic path made of dirt steps and open rock faces, taking around 40 minutes to ascend. Reaching the peak puts you 353 meters above sea level to look down at the turquoise water basin and the surrounding reef lines of the marine park.
A simple day outing covering three distinct island reefs. Mataking is home to a unique underwater mail dropslot and features a long sandspit that emerges between its two landmasses during low tides. Timba-Timba provides flat sand beaches alongside shallow swimming drop-offs. Pom Pom has a quiet atmosphere that is great for shallow swims and spotting green turtles. The budget rate includes boat seat, simple gear, entry fees and a packed lunchbox.
This massive conservation zone encompasses 346 square kilometers of sea floor across 8 distinct islands, including popular day stops like Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan. Established in 2004, the reserve guards delicate reef fish nurseries and local community fishing areas. The broad lagoons sitting inside these island borders are old volcanic craters that are now deep water havens for colorful coral colonies.
Mabul Island attracts international attention for its rich macro sea life and shallow walls where visitors see large green turtles and occasional eagle rays near deep drops. Kapalai consists of a shallow sand reef structure where a resort stands on stilts, offering shallow coral fields full of small reef life. Snorkeling takes place directly from the tour boat. The boat stops by the Mabul resort walkway for lunch photography, and routes pass traditional sea nomad stilt homes.
Sipadan is globally recognized for its deep oceanic drop-offs. The landmass ascends from a 600-meter deep seabed, surrounded by 160 hectares of living coral reef that supports over 3,000 marine varieties, schools of schooling fish and large numbers of nesting turtles. The park functions as a strict reserve with fixed daily pass allotments. Sabah Parks keeps a maximum cap of 3 dives per diver each day (effective 1 May 2026). Entry passes are processed via registered dive partners. For guests staying at our budget property, we recommend combining this trip with a multi-day stay at an official partner lodge on Mabul.
Sipadan booking info: Guests at our resort can book their Sipadan slots by arranging a 2 to 5 night extension with permit-holding dive centers around Mabul Island. Share your ideas through our mail form to organize your route.
The underwater walls of Sipadan Island host incredible marine variety. Each dive station offers unique encounters for certified travelers, from massive fish vortexes at Barracuda Point to macro life on vertical rock shelves. Visibility ranges between 20 and 30 meters, often reaching up to 50 meters from March to October. Note that the entire reserve closes down for a rest period every November.
Discover the island chains around Semporna using our simple multi-day boat packages. We offer two budget choices: a simple swimming and snorkeling route or a combined trip that includes the Bohey Dulang hill trail. These packages work well for families and non-divers because they focus on guided reef swimming at Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Timba-Timba and Pandanan without needing any diving licenses.
TRAVEL INFO
Book a flight to Tawau Airport (TWU), which serves as the primary regional airport for Semporna travel. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines provide daily domestic connections into Tawau.
After landing at the airport, traveling to Semporna takes roughly 90 minutes via local taxis, shared vans or Grab cars.
TESTIMONIALS
What past guests have said about staying at Tampi Tampi Resort.
A great local resort for a family day out. The entry fee of RM2 per person is very reasonable given the maintained swimming area and the beautiful setting. The restaurant on site has good food and refreshments. The scenery is lovely and the whole atmosphere is cheerful and family-friendly. Parking is available at RM5. A solid choice for a short and affordable break.
China
Tampi Tampi is a beautiful and scenic spot for a family outing. The entry fee at RM2 is very affordable. The swimming area is maintained and suitable for all ages. The restaurant provides good food and drinks. The coastal setting is genuinely lovely and a very welcome change from the city. We came for one day and it felt like a proper holiday escape.
China
A scenic coastal resort popular with local families. The entry fee is very modest and the swimming area is well-maintained. The restaurant on site has satisfying food. The views across the water are beautiful and the whole setting has a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere. Easy parking available. A good option for a short and budget-friendly coastal day trip.
Japan
A pleasant coastal resort with a beautiful setting and very affordable entry. The swimming area is designated and maintained which makes it safe and enjoyable for families. The on-site restaurant provided good food and drinks. The scenery is lovely throughout the day. Parking at RM5 is easy. A well-run and accessible resort for a relaxing family outing.
Australia
A lovely local resort with a scenic coastal setting and very affordable pricing. Entry at RM2 and parking at RM5 makes it very accessible. The swimming area is maintained and safe for all ages. The restaurant on site had good food. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere is lively and cheerful. A great value destination for families.
Singapore
Tampi Tampi is a scenic and family-friendly resort with a maintained swimming area and very low entry costs. The coastal setting is beautiful and the restaurant on site provided good food and drinks throughout the day. Parking is easy and available. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful. A very good option for a short and affordable coastal getaway.
Malaysia
