Bum Bum Island, a stone’s throw from the coastal town of Semporna, features unique floating accommodations, offering a serene escape amidst panoramic ocean views.
Details
Pulau Bum Bum is an island located near Semporna, a small town in the easternmost Malaysian state of Sabah in Northern Borneo.
It is situated just about one kilometer east of Semporna town and is separated from the mainland by a navigable channel called Terusan Tando Bulong (Tando Bulong Channel).
The island is one of many destinations for island hopping in Sabah.
Accommodation
Though Pulau Bum Bum isn’t a typical tourist destination, recent years have seen a surge in premium floating accommodations and homestay-style options, thanks to its proximity to the mainland and the growing interest in snorkeling and diving in the region.
Sky Water Villas
Exclusive accommodation with just 10 units of excellently furnished Deluxe Villas, Sun Villas, Star Villas and Premier Villas that come with magnificent sunrise and sunset views.
Sand Bay Resort
With 20 exclusive chalets featuring beautifully decorated rooms, this hotel is an ideal retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Sea Star Resort
Water villas with balconies are available at this resort tucked away on a beautiful reef.
Jelly Sea Resort
The resort features a picturesque row of water chalets, resembling a charming village on water, with crystal-clear waters beneath.
Crystal Resort
Set in unique wooden A-frame huts with leafed roofs, this floating tropical paradise offers beautifully furnished rooms for a distinctive and cozy stay.
Adil Waterhouse
Budget double rooms, double queen rooms, family rooms are available at this resort which features A-frame floating chalets.
Pavalintang Resort
Built in 2022, this cosy resort has deluxe sea view double rooms that come with free breakfast.
Maglami-Lami Water House
Deluxe triple and family rooms are available at this resort which as an extra long pier.
Bihing Angan Water Chalets
The water chalets here feature double or twin rooms with balconies, private bathrooms and ocean views. Breakfast is served at the on-site restaurant.
Egang Egang Resort
One or two bedroom chalets are available at this Pulau Bum Bum accommodation, which also offers a barbeque and sun terrace.
Lato Lato Resort
Lato Lato Resort provides homestay-style accommodation with great views of Bohey Dulang Island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, which is located nearby.
Panglima Resort
Set on land yet right by the ocean, this resort on Bum Bum Island offers a unique seaside experience, combining the comforts of a beachside stay with stunning ocean views.
Sisipan Island Water Resort
Located slightly further out, northeast of Bum Bum, Sisipan Island Water Resort offers spacious, luxurious rooms that blend perfectly with the surrounding crystal clear ocean.
Things to do
Soak in the local culture
Bum Bum Island has a population of 20-30,000 people living in approximately 34 villages or settlements spread along the island’s coastal line. It is also home to a small Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) community.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
For a great day out, drop by the 8 islands and 2 patch reefs of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, located about 20 minutes by speedboat from Pulau Bum Bum.
Learn about seaweed farming
Seaweed cultivation in Kampung Lok Butun has been identified as having a high potential for commercialization due to steady demand spurred by its usage in many fields including nutrition, medicine and pharmaceuticals. Events held here include Seaweed Splash.
Watch
Construction of Lato Lato Resort
More info
The partly-forested island, which is the second largest in Darvel Bay, is irregularly shaped, but reminiscent of an upside-down triangle.
Covering an area of 45km², it has an approximate length from north to south of 12.8km and 19.7km from east to west.
The parts of the island that are inhabited is traversed by a road network, and there are ferry connections to the mainland.
A project involving the construction of a 1.4km bridge linking the island to the mainland has been in the pipeline since 2012.