Luxury overwater villas floating above the Celebes Sea near Semporna.
Welcome
Located just a brief boat ride from the mainland harbor, our property rests entirely over the transparent waters of the Celebes Sea. We occupy a peaceful stretch of reef neighboring Bum Bum Island. This prime location places guests close to the famous Sipadan dive sites as well as the beautiful Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
Every accommodation hovers directly above the tide. Wide glass panels offer uninterrupted ocean vistas straight from your bed. You can walk out to a spacious wooden deck before stepping down private stairs straight into the water. For an upgraded experience, our suites feature transparent plunge pools. The architecture pairs natural wood finishes with modern conveniences like illuminated vanity mirrors alongside deep soaking tubs.
We handle all logistics to ensure a smooth journey. Daily boat transfers run directly from the Semporna town dock. Our team also manages dive permits, guided island excursions, along with high-quality snorkeling equipment. Three daily meals are provided during your visit.
Contact UsAccommodations
All accommodations at Jelly Sea Resort rest entirely above the ocean. Standard features include expansive private decks, direct ocean access stairs, along with clear water views right from your bed.
A premium chalet featuring a king bed and panoramic glass doors. The private balcony features a suspended netting lounge positioned directly over the Celebes Sea.
A bright chalet featuring a private deck with an overwater netting lounge. Wooden stairs provide direct ocean access while glass doors offer clear Celebes Sea views.
An expansive king suite featuring a glass plunge pool and freestanding tub on the private deck. The interior includes a comfortable sofa lounge and double vanity bathroom.
A large family villa featuring a king bed alongside a single bed. The outdoor deck includes a glass plunge pool, an overwater slide, and a suspended mesh lounge.
Reservations
Fill out the form below to check availability. Our reservations team will respond within 24 hours.
Experiences
This region represents the center of the Coral Triangle's incredible marine biodiversity. Our location allows guests to quickly travel to famous locations like Sipadan or the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Short boat trips easily connect you to beautiful surrounding islands.
Step right off your private deck to explore the thriving house reef. The surrounding clear waters are home to tropical fish, grazing sea turtles, alongside harmless reef sharks.
Explore incredible underwater landscapes across Mabul or the outer reefs. We help secure necessary diving permits while coordinating trips with trusted local dive centers.
Grab a paddle to navigate the calm waters around the property. Kayaks are provided on-site so you can explore the nearby coral formations at your leisure.
Join a guided boat tour to see the best spots in the archipelago. These excursions feature stops at white sand beaches, active snorkeling areas, plus cultural visits to local sea villages.
Sipadan ranks highly among global dive enthusiasts. The island rises vertically from the deep ocean floor, creating sheer walls covered in marine life. Access is heavily protected with only 120 visitors permitted daily. Popular underwater locations include Barracuda Point alongside Turtle Tomb.
This protected area encompasses eight distinct islands known for rich seagrass beds alongside dense mangroves. Visitors often stop at Sibuan for its pristine sandbars. Other islands like Maiga host traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the ocean.
Photographers travel globally to experience the unique macro life found around Mabul. The sandy bottoms hide fascinating creatures like the mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, along with colorful frogfish. The neighboring Kapalai sandbar also delivers exceptional shallow water exploration.
Nature lovers can climb the wooden steps leading to the peak of this volcanic island. The trail requires moderate effort to reach the 300-meter summit. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with an incredible view across the vast blue lagoon.
These protected waters deliver unmatched encounters with large marine species. Due to strict conservation rules, diving spots are subject to permit lotteries. Please note that starting in May 2026, authorities restrict guests to a maximum of three daily dives.
Boats depart from the main harbor for the 50-minute journey. The island closes completely every November for conservation purposes.
| Dive Resort |
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| Sipadan Mabul Resort |
| Mabul Water Bungalows |
| Borneo Divers Mabul Resort |
| Seaventures Dive Rig |
Spend a full day cruising between three or four different islands. This package mixes relaxing beach time with active snorkeling sessions. Guests will also observe the unique lifestyle of local sea-dwelling communities.
Located south of the main island chain, Mataking serves as an important turtle conservation site. A short boat ride away is Timba-Timba, known for a steep underwater wall dropping past 30 meters. These remote locations offer quieter waters for exploration.
Serious divers can build custom itineraries lasting several days. Combining trips to Sipadan with local reef dives offers a complete underwater experience. Booking a longer stay significantly improves your chances of securing restricted permits.
Knowledgeable guides will lead you to the most productive sites. The contrast between dramatic pelagic drop-offs and shallow macro environments provides endless opportunities for underwater photography.
Dining
All daily meals are provided as part of your stay. Our chefs prepare fresh local seafood alongside a mix of traditional Asian and Western recipes.
Start your day with fresh tropical fruits, hot congee, eggs prepared to order, plus local pastries. Fresh coffee and juice are always ready.
Enjoy a hearty midday selection featuring fried noodles, fresh vegetables, along with daily seafood catches.
Our evening service focuses on premium grilled seafood, rich local curries, plus an array of regional side dishes.
We happily accommodate specific dietary needs like vegetarian or halal preparation upon request.
Travel
Tawau Airport (TWU) serves as the primary entry point. Major domestic airlines provide regular daily flights from major Malaysian hubs.
Our team provides comfortable road transport directly from the airport terminal to the mainland harbor. The 85-kilometer drive takes roughly an hour and a half.
Upon reaching the harbor, you will board our private speedboat for the final leg. We also manage your return journey to the airport upon departure.
Secure your flights well in advance since routes get busy during peak dive seasons.
Local transactions use the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cash machines are located in the mainland town.
The ocean remains calmest between March and October for optimal underwater visibility.
Feedback
The pink boat came to pick us up and the Chinese manager on the island explained everything clearly after we arrived. The villa room was spacious and very clean with a large terrace overlooking the jelly-colored sea. We watched the sunrise and sunset from the terrace each day. A genuinely high-end overwater experience.
The decoration style here is simple and refined. The terrace is very large and the unobstructed sea view is one of the best I have seen at any overwater villa in the area. The water is crystal clear and lying on the balcony watching the sea was something I could do for hours. A very comfortable and beautiful place.
Took the kids for a water villa experience and they loved it. They lay on the terrace at night watching the stars and the whole setup was peaceful and comfortable. The room was clean and well-equipped. Staff were friendly and the manager communicated clearly in Chinese throughout our stay. A very satisfying family trip.
The resort provides shuttle service at set times from town and the boat transfer was well-organized with clear pickup instructions. The villa itself is modern, clean and exclusive-feeling. The sea views are exceptional and the water is beautifully clear. A very impressive overwater property in Semporna.
A thoroughly enjoyable overwater bungalow stay. The room was clean and well-furnished, the large terrace was perfect for sitting and watching the sea throughout the day, and the staff were attentive and professional. The sea is beautifully clear and the views for both sunrise and sunset are excellent.
Staying at an overwater bungalow in Semporna was a dream and this place made it a great experience. The modern room design was impressive, the sea is crystal clear, and the large open terrace made the whole stay feel spacious and comfortable. A clean, well-run resort with a beautiful setting.