People like to stay at a water villa in the trip to Semporna. I found this as I could experience staying at a water village without spending too many days. The villa is not too far from the main town.
The villa was large, modern, and spacious. The paintings and flowers were elegantly displayed. There were sunbath chairs on the balcony facing the sea.
The dinner buffet had an excellent variety of options - local Malaysian and International. There were some stalls where the chef could prepare your fried noodles or dessert (ice kacang) as you ordered. The music created a new ambiance. I tried the famous banana fritters (pisang goreng) which were quite tasty.
There were activities provided by the villa to guests for free. For example, there were transparent boats for kayaking. I could see the Nemo and seastars when I did the snorkeling.
I was lucky to meet the owner Caroline and she shared her passion of running this resort. His colleague Eric also shared the best tips to take photos of the stars at night.
It was a short stay but I felt it was a great experience to end my trip to Semporna.
Sea Star Perfect resort. Perfect location. Perfect staff. Wonderful owner, ERIC, who has great PR 👍🏻. Staff is respectful and friendly. I cannot ask for more. Highly recommend Sea Star Resort.
We bought a 3D2N Sea Star Resort package. It included a return transfer by van from Tawau Airport to Semporna boat jetty which took almost 1.5h, a 10-minute boat ride to Sea Star Resort, a whole day of island hopping and snorkelling, all meals (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner 👍🏻), free usage of inflatables, transparent paddle boat and snorkelling gear and unlimited supply of drinking water.
The room is very clean and spacious- had a king size bed plus a day bed. Bath area was spacious and attractive. Really love this place very much. Look at the video I have attached! Air conditioned, good internet connection and extended balcony.
Food is local buffet style. We enjoyed all our meals there. You will get an assortment of dishes. For dinner, you get good large prawns 🍤 and fish👍🏻. Tea is special- besides 2-3 types if local cakes, you get an endless supply of banana fritters which are very addictive 👍🏻
The sea water around the resort and beyond is crystal clear. You can always see the marine creatures in the water. From 4pm, use of inflatables, transparent paddle boat and snorkelling gear are supervised. Very kind staff who are ever ready to lend a helping hand.
We are grateful to Eric, Gordon, Amsyar, Lisa and all the Sea Star Resort staff. We will be back!
Pro: Staff service is beyond my expectations 10/10. Food taste amazing. Room is nice and clean with electricity and water 24 hours. Very flexible boat pick up timing for arriving and departing as the resort is 5 mins away from mainland.
Con: Some snorkeling trip they will sub to other company, which provide very poor service compare to their own sea star resort snorkeling trip service.
Tips: bring sunblock along as the sun here is unlike any other island I had been
To Eric , Catherine and Matthew. You are a superb host. Thank you for your hospitality. Absolutely love the room and the location which is a short boat ride fromnthe jettt. Wish to return one day and i hope you keep this resort this way in many years to come.
I have to write and give compliments for what I’ve experienced here. Staying here for one wonderful night with friends. The highlight must be the friendliest staff. I felt welcomed the moment we stepped in. The food is also the best. Strongly recommended
