Pom Pom Island · Semporna · Sabah
Located along the northern edge of Pom Pom Island, Mussah Poteh Resort provides a welcoming base within the Semporna Archipelago. Its name translates to White Pearl in the local Bajau language. This reflects the surrounding natural environment where clear skies blend into deep blue waters.
Guests can choose between comfortable garden-facing rooms or chalets built directly above the sea. On-site facilities include a relaxed sunset bar, a swimming pool and a dedicated spa. Our team also manages an active sea turtle conservation project. If timing allows, visitors often have the chance to watch baby turtles being released into the ocean through our partnership with local marine groups.
A 45-minute speedboat ride from the mainland brings you to this quiet destination. From here you have easy access to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park while the famous diving sites of Sipadan are just a day trip away. Nearby spots like Mataking and Timba-Timba offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can even step right off our jetty to view vibrant marine life without leaving the property.
Accommodations
Choose from two chalet styles facing either the gardens or the sea. Each suite features a private bathroom and two beds to comfortably sleep four guests.
This land-based chalet offers a shaded private terrace overlooking the property greenery. Inside you will find two beds, an en-suite bathroom and enough space to accommodate four people. It is a great option for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the main waterline.
Built directly above the Celebes Sea, this overwater chalet provides immediate ocean views right from your room. It features a private bathroom alongside two beds for up to four people. Guests can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the tide and enjoy easy access to the wooden boardwalk.
This land-based chalet offers a shaded private terrace overlooking the property greenery. Inside you will find two beds, an en-suite bathroom and enough space to accommodate four people. It is a great option for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the main waterline.
Built directly above the Celebes Sea, this overwater chalet provides immediate ocean views right from your room. It features a private bathroom alongside two beds for up to four people. Guests can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the tide and enjoy easy access to the wooden boardwalk.
Booking Enquiry
Let us know your preferred dates and we will get back to you within 24 hours with availability and rates.
Adventure
The seaside town of Semporna serves as the gateway to some of the most recognized diving and snorkeling locations in the world. Staying on Pom Pom Island places you within close reach of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Kapalai, Mabul and the famous Sipadan reef drop-off. We cater to all levels of experience, from advanced scuba divers to families trying snorkeling for the first time.
Put on a mask and explore the local coral systems right off our wooden jetty. The Celebes Sea is home to giant clams, sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish species. We provide all necessary gear so guests of any age can enjoy the water safely.
Semporna attracts divers from around the globe to explore sites like the legendary Sipadan wall. Certified operators can arrange dives for highly experienced guests or introductory sessions for complete beginners. Please note that access to Sipadan requires advance booking for a permit.
Grab a kayak and spend a peaceful morning paddling along the calm shoreline. Moving over shallow reefs allows you to observe marine life from above while keeping a relaxed pace. You can rent a kayak independently or join a guided half-day session.
Take a speedboat out to see the varying landscapes of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. These daily trips depart at 8:30 AM and stop at beautiful white-sand beaches as well as popular snorkeling zones. It is the perfect way to spend a day on the water.
Covering 346 square kilometers, Tun Sakaran is the largest marine protected area in Sabah. This full-day trip takes you to islands like Pulau Sibuan and Pulau Mantabuan. The main highlight is a steep climb up the Bohey Dulang peak for sweeping views of the archipelago. It is highly recommended for those who love combining physical activity with ocean exploration.
Mabul and Kapalai boast some of the highest concentrations of small marine life in Southeast Asia. Mabul has long been favored by divers due to its proximity to Sipadan. During this trip, you will pause at the Mabul Water Bungalows for lunch. Afterward, the boat will take you to Kapalai where you can snorkel directly over the sandy shoals and shallow reefs.
Sipadan stands out as a top-tier global dive destination thanks to a dramatic 600-meter vertical drop-off. The surrounding waters shelter thousands of fish species, large groups of bumphead parrotfish and numerous sea turtles. Because it is a highly protected marine reserve, access is strictly limited by a daily quota system. You must secure a permit through a licensed dive center well before your arrival.
This day trip takes you to three quieter destinations within the Semporna area. Mataking features an underwater post office and a scenic sandbar that appears at low tide. Timba-Timba provides excellent shallow snorkeling conditions along an expansive white beach. Finally, Pom Pom gives you calm swimming waters close to home. The package covers your boat ride, gear, lunch and park entry.
We serve fragrant curries, warm rice, fresh vegetable stir-fries and traditional salads known as ulam. This provides a great introduction to authentic Sabahan home cooking.
Guests love our selection of fried rice and savory noodle dishes. These hearty options are always available during our lunch and dinner services.
Start your day with sunny-side-up eggs, toast and baked beans. We always ensure familiar comfort foods are available on the morning spread.
For a memorable evening meal, you can request a specialized seafood barbecue in advance. We source fresh squid, prawns and local fish straight from the Celebes Sea. These are grilled to perfection to highlight their natural flavor. Please ask our team about pricing when you make your reservation.
Included Meals
Every reservation at Mussah Poteh Resort comes with three daily meals and an afternoon tea break. Our kitchen staff prepares everything fresh on the island. We offer a mix of Western favorites, Chinese classics and authentic Malaysian dishes to suit varying tastes.
| Meal | Format | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Buffet | |
| Lunch | Buffet | |
| Dinner | Buffet | |
| Drinking water | - | |
| Soft drinks | - | Extra cost |
| Alcoholic beverages | - | Extra cost |
Dietary notes: Vegetarian meals are consistently provided at our buffet. If you have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us before your arrival so our kitchen can prepare accordingly. Clean drinking water is always freely available.
Travel Guide
Tawau Airport (TWU) is your primary entry point when traveling to Semporna. Major airlines like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia run regular daily flights into this domestic hub.
Once you land at Tawau Airport, our team can arrange a road transfer straight to the Semporna mainland jetty. We use comfortable tourist vans and private vehicles for this journey.
Upon reaching the Semporna jetty, you will board our private speedboat for a 45-minute journey to Pom Pom Island. The ride takes you across calm waters where you might spot traditional boat-dwelling communities. Since it is an open-air vessel, we strongly recommend packing electronics in waterproof bags.
We will also handle your return trip to Tawau at the end of your holiday. Just share your flight schedule with us after booking.
Please provide your arrival details as early as possible so we can secure your transfers. If you are traveling with a large group or have special requirements, just leave a note in your contact form.
Guest Experiences
Pom Pom Island is one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia and this resort fits perfectly into the setting. The staff are friendly and full of energy, and they joined us for snorkeling and pointed out the best spots. We were lucky to witness a baby turtle release while we were there which was deeply moving. A place with real heart.
The beach here is beautiful and the water is clear for snorkeling right from the shore. Staff guided us to the good reef areas without any charge. Island hopping in the mornings was easy to arrange and included some excellent stops. The baby turtle release was something none of us had seen before. A resort that takes conservation seriously.
A genuinely special island resort. The team here are warm, enthusiastic and clearly love what they do. Snorkeling guidance was offered from the first day and the reefs were full of life. Being present for a baby turtle release was an unexpected and wonderful moment. The beach and surrounding water are exactly what you hope for from Pom Pom Island.
I came specifically for the diving around Pom Pom Island and was not disappointed. The staff are knowledgeable about the local dive sites and snorkeling areas. Free snorkeling with guidance was a generous inclusion. The baby turtle release was a highlight I will not forget. The overall atmosphere of the resort is natural, unhurried and genuine.
Came as a couple and had a wonderful stay. The staff were so friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. Morning island hopping took us to some very clear and beautiful spots. The beach itself is clean and the water is perfect for swimming. Witnessing the turtle release was a moment that moved everyone present. Highly recommended.
A resort with a real sense of place and purpose. The conservation work with the turtles is visible and meaningful. Staff are enthusiastic and make guests feel genuinely welcome. The snorkeling off the beach and on the guided trips was excellent throughout. Pom Pom Island lives up to its reputation and this resort is a very good way to experience it.