Elegant overwater accommodations above the Semporna shallows.
The Resort
Suspended above the turquoise shallows of Semporna, Noura Resort offers an elegant retreat where every living space faces the open ocean. We crafted our property using traditional regional architecture, pairing polished wooden interiors with natural accents. Guests experience a gentle, unhurried pace while feeling intimately connected to the marine environment.
Your reservation encompasses four culinary experiences each day. We serve breakfast, lunch, an afternoon refreshment, plus dinner. Locally caught seafood forms the centerpiece of our dining offerings. Our team prides itself on delivering sincere, personalized attention that ensures a memorable experience for every visitor.
Accommodation
Choose from two refined overwater sanctuaries suspended above the Celebes Sea. Each space features climate control, inviting tropical details, plus the signature warmth of Noura Resort Semporna.
An elegant overwater space featuring diagonal wooden walls, polished dark hardwood floors, along with a spacious sea-facing bed. Fully air-conditioned.
A luminous deluxe space highlighting natural timber walls, dark wood flooring, paired with generous yellow curtains for ample sunlight. Fully air-conditioned.
Reserve Your Stay
Share your desired travel schedule with us. Our team will promptly return a detailed quote along with our current room availability.
Explore
Semporna is home to a spectacular marine ecosystem. Noura Resort serves as your premier base for experiencing the Celebes Sea. Guests can snorkel right from our property or join full-day excursions to Sipadan.
These regional waters harbor incredibly diverse reef habitats. Swimmers frequently encounter green turtles, graceful rays, plus a multitude of reef fish among brilliant coral formations. You can arrange guided aquatic trips directly through our team.
Situated within the celebrated Coral Triangle, this area represents peak marine biodiversity. A brief boat ride takes divers to dramatic walls, underwater mounts, coral gardens, plus the renowned Sipadan Island. We welcome divers of all certification levels.
Navigate the serene waters around Semporna using our kayaks. You can independently tour neighboring islets plus quiet mangrove passages. The sheltered coves near our property provide a perfect environment for beginners. Morning outings offer the best conditions.
Dozens of distinct sandbanks dot the local seascape. A typical half-day journey from our property covers several unique stops. Each destination provides opportunities for swimming, relaxing on the sand, or viewing marine life. Speak with our staff to organize your itinerary.
At the Resort
Enjoy a variety of leisure options directly from our property. These experiences are either included with your reservation or easily arranged upon request.
Rising dramatically from the ocean, Bohey Dulang is a forested peak inside the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. A 45-minute trek through thick jungle foliage leads to a spectacular vantage point. From the summit, hikers enjoy sweeping views over a famous blue lagoon.
Travel across the open Celebes Sea to experience Semporna's distant outer islands. Mataking, Timba-Timba, alongside Pom Pom offer a truly remote atmosphere. Visitors appreciate their untouched white-sand beaches, shallow coral environments, plus frequent marine turtle sightings.
Spanning more than 350 square kilometers, this protected zone represents Malaysia's largest marine park. A full-day excursion navigates between islands like Selakan, Maiga, plus Mantabuan. Each stop reveals unique beach landscapes along with rich coral reefs. You can often spot traditional Bajau Laut wooden houseboats resting on the water.
Mabul Island holds global recognition for exceptional macro-diving. Divers travel here to observe rare creatures like flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, as well as the elusive mandarin fish. Nearby, the Kapalai sandbar provides calm, transparent water perfect for shallow snorkeling.
Sipadan is an oceanic marvel rising 600 meters from the seabed, ringed by a globally acclaimed coral wall. Famous explorer Jacques Cousteau once praised its untouched beauty. The area hosts massive schooling barracuda alongside thriving green turtle nurseries. Access requires an advanced permit due to strict daily entry limits.
Divers exploring Sipadan encounter legendary sites such as White-Tip Avenue, Drop-off, plus the intricate Turtle Cavern. Barracuda Point routinely amazes guests with swirling schools of chevron barracuda. With underwater visibility regularly exceeding 20 meters, the ecological richness here remains unmatched across the region.
We offer comprehensive multi-day itineraries for guests wishing to fully experience the region. These custom plans can blend island excursions, diving, jungle hikes, alongside a Sipadan visit. Our specialists will design a schedule tailored to your personal preferences. Please mention your interests when making a reservation.
Dining
Every reservation includes a complete daily dining program. We provide breakfast, lunch, a restorative afternoon snack, plus dinner. Our culinary team focuses on fresh catches alongside authentic Sabahan flavors.
Start your morning with a freshly prepared meal overlooking the ocean. Our kitchen serves eggs, toast, local fried staples, plus tropical fruits. It is a peaceful way to begin your day above the Celebes Sea.
Enjoy a hearty midday offering highlighting regional Malaysian recipes. We prepare fresh rice dishes paired with local fish alongside seasoned vegetables. These satisfying plates showcase authentic local character.
Take a pause in the mid-afternoon for light snacks paired with hot or cold beverages. We typically serve fresh fruit or regional pastries to keep your energy high between excursions.
Our evening service represents the culinary highlight of the day. We prepare fresh whole fish, prawns, plus squid sourced daily from the surrounding waters. Meals feature Chinese-Malay preparations served against a sunset backdrop. Visitors frequently praise our seafood quality.
Cuisine style: We specialize in Sabahan and Malaysian recipes, featuring Chinese-style seafood. Western breakfast choices are also available.
Dietary needs: Our chefs happily accommodate vegetarian requests or specific food allergies with prior notice. Please notify us during your booking process.
Travel
Tawau Airport (TWU) serves as the primary gateway to Semporna. Major domestic airlines like AirAsia provide regular service to this regional hub.
Our team coordinates comfortable private SUV or tourist van transfers directly from Tawau Airport to the Semporna jetty.
The 85-kilometer drive takes approximately 90 minutes. We can also arrange pickups from Tawau city hotels or central meeting points.
Upon reaching the Semporna jetty, a brief speedboat ride transports you straight to our property. This quick journey introduces you to the calm Celebes Sea.
We naturally handle your return transfers to Tawau Airport upon checkout. Simply share your flight schedule after reserving your stay.
What Guests Say
"Noura Resort truly delivered on hospitality. Every room looks out to the sea and the tropical decor makes the whole place feel warm and special. Four meals a day were included and the fresh seafood was excellent throughout. The staff member Eppy was particularly wonderful, taking the most beautiful photos of us and always going out of his way to help. A standout stay."
"Came here for our honeymoon and the team made it feel genuinely special from start to finish. The sea view from our room was beautiful and the four daily meals meant we had no worries about food. The seafood is fresh and very good. The staff are attentive without being intrusive. Eppy in particular made our trip memorable with his kindness and humor."
"A resort that has clearly thought about what guests actually need. Sea views from every room, four meals a day with excellent seafood and a team that makes you feel looked after throughout. The tropical style decor is charming without feeling overdone. Eppy helped us with photos and organizing activities and was wonderful throughout. Highly recommended."
"The hospitality here is exceptional. Staff are warm and genuinely attentive at every point during the stay. Four meals per day were included and the fresh seafood stood out in particular. All rooms face the sea which gives the property a beautiful and consistent character. The tropical decor adds charm. A resort that exceeded all expectations."
"We chose Noura for our anniversary and it was the right decision. The sea view rooms are lovely and the meals are good with fresh seafood as a highlight. The staff here are among the best we have encountered in Semporna: friendly, helpful and genuinely engaged with the guests. Eppy was a particularly memorable presence throughout our stay. Will return."
"A beautiful resort with very good food and exceptional people. The four included meals meant we were never thinking about where to eat, just what to do next. Every room faces the sea which makes the resort feel generous and well-designed. The tropical style fits the setting perfectly. The team here, especially Eppy, made our stay one to remember."
An elegant overwater space featuring diagonal wooden plank walls, dark polished hardwood floors, paired with a large sea-facing bed. Designed with traditional regional influences, utilizing natural materials for a refined, well-kept environment. Fully air-conditioned.
A luminous deluxe space highlighting natural timber walls, dark wood flooring, paired with generous yellow curtains for ample sunlight. Features a full-length wall mirror plus larger proportions for guests desiring extra space. Fully air-conditioned.