Pavalintang Resort — Hotel in Sabah

Stayed 5 nights (definetely too many). Last stop of our 2 weeks Borneo backpack tour. In a nutshell: very good snorkeling, basic accomodation, basic services. If that is what you are looking for, this place is good for you. But prices are nonsense for what they offer. Other resorts in the area should be similar. From our POV, going to Semporna for more then 2 days is a waste of time/money if you don't dive.

Pros: Quiet and private. Snorkeling at resort as good as what the basic Islands hopping tours in semporna offer (Sea turtles, corals, tropical fish).

Cons: Staff unprepared for tourists, most of the time not caring about us. Very difficult communication, staff barely speaks english. Basic food, every day the same, no choice. The only exception is the seafood you can buy yourself from the locals fishermen passing by the resort from time to time. But you have to pay extra fee for the chef to cook that for you. Rooms are very basic, never cleaned up in 6 days.

Looks like they had the same 6 cups, forks, spoons, etc. for the guests for very long time. Admin, please change them with new ones. It would probably cost to you a 1% of what you charge per guest for 1 night. Once we asked them for one knife to cut our food and we got scissors.

Don't ask them to buy you beers in Town. They told me everyday they would have done It and never did. Bring enough with you as it is difficult to go back to semporna Town once you are at the resort as you have to wait for the scheduled boat to pass (wasting a lot of time) or asking for an expensive...

I traveled alone and stayed here for 4 nights from 8/4 to 8/8.Environment:The resort is so amazing that I wish I could keep it a secret rather than share it with you. Located in the middle of the sea, with no other structures around, you can easily enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and the starry sky every day. During the daytime, you can participate in various water sports, and if you're lucky, you might spot a sea turtle at night.Food:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included when you book the hotel, so there’s no need to worry about meals. The resort offers seafood and local cuisine daily. Please note: Visitors should bring their own snacks and drinks before boarding the resort, as it only provides water, coffee, and tea.Facilities & Service:All the staff here will treat you kindly, even if there might be a language barrier (English is spoken here!). If you're afraid of swimming, the staff will accompany you while you're in the sea (life jackets are provided in each room). Each room also has a balcony with a lounge chair where you can relax, grab a beer, and do nothing but enjoy the soothing sea breeze.You may not want to stay in the middle of nowhere like I did to escape from modern civilization, but I truly recommend staying at the resort for at least 2 nights. You'll definitely feel completely recharged! Finally, I want to say that the view is so astonishing that I can hardly describe it with my limited English. You must visit this...

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by warm, attentive staff who made me feel right at home. The accommodations were top-notch—immaculately clean and adorned with modern amenities that catered to every comfort. The picturesque surroundings, with lush greenery and serene vistas, created an idyllic atmosphere.

What truly set Pavalintang apart was its exceptional service. The staff's genuine care and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay were truly remarkable. Whether it was arranging personalized excursions or offering local insights, their dedication made my visit unforgettable. Can't wait to return for another...