Panglima Resort Semporna – Water Chalet on Bum Bum Island

Panglima Resort Semporna | Beachfront Resort on Bum Bum Island, Semporna, Sabah

Panglima Resort is a beachfront and nature resort located on Bum Bum Island, Sabah, Malaysia, just off the coast of Semporna. The resort sits at the tip of Bum Bum Island, facing the Celebes Sea, with direct views of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. It is the only resort on Bum Bum Island and the only resort in Semporna built on a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) concept, meaning it is owned, managed, and staffed by members of the local community.

A Heritage-Inspired Resort in Sabah

Panglima Resort is named after Panglima Lauhari, a Bajau warrior from Bum Bum Island who resisted colonial forces in the 1800s. The resort was established as a tribute to his legacy and to the broader cultural heritage of the Bajau and Suluk communities of Semporna. This heritage identity shapes the resort's values: authenticity, community connection, and respect for the natural environment.

Rooms and Facilities

All accommodations at Panglima Resort are sea-view rooms designed for comfort in a natural island setting. Each room comes with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a balcony or terrace with views of the Celebes Sea. Daily housekeeping is provided. The resort is suitable for couples, families, and small groups looking for a relaxed island stay in Semporna.

Location and Accessibility

Panglima Resort is located at KG Gelam Gelam, Bum Bum Island, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. The resort is accessible by boat from Semporna town and also has land access, making it one of the few island resorts in the Semporna district reachable by both sea and road. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00.

Activities and Nearby Attractions

The resort serves as a convenient base for exploring Semporna's marine and cultural sites. Guests can join island hopping tours to Bohey Dulang, Sibuan, and Mantabuan within Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available in the surrounding Celebes Sea, one of Southeast Asia's most biodiverse marine areas. Fishing trips with local boat captains, cultural visits to Bajau and Suluk heritage sites, and sunset seafood dining at the resort are also available.

Community-Based Tourism

As a Community-Based Tourism resort, Panglima Resort ensures that guest spending directly supports the livelihoods of the Bum Bum Island community. The resort team consists of local residents who bring firsthand knowledge of the island, its traditions, and its surrounding waters. This model offers guests a more genuine and culturally meaningful experience compared to conventional island resorts.

Why Choose Panglima Resort

Panglima Resort is the only resort in Semporna and Bum Bum Island operating on a community-based model. It combines beachfront accommodation, cultural heritage, marine park proximity, and dual land-and-sea accessibility in a single location. Guests who stay here contribute directly to local conservation and community welfare while experiencing island life in one of Sabah's most scenic coastal areas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is Panglima Resort located? 

Panglima Resort is located at KG Gelam Gelam, Bum Bum Island, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It faces the Celebes Sea and overlooks Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

How do guests get to Panglima Resort? 

The resort is accessible by boat from Semporna town. It also has road access, making it reachable by land, which is uncommon for island resorts in the Semporna area.

What is included in the room? 

All rooms include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a balcony or terrace with ocean views, and daily housekeeping.

What activities are available near the resort? 

Guests can access island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing trips, cultural village tours, and seafood dining at the resort.

What is the cancellation policy? 

Cancellations made 14 or more days before check-in are free of charge. Cancellations within 14 days incur a 50% fee. No-shows are charged 100% of the total booking amount.

Is the resort suitable for families? 

Yes. Panglima Resort welcomes couples, families, and small groups. Note that cots and extra beds are not available on the property.