LOCATION:
The hotel is located on Jalan Kastam in the town of Semporna. From Tawau Airport (TWU), it takes slightly more than an hour by taxi to get here. Taxi fare should cost about RM80 per way.

DESCRIPTION:
Seafest Hotel is the only business-class hotel in the area and quite popular not only among the diving fraternity, but government and private companies as well, which occasionally organised meetings and conference here.

All rooms will have a decent view of the ocean and the floating villages in Semporna. The room that I stayed in was facing west, so the sunset view was quite spectacular against the backdrop of fishing trawlers harboured near the hotel.

There are 63 rooms of various categories in the hotel. The most basic one is a standard room, followed by superior, deluxe and suite. I think the general condition of the room and the hotel is very good considering the price I paid. The design is quite contemporary, with somewhat quality finishes inside the room. Standard room amenities such as air conditioner, ceiling fan, hot shower, cable TV, built-in wardrobe, coffee and tea making facility, etc are available in each room.

There is only one restaurant at the hotel called Lepa Cafe. I had my daily morning buffet breakfast here.

The published rate for a standard room is RM128 per night, superior (RM158), deluxe (RM208) and suite (RM288). Nonetheless, you can get discounted price if you call them directly. The discount may not be applicable during the high season for diving in Pulau Sipadan, said to be from May to September. I paid only RM88 per night with two breakfast during my trip in March.

REVIEWED ON:
March 2006

MY VERDICT:
An excellent business-class hotel for those heading to the world-famous Pulau Sipadan.

MY RATING: