Timba Garden Semporna Free Town / Jetty Transport

We stayed three nights and got a free ride to Semporna each morning, where we caught boats to the islands. The pool was lovely, and the staff were so warm and helpful that we felt at home. The rooms were spacious, though there was a slight particular smell at first that we got used to quickly. The dinners were delicious. One evening they had run out of prawns, but we found out guests can buy some in town and the girls will cook them, which is good to know. Around us, squirrels ran through the trees and little monkeys showed up now and then. Some nearby properties were poorly kept, but the place still felt peaceful, natural, and cozy. Semporna town felt crowded, noisy, a little dirty, and short on charming streets or nice spots. This stay was the complete opposite. Highly recommended!

We were near Parapat Hiking spot, with an AMAZING ocean view at sunset, which I loved. The staff at Timba Gardens put their whole heart into things and made the place feel comfortable and homie. Food had lots of choice and was great, the pool was lovely on a hot day, and the ambience was really nice. Whenever we needed something, the owner came to fix it within an hour. Couldn't recommend enough, and it's only getting better.

The room was clean and the facilities were adequate, but the location is far from town. There were ants in the bathroom coming out from inside the wall, and there was no holder for the shower head. The water heater was only partly fixed to the wall. The pool had a few fallen leaves and insects, and the hammock outside was half ripped and unusable. There's also a sign saying not to bring food or drinks into the room.

Nani is an incredible cook and always ready to help with whatever you need. The service really makes up for the price, which feels a bit high for what you get. Rooms are generally excellent, clean, comfortable, and nicely maintained. It's a bit far from town, though they offer rides, which is a big plus. One small thing, proper shower hangers would be useful. The nearby mosque's call to prayer can be quite loud early in the morning.