Pom Pom Island Travel Tips

Pom Pom Island also known as “Pulau Pom Pom” is located in the Celebes Sea in Sabah. It is probably one of the most beautiful islands on the planet for both divers and non-divers. It is well known for the abundance of Pom Pom trees (hence the name!) and great diving spots in the area.

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Pom Pom Island:

Where to stay?

I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Pom Pom Island as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.

Pom Pom Island Resort:

The resort on the Pom Pom Island offers tourists a wide range of choices. Some can choose to stay in the water villas, while others prefer the garden or the beach villas. However, the best panoramic view of the sea can be seen from the water villas, which are actually built on the water. Many of those who choose this type of accommodation do it for the privacy they offer and the general romantic atmosphere. There is no other hotel on Pom Pom.

Many people come to Pom Pom on their honeymoon. There is also the possibility to stay on a nearby island and visit Pom Pom during daytime, but this is not the best option as it will not allow you to see all the attractions of the island.

Activities and excursions in Pom Pom Island

Tourists get the chance to visit the seven islands near Pom Pom and admire the wonderful fauna and flora elements. If you want to go to the Sipadan Island too, you should make arrangements in advance since it takes quite long to get there.

The main activity on the Pom Pom Island is diving. Diving lovers choose this place especially for the clear water and the good visibility in most spots. However, those who do not really enjoy this activity can admire the beautiful scenery and relax under the warm sunrays. The white sandy beaches and the turquoise water offer a very romantic landscape. This is why many newlyweds choose to spend their honeymoon on the island.

If you want to get a good workout, you have plenty of options. You can go kayaking, play beach football or beach volleyball or simply take a biking trip on the island. You should know that the island is quite small, which is why visiting it by foot is an excellent idea.

Pom Pom is an excellent place to visit and spend some time diving, relaxing or simply sunbathing. It is becoming one of the most popular locations due to its exotic landscape and secluded location. So, if you are looking to spend your holidays in a place where you can recharge your batteries, the Pom Pom Island can be the best choice for you.

Best time to visit Pom Pom Island

The best time to visit depends on the purpose of the trip. If you are looking for experiences you cannot get in other places, choose to visit the island between the months of May and August. This is the time when the sea turtles nest on the island. It is an amazing view to see how the little baby sea turtles get out from their shells. It offers a wonderful sensation and an image that you won’t be able to forget soon.

Health and Safety

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Pom Pom Island, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Where is Pom Pom Island located in the world?

Pom Pom Island is located in the Celebes Sea close to Sabah, Borneo. The resort is just 45 minutes away by boat from the mainland, more exactly from Semporna.

See the map below.

Pom Pom Island Map

How to get to Pom Pom Island?

Most tourists first travel by plane to Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, depending on the airline company or the point of departure.

Plane: From Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, tourists have to travel by plane to Tawau in Sabah, Borneo.

Bus: The trip from Tawau to Semporna is done by bus.

Boat: From Semporna to Pom Pom, tourists have to travel by boat for 45 min.

Even though it seems a little bit complicated to get on the island, the trip is not very long. Moreover, the staff from the resort can make all the necessary traveling arrangements for the tourists.

Getting Around

Many people who travel to this part of the world want to visit the Sipadan Island too. What makes this island so popular is the fact that the diving there is one of the best in the world! If you want to take a trip from the Pom Pom Island to Sipadan, you should know that you need to have a permit to access the island. So, talk to the resort personnel to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

There are 7 small islands around Pom Pom where many day trips can be arranged like Mabul, Kapalai and Pulau Lankayan. These small islands offer some of the best diving spots in the area.

Pom Pom Island Photos

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Pom Pom Island Diving