Semporna
Malaysia · Sabah · 3 m
Description
Semporna is a vibrant coastal town in the Malaysian state of Sabah and the main gateway to the spectacular islands and dive sites of the Celebes Sea. It is best known as the departure point for trips to Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai. Sipadan is widely regarded as one of the world's premier diving destinations, renowned for its dramatic wall dives, sea turtles, large schools of barracuda, and reef sharks. Mabul and Kapalai are celebrated for their exceptional macro diving and remarkable diversity of small marine life. Semporna itself is characterized by bustling markets, stilt houses built over the water, and the rich cultural heritage of the Bajau Laut people. Surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs, and idyllic islands, the region is one of Malaysia's leading destinations for marine tourism and ecotourism.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Diving Sipadan Island(Day trip)
- Mabul & Kapalai macro diving(Day trip)
- Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping(Day trip)
- Snorkelling the reefs
- Bohey Dulang Island viewpoint(Day trip)
- Bajau Laut sea villages
- Mabul Island beaches(Day trip)
- Kapalai Island sandbanks(Day trip)
- Mataking Island(Day trip)
- Pom Pom Island(Day trip)
- Turtle Island (Pulau Mantabuan)(Day trip)
- Overwater bungalow stays
- Semporna seafood market
- Semporna waterfront
- Diving courses in Semporna
- Kayaking around the islands
Getting there
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry