Semporna travel blog. The fullest guide to Semporna, diving paradise in Malaysia

Located in the east of Malaysia, Semporna town is an ideal starting point for a journey to explore beautiful islands such as Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking… With clear blue sea, vibrant corals and world-class diving experiences, Semporna is increasingly attracting tourists who love nature and are passionate about discovery. In this article, Living Nomads will share detailed Semporna travel guide from A to Z from transportation, schedule, costs, to useful tips to help you have a complete and memorable trip through this Semporna travel blog!

Besides the popularity of Penang and Langkawi, Semporna offers visitors a unique sea tourism experience in Malaysia. Located on the island of Borneo in the state of Sabah, this small town attracts tourists with its pristine natural beauty, emerald green sea water and unique indigenous culture.

Although it does not have many diverse attractions, Semporna attracts tourists with its picturesque islands, the most famous of which are Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking and Kapalai… Each island has its own beauty with pristine beaches, clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. Visitors coming here can freely admire the natural beauty, enjoy the fresh air and participate in countless attractive marine activities, especially diving to see coral.

Semporna also has a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. This is the gateway to the islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Maiga – world-famous island paradises that attract those who are passionate about diving and exploring the ocean when traveling to Malaysia.

Overview of Semporna

Semporna is a small coastal town in the state of Sabah, located in the southeast of Borneo, Malaysia. Thanks to its location close to the Celebes Sea, Semporna becomes the main gateway to explore famous islands such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai or Bohey Dulang.

The name “Semporna” in Malay means “perfect” which partly reflects the pristine and special beauty of this sea. Before becoming a famous tourist destination, Semporna was once home to the Bajau Laut community who lived mainly on boats or stilt houses on the water. Located on the coast of East Malaysia, this town attracts tourists not only by its white beaches, but also by its beautiful underwater biodiversity.

The Secret Place of Semporna, Sabah or Maldives in Malaysia. Semporna means “perfect” in Malay and has islands scattered across the sea. A paradise with clear blue water. This is not the Maldives but Semporna, Sabah!

Semporna has a beautiful natural landscape with clear blue sea, fine white sand beaches and the most diverse marine ecosystem in Malaysia. One of the highlights is Tun Sakaran Marine Park. This is a complex of 8 large and small islands with rich coral reefs and rare marine species.

Semporna has a spectacular natural landscape with turquoise sea water, fine white sand beaches and rich marine ecosystems. The town is the main departure point to Tun Sakaran Marine Park, where a series of large and small islands with brilliant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems are concentrated.

Semporna travel blog: Best time to travel to Semporna

Semporna has a humid tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27 – 32°C and high humidity all year round. The weather is divided into two main seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season (from April to October) is the time when there is a lot of sunshine, the sea is calm and clear, so it is ideal for diving, snorkeling and island tours. In contrast, the rainy season lasts from November to February, often with showers and strong winds, which sometimes affects boat trips to the island.

According to the experience of many tourists, the best time to visit Semporna is from May to September. This is the period when the sea is clear, there is little rain, and good underwater visibility, which is very suitable for diving tours and exploring coral reefs. Although there is a lot of sunshine during this time, it is not too harsh, and the pleasant climate also helps you comfortably move between islands without worrying about being interrupted by the weather.

In addition, you can also choose to visit Semporna from March to May. This is the breeding season of sea turtles, so if you are lucky, you can witness the amazing scene of hundreds of baby turtles going to the sea. Note that from October to February is the rainy season in Semporna, so the sea is often rough, with big waves, making it difficult for sightseeing activities at sea.

Instructions on how to get to Sempora

To make your trip to Semporna town smooth and economical, you need to know the appropriate means of transportation. In this section, we will provide detailed instructions on how to get to Semporna Malaysia from Vietnam and popular forms of transportation when traveling to Semporna to help you easily plan your trip.

There are currently no direct international flights to Semporna, so the most convenient way for visitors from Vietnam to this town is to fly to Tawau Airport (TWU), located about 80 km from the town. From major airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh city), you can buy a plane ticket to Kota Kinabalu, then connect to Tawau. The travel time from Tawau Airport to Semporna town center takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by taxi or bus. This is a popular route and is chosen by many tourists when planning to explore the beautiful coastline of Malaysia.

How to get to Semporna from other cities in Malaysia

• From Kota Kinabalu to Semporna: If you depart from Kota Kinabalu, you can choose to travel by road by bus. The trip usually takes from 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic conditions.
• From Sandakan to Semporna: Another option is to depart from Sandakan city – the second largest city in Sabah state. Visitors can travel by Dyana Bus with a travel time of about 5 to 6 hours.
• Ferry: For those who love the experience of floating on the waves, ferry is an interesting choice. From Sandakan, the second largest city in Sabah, you can take a ferry to Tawau and then travel to Semporna by other means.

Where to go and what to do in Semporna

Semporna is an ideal destination for those who love the wild beauty of the ocean, coral diving activities and exploring indigenous culture. Located in Sabah state, east of Borneo island, Semporna is blessed with clear blue water, majestic islands and diverse marine ecosystems. Join us to discover the must-see places when coming to Semporna to make your trip more complete!

Bewitched by the beauty of Bohey Dulang Island

Bohey Dulang with its wild and peaceful beauty is a destination not to be missed for those who love adventure and discovery. The highlight of the island is the extinct volcano crater that forms a crystal clear freshwater lake. To reach the top of the volcano, you can choose to trek through dense forests, listen to the chirping of birds and feel the cool, fresh air. Standing on the top of the volcano, you will admire the panoramic view of Semporna Island, which is as beautiful as a majestic ink painting.

Sipadan

Sipadan Island is considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. This island has an extremely rich underwater ecosystem, from diverse coral reefs to rare fish species such as hammerhead sharks, giant sea turtles and many types of tropical fish.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

The vast marine reserve includes eight pristine islands such as Bodgaya, Bohey Dulang, Sibuan, Maiga and Mantabuan, where you can join the Bohey Dulang hiking tour combined with a visit to Mantabuan and Sibuan islands for 7 hours, watching coral, snorkeling and admiring giant clams.

This is also the home of the Bajau Laut people who live on stilt houses and floating boats. The combination of exploring nature and marine culture is an unforgettable highlight. When joining the tour, you will be met at the pick-up point and transferred to Bohey Dulang by boat.

Mabul & Kapalai Islands

Only about 45 minutes by boat from Semporna, Mabul and Kapalai are two famous destinations for macro diving and relaxation. Mabul is famous for its colorful coral ecosystem and rare marine life such as blue-ringed octopus, toadfish, mimic octopus…

Mabul Island is famous for its lovely stilt houses built close together on the sea surface. You can wake up early in the morning to watch the sun slowly rise from the sea, sip a cup of hot tea and listen to the sound of the waves. When coming to Mabul, don’t miss the opportunity to dive to see the colorful coral world and rich marine life. If you are lucky, you may even catch sight of majestic hammerhead sharks gliding by.

Mabul is a small island famous for its beach resorts and diving tours. It is also an ideal place to explore the marine life through muck diving. Observe small creatures such as seahorses, lobsters and octopuses.

Meanwhile, Kapalai is a shallow island with only bungalows built on coral, very private and only for a limited number of visitors to protect the environment. This place is ideal for snorkeling with crystal clear sea water.

Pom Pom & Mataking

Pom Pom is a small island off the coast of Semporna, about 40 minutes by boat, with fine white sand and rich coral reefs. The island is one of the important places for green sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles to lay eggs, with up to 7 observed per hour during peak season. Small fish, cephalopods such as bobtail squid, mimic octopus are often seen.

Mataking is a unique place with the first underwater post office in Malaysia, designed for visitors to send postcards from the bottom of the sea. This is also a high-class resort in the middle of pristine nature. This is a favorite destination for couples who want to have a romantic vacation. The island also has a special underwater post office where you can send postcards from the bottom of the sea.

Selakan Island is extremely “hot” in Semporna

Selakan Island with its long white sand beaches and clear blue water is a favorite destination for “virtual life” enthusiasts. This place owns “divine swings” hanging on tall coconut trees, creating photos with millions of likes on social networks. Coming to Selakan, you can also participate in exciting activities such as kayaking, surfing on the waves or relaxing and sunbathing on hammocks strung between two coconut trees.

Bajau Laut Floating Village

Visiting the Bajau floating village is an opportunity for you to learn about the unique culture of one of the ethnic groups living separately from the mainland. They live by fishing and traveling by traditional boats.

Diving in Semporna – the most beautiful diving spot in the world

Semporna is home to some of the most beautiful diving spots in the world and those who love diving. Enjoy the chance to swim with gentle sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, stingrays, beautiful corals. And many other fascinating marine life. But it is also important to note that although Semporna is one of the most popular diving islands. But to protect the coral and natural ecosystem, diving in Pulau Sipadan requires a diving license. Only 120 diving licenses are issued here each day. So if you intend to dive, you must arrange carefully to avoid unnecessary disappointment.

Experience life like a seafarer in Semporna, Malaysia

Experience life in a hut or longboat on the floating village of Semporna and learn about the fascinating culture of the Bajau Laut (also known as Sea Gypsies). The Bajau spend most of their time on or under the ocean and are often expert divers and skilled fishermen! It is said that most of them can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes and can jump into the deep sea with just a pair of wooden swimming goggles.

Relax at a secluded resort

When planning your trip, make sure to take some time to relax and sunbathe on the beach! While Semporna is great for water adventures, it is actually great for doing nothing. If you are willing to spend a little money, you should book a stay at a beautiful secluded resort where you can quietly enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea.

Explore Tawau

Tawau may not be the most exciting city, but it has a laid-back charm that makes it worth your time to explore. You can sample local delicacies at the many seafood restaurants and old-fashioned cafes in town. We recommend you to go to Jalan Budi (also known as Yum Cha Street locally) to taste some coffee and fresh bread for breakfast.

Delicious dishes you should try when traveling to Semporna

Semporna cuisine is a rich combination of traditional specialties of indigenous peoples such as Bajau and Bugis. Not only famous for cheap – fresh – delicious seafood, this place also has many unique dishes that you can hardly find elsewhere. Here are the typical dishes you should not miss:

Seafood BBQ: Semporna is famous as a seafood paradise with affordable prices. You can buy fresh shrimp, crab, fish, squid right at the port or market, then request to be cooked in your favorite style.

Naga soup: A hot dish in Semporna town, often served at dinner or when slightly cold. Sup Naga has a slightly sour and spicy taste, cooked with fresh fish, ginger, onions and special spices to create a particularly rich soup.

Mee Tauhu: A tropical noodle dish consisting of egg noodles served with fermented soy sauce and crispy fried tofu, enjoyed with a little spicy sambal. This is a popular breakfast dish in the coastal region of Sabah, including Semporna, and is very popular for its rich, sweet meat flavor.

Notes when traveling to Semporna

Before setting out to explore the beautiful tropical sea of Semporna, you should prepare carefully and understand some important notes to make the journey smooth, safe and full of experiences. From the ideal time to travel to Semporna, how to move, prepare documents, to the specific regulations when visiting the islands and protecting the marine ecosystem. Here are some things you should not miss before setting foot in Malaysia’s paradise.

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
• The ideal time to visit Semporna is from May to September when the sea is calm, the sun is warm and the weather is dry.
• Book diving and island-hopping tours early: Tours such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai or Bohey Dulang often limit the number of people per day, especially during the peak season from April to September, so book early for a convenient experience.
• Bring anti-seasickness medication and reef-friendly sunscreen: When traveling by boat to the islands, the waves can make you tired or seasick. At the same time, reef-safe sunscreen not only protects your skin but also helps preserve the marine ecosystem.
• Cash is preferred: In Semporna, many small eateries, homestays or local services do not accept credit cards. You should withdraw Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) at Tawau or Kota Kinabalu airport before arriving in Semporna.
• The main currency used in Semporna is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Please prepare cash as many places do not accept credit cards.
• Monitor the weather and pay attention to rainy season tours: November to February is the rainy season in Sabah. Big waves can lead to island tours being canceled, and some islands are temporarily closed. So you should always check the weather before going to the beach and follow safety instructions.
• Do not feed fish when snorkeling or diving: Feeding fish can upset the balance of the marine ecosystem, causing fish to get close to people and become dependent on food from humans. Therefore, you should not feed fish to keep the marine environment in its most natural state.
• Respect local culture: Semporna is a long-standing habitat of the Bajau Laut community (sea nomads). If you visit a floating village or want to take photos of the locals, please ask for permission first and dress modestly and be respectful of where the residents live.
• Semporna is predominantly Muslim. So dress modestly and respect the local culture.
• Environmental protection: Semporna is famous for its rich marine ecosystem. Avoid littering and comply with local environmental protection regulations.
• Bring essential items such as sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and swimwear.
• Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for peace of mind during your trip.
• Prepare insect repellent: Areas near the sea and islands are often infested with mosquitoes, especially at night. Bring mosquito repellent while sightseeing.

Accommodation in Semporna

Semporna has a wide range of accommodation options from cheap homestays, comfortable hotels to floating resorts in the middle of the sea. Choosing the right accommodation will help you conveniently travel to famous islands such as Mabul, Kapalai or Bohey Dulang while enjoying a more comfortable and memorable trip. Here are some Semporna hotels for you:

• Best Semporna hotels: Grand Line Hotel, Together Palm Resort, Perfect Inn, MANJU SEMPORNA RESORT,…
• Cheap Semporna hotels: TD Mutiara Hotel Semporna, Pearl Hotel Semporna, Seafest Hotel Lepa Wing, Uptown Hotel Semporna, Seafest Hotel Semporna, Wave View Hotel,…
• 4-star Semporna hotels: zhong liang holiday garden semporna, Semporna Dream Villa, Perfect Forest Eco-Resort, Together 2 Holiday Resort, The Reef Dive Resort, Jelly Sea Resort, SKY Water Villas, Fairyland Resort Semporna,…

Hopefully the information in the article will help you plan a perfect trip to Semporna in Malaysia. Semporna is not only a prominent destination with clear blue water and vibrant coral reefs, but also a place where you can experience exploring nature, indigenous culture and unique seafood cuisine.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Semporna you can refer to

• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Tour
• Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Semporna Island
• Massage Experience at Le’One Spa in Semporna
• Semporna Island Hopping Snorkeling Day Trip
• Mabul and Kapalai Island Snorkeling Tour in Semporna
• Semporna | 3 Islands Hopping, Snorkeling & Hiking Tour
• Timba-Timba, Mataking and Pom Pom Island Day Tour in Semporna
• Timba-Timba, Mataking and Pom Pom Island Discover Scuba Diving in Semporna
• Semporna Island Snorkeling Experience

Read more Malaysia guide here.