Semporna is a town located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It's known for its stunning marine biodiversity, with some of the best diving spots in the world. Semporna is the gateway to the Semporna Archipelago, which includes famous islands like Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai, attracting divers and snorkelers from all over.
The town itself is relatively small but has grown due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The surrounding waters are home to rich coral reefs, clear blue water, and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and countless fish species. In addition to diving, Semporna is also known for its unique culture, with a large community of Bajau Laut (sea gypsies), who have historically lived a nomadic life on the sea.
SEMPORNA OFFERS A RANGE OF EXCITING ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO LOVE NATURE, ADVENTURE, AND MARINE LIFE.
1. DIVING AND SNORKELLING IN SEMPORNA
Semporna is renowned for its diving destinations, being some of the best in the world. Especially Sipadan Island is considered one of the top dive spots globally with its rich marine biodiversity. One of the top things to do in Semporna is therefore diving. Vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, barracudas and schools of reef sharks attracts both beginner and experienced divers. I do not have an open water certificate but did a DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) and went on a full day tour to two different dive sites. One of the best companies to go diving with in Semporna is Borneo Speedy Dive. But before diving I did a little warm up and went snorkeling, which is equally as good. One of the best snorkeling sites is just outside Mantabuan island, which can be reached on an island-hopping tour.
2. ISLAND HOPPING IN SEMPORNA
In the Semporna archipelago there are multiple picturesque islands with crystal clear water, swaying palm trees and white sand beaches. I did an island-hopping tour to three different islands: Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan and Sibuan. Bohey Dulang is the most famous island in Semporna, known for its hiking trail leading to the top of the island with breathtaking views over the lagoon. Mantabuan and Sibuan are two small islands with beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. Mataking and Pom Pom islands are also popular islands to go to when in Semporna.
3.VISIT THE SEA GYPSY VILLAGE
Semporna is home to a mix of cultures, including the Bajau Laut, which are also known as Sea Gypsies. The Bajau people have lived for centuries on boats, and even today, many continue to live a semi-nomadic, seafaring lifestyle. You can see their traditional stilt houses and boats in and around Semporna’s waters.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEMPORNA?
Staying in a water resort
Outside of Semporna in the so called Semporna Archipelago you’ll find multiple water resorts, either on small islands or built on top of the water. This might sound super expensive but you can find more simple water resorts for good prices. This is an experience itself and I can really recommend staying for a night or two in one of these resorts, but as you can guess you are very isolated and you will have all your meals and spend all your time on this resort.
IS IT DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL TO SEMPORNA?
The entire region of eastern Sabah along the coast, which is where in Borneo Semporna is located, has faced security challenges over the years, mainly related to kidnappings, piracy and cross-border conflicts.
Semporna is located close to the southern Philippines and this region has experienced some instability due to political unrest and poverty and with poor maritime borders between Malaysia and the Philippines, it has made it easier for criminal elements to move between the two countries. Piracy has been a longstanding issue in the Sulu Sea, affecting not only commercial vessels but also local fishermen and tourists. The remoteness of many of the islands around Semporna makes them vulnerable to such activities. The most high-profile security issue in Semporna has been the series of kidnappings for ransom carried out by militant groups, abducting both local and foreign nationals. Kidnappings had its latest spike in the mid-2010s.
All of these safety issues have had a significant impact on Semporna’s reputation as a safe tourist destination, especially since some countries have issued travel warnings for the region. However, the security situation in Semporna and eastern Sabah has greatly improved in recent years due to concerted efforts by Malaysian authorities.
My personal experience of Semporna in Borneo was that I faced no issues. I visited Semporna in July 2024 and I stayed both in a water resort in the Semporna waters and in town.
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