The town of Semporna sits in the Sabah region of northeast Malaysia. This turquoise paradise is home to swaying palm trees, over-water huts and soft sand beaches. The town also provides an excellent gateway to the Sulu Archipelago and the Philippine islands.
Things to do in Semporna
Semporna’s main pull is its colourful waterfront mosque. This place of worship is hard to miss, thanks to its golden cupola and bright blue paintwork. Visit the mosque early to catch the locals in morning prayer and to admire the beautiful architecture.
Avid divers will enjoy the array of diving opportunities available from Semporna and most of the dive schools are located down and around Jalan Kastam street. Take your pick before heading out into the Semporna Archipelago for an exhilarating underwater adventure featuring solo white-tip reef sharks, schooling barracuda and pygmy seahorses.
Back on land, head to AnjungLepa restaurant to dine on seafood and traditional Malay dishes. Thanks to the town’s coastal location, the fish is all locally sourced and freshly caught each morning.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as Sipadan National Park, is located off the coast only a short boat ride away. Head over early to make the most of the day snorkelling in the crystal-clear ocean, swimming with turtles and sunbathing on soft white sand.
Getting around Semporna
Semporna STOLport Airport is a 20-minute drive from the town centre. Once you’re in Semporna, the area is compact enough to explore on foot. Taxis make for excellent transportation on land, while passenger boats let you explore the nearby islands.