Semporna is a district located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It is renowned for its stunning marine biodiversity and is a gateway to several of the world’s best diving sites, such as the famous Sipadan Island. The region attracts divers and tourists from around the globe due to its crystal-clear waters, diverse coral reefs, and rich marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and various tropical fish species.

In addition to diving, Semporna offers activities such as island hopping, snorkelling, and exploring the local markets and seafood restaurants. The town of Semporna itself provides basic amenities and serves as a hub for tourists heading to nearby islands and marine parks.

Semporna is also culturally rich, with a significant population of the Bajau people, known as sea gipsies, who traditionally live a nomadic lifestyle on the sea. The Bajau Laut are known for their unique maritime skills and stilted houses built over water.

How to get to Semporna?

By Air

Several airlines operate flights to Tawau Airport (TAW), including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, with direct flights available from Kota Kinabalu (the capital of Sabah) and Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia). From Tawau, take a minibus going to Semporna. The drive takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.

By Land

There are bus services from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna but be prepared for a very long journey (most probably over 10 hours).

For ticket booking, visit Easybook or 12Go.Asia

By Ferry

Some ferries connect Tawau with Nunukan and Tarakan in Indonesian Borneo. The ferry services are less frequent, so checking the schedule in advance is important. From Tawau, take a minibus going to Semporna. The drive takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.

When to go?

The best time to visit the Semporna is during the dry season, which typically falls between March and October. The weather during these months is generally more favourable with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the islands (the sea is calm) and enjoy outdoor activities.

Where to stay?

I can recommend staying at Warisan Family Inn or Kuree Hut. Both are well-located, in the town centre with plenty of restaurants and shops. They can also help you to organize trips to the islands. Warisan Family Inn is closer to the waterfront if that matters. The rooms were clean and spacious!

How long should you stay?

Semporna doesn’t have much to offer but you can easily spend a few days visiting nearby islands, so it depends on your preferences. I spent one day in town and three days doing island hopping but some people prefer going just to one island and staying longer there, diving or just chilling at the beach.

What to do in Semporna?

Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site

Situated on a slope approximately 600 feet above sea level is this archaeological site. Bukit Tengkorak is a volcanic rock-shelter site and a part of a volcano mouth of 2km in diameter. The location housed Southeast Asia’s greatest ceramic production during the Neolithic era. In the small museum at the foot of the steps, one can learn more details about the discovery of this archaeological site. It’s free to visit.

You will have to climb quite a lot of wooden steps to get on top but it’s worth it. A beautiful panorama of the Semporna area can be admired from there. The best way to reach Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site is to use the mobile taxi application: Grab.

Museum Tun Sakaran

Exhibits about Tun Sakaran, who was  Sabah Governor or Head of State, and his role as a community leader can be seen on the museum’s ground floor. On the first floor, there are displays on the history and culture of Semporna and the surrounding area. It’s free to visit.

1-day trips to the islands

The islands are the main Semporna’s appeal as a premier marine tourism destination, offering a range of activities from diving to serene beach vacation. Some people head there directly, without even stopping at the town itself.

Most of the islands can be visited on a one-day trip, which is a great option for those travelling on a budget. You can also arrange longer stays in the resorts but that will cost you significantly more.

Unfortunately, out of the three tours that I did, only one was organized 100% in line with what was advertised. Some operators insist on skipping certain locations once you are already on the sea, or they just pass by the island, without landing on it. Make sure your tour operator has plenty of good reviews!

Mabul and Kapalai Islands

I was picked up from the hotel in the morning and delivered by car to Pelancong Jetty. The rest of the group was already waiting so we set off to Mabul Island immediately. We passed by huge Bum Bum Island and soon got a glimpse of our first destination on the horizon. The rest of my group were here for diving, so the boat dropped me and one of the guides off at Mabul Island and then they left for their dive spot.

The fee to enter the resort area at Mabul Island is 50 RM per person, which is way too much in my opinion, as you only get access to boardwalks and photo spots. At least I found a nice place in the shade where I could fly a drone. There were lots of sea gipsies on the small boats selling coconuts.

We left the territory of the resort and went to the other side of the island, passing through the section where the staff working in the resort must live. The guide recommended another nice spot for flying a drone, in the middle of palm trees. It was quite nice indeed!

Soon we stepped into a normal village where the local population of the island lives and it was a much more interesting and authentic place to see than the resort filled with Chinese tourists. As we reached the pier, the rest of my group was already waiting there and we had lunch together.

After lunch, it was time for the first snorkelling session near Kapalai Island. It was nice and we could see plenty of fish and even some huge turtles, but unfortunately swimming around and freediving was hard as fins weren’t provided. We didn’t land on the island as essentially it’s just a sandbar with a resort built on stilts.

Then, we went back to Mabul Island for a second snorkelling session. That one was quite disappointing as the water wasn’t clear and instead of a natural reef, there were just some submerged artificial structures.

We arrived back at Semporna at about 4 PM. Overall, it was a nice trip. Compared to the ones described below, the food was the best, but the underwater world was the least memorable.

The trip cost 150 RM per person and it was arranged for me by the Kuree Hut where I was staying. Lunch, water and snorkelling equipment (without fins) were provided.

Mataking and Timba Timba Islands

I checked in at Semporna Jetty at 8:30 AM and was welcomed by the staff. Besides me, all the other tourists on the boat were divers. There were 3 snorkelling sessions: 2 at Mataking Island and 1 at Timba Timba Island. All the places were amazing and it was surely one of the best if not the best snorkelling that I experienced in Southeast Asia. The equipment was of superb quality and fins were included. I saw a lot of colorful fish but the highlight was huge green turtles coming up from the depths. Wow!

The trip cost 180 RM per person and I arranged it with Seabunny. The snorkelling equipment was in excellent condition (fins included) and the staff was really friendly. However, we weren’t able to set foot on any of the islands and the whole day was spent on the boat only. It was a big disappointment, considering how beautiful the sandbank at Timba Tima Island is. The staff explained that it’s because both islands are private properties, however, I found info online that it’s possible to visit, but you simply need to pay extra. It would be nice to be offered a choice!

Boheydulang, Sibuan and Mantabuan Islands

I was picked up from the hotel in the morning and delivered by car to Pelancong Jetty. The first stop of the day was at Boheydulang Island, where we did a sweaty 20-30-minute hike up to the viewpoint. Every few meters there is a ‘guide’ monitoring if everyone is fine, as the place is very popular. The view was really worth the effort, even though I ended up completely soaked in sweat. Don’t forget water!

From there, we were supposed to go to Mantabuan Island but the boat crew was doing everything to discourage us from that. Unfortunately, they wanted to skip it and come back earlier to Semporna which was absolutely not fair. Luckily, most of the participants protested so we ended up going there. We didn’t land on the island but the offshore snorkelling was superb with plenty of starfish around!

Next, we stopped at Sibuan Island where we had our lunch and some free time to walk around the sandbank. Unfortunately drone flying wasn’t possible as all the islands are part of Tun Sakaran Marine Park plus there is a Military Zone.

Soon it was time for another snorkeling session and we boarded the boat only to be dropped off… at another side of Sibuan Island, a few meters from the beach. Hillarious! Basically we could have just walked there… Snorkeling there was really mediocre and it was a pretty clear sign that the boat crew wanted to finish the tour as soon as possible.

Overall, we all came back to Semporna with mixed feelings. The beauty of the islands is unquestionable, however, the behaviour of the tour operator was really bad and disrespectful. The trip cost 250 RM per person and it was arranged for me by the Kuree Hut where I was staying. Lunch, water and snorkelling equipment (without fins) were provided.

Sipadan Island

The 600-meter vertical drop around the island is covered in coral with much variety and quantity of marine life. A typical day at Sipadan includes seeing numerous enormous green and hawksbill turtles, herds of hundreds of enormous bump head parrot fish, schools of thousands of jackfish, and enormous schools of barracuda.

There are limited permits shared by tour operators each day and larger resorts get more permits. Each permit allows a diver to dive for a day at Sipadan Island. Try to book your trip and permit as early as possible, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.

Bum Bum Island

It is situated about one kilometre east of Semporna town and is separated from the mainland by a Tando Bulong Channel. There are several floating, homestay-style options for accommodation and snorkelling and diving are offered. To get there, you can easily find a boat at the public jetty in Semporna.

The Tip of Borneo, known locally as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, is a prominent landmark located in the northernmost part of Borneo Island, within the Malaysian state of Sabah. Local villages are populated by the Rungus ethnic tribe, where traditional lifestyles and skillfully made handicrafts can be seen. They are also particularly notable for their traditional longhouses.

The Kudat Peninsula is definitely worth a visit for those who like nature without crowds!

How to get to the Tip of Borneo?

There is no public transport around the Kudat Peninsula, so renting a car from Kota Kinabalu and making a trip there independently seems to be the best option. I haven’t seen any car rental companies with good reviews in Kudat.

Alternatively, base yourself in Kudat and arrange transportation there from your hotel. Most likely they will help you to find a taxi driver or you can try your luck and look for one in a popular ride-hailing app Grab.

When to go?

The Tip of Borneo can be visited the whole year, but the best time to visit is between February and April, during the dry season. The weather during these months is generally more favourable with less rainfall, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities, especially in the afternoons.

How long should you stay?

Keeping in mind the distance from Kota Kinabalu (nearly 200 km), at least two days are needed to travel comfortably and have enough time to relax on the beach, visit the tip of the peninsula and drop by to Kudat.

Where to stay?

There are a lot of nice accommodation options near the tip, such as Tampat Do Aman which includes walking trails, a watchtower for looking out over the dense forest and a small museum dedicated to the Rungus people. You can also camp near Kelambu Beach which must be an amazing experience while enjoying starry nights.

In Kudat, I recommend staying at The Upper Deck Hotel. Basic, but very clean and spacious room, well located in the centre of the town.

Places worth seeing

The Tip of Borneo

Situated in the Kudat Peninsula, it is where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, offering stunning panoramic views of both bodies of water. A large bronze globe monument marks the place, symbolizing its geographical significance. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset and you can spot Kalampunian Lighthouse in the distance.

Kalampunian Beach

This beach is truly a gem, offering a serene atmosphere. The fine, white sand is a delight to walk on, perfectly matching with turquoise water.

Kelambu Beach

Another beautiful sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk to the small island across. Be wary not to get stranded when the tide comes in. The only drawback is the rubbish being washed up during high tide. There are nice campsites on the other side of the road, but don’t expect a mobile signal (which may be an advantage).

Kudat

Kudat has historical importance as it was one of the early settlements of the British North Borneo Company in the 19th century. The town was officially established in 1881. You can kill some time here strolling or jogging along the sea at Kudat Park or visiting the Tun Mustapha Museum or Fuk Tek Kung Temple.

Tun Mustapha Museum is the first museum built in Kudat which aims to showcase the life story of Tun Mustapha (the first governor of Sabah) as well as the culture and history found in the Kudat district.

Fuk Tek Kung Temple is one of the few Taoism temples in Sabah. It was built in the early 1970s by the nearby Hokkien Association.

Bak Bak Beach is the nearest recreational spot near the city although it can be quite windy. There are a few stalls selling food.

Banggi Island

The island is well off the beaten track, with limited infrastructure and basic amenities, available in larger settlements like Karakit. It lies within the South China Sea and is close to the southern Philippines. The beaches on the island are littered with rubbish, and there isn’t much to do. On the other hand, you can bargain with fishermen to take you to nearby Maliangin Island, a little island with picture-perfect beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and crystal-clear water. Balambangan Island is a more distant and more expensive to get to but would be another nice idea for a day trip.

To get there, you will need to take a boat from the town of Kudat. The boat ride takes an hour or two, depending on the sea conditions.

Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo (now Sabah) before the capital was moved to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). It played a significant role during the British colonial period and World War II.

It is known for the Sandakan Death Marches, one of Asia’s most tragic World War II events. Many Australian and British prisoners of war were forced by the Japanese to march under brutal conditions, leading to the deaths of almost all involved.

Sandakan is a gateway to several natural attractions. It is close to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which attracts many visitors interested in wildlife conservation. Other notable sites include the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Turtle Islands Park, and the Gomantong Caves, famous for edible bird nests.

How to get to Sandakan?

By Air

Several airlines operate flights to Sandakan, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, with direct flights available from Kota Kinabalu (the capital of Sabah) and Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia). The best way to get from Sandakan Airport to the city centre is to use the ride-hailing service, Grab.

By Land

There are bus services from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan passing through Kundasang and Sepilok. The journey takes about 6-8 hours.

For ticket booking, visit Easybook or 12Go.Asia

When to go?

The best time to visit Sandakan is during the dry season, which typically falls between March and October. The weather during these months is generally more favourable with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the rainforest (the trails are less muddy) and enjoy outdoor activities.

How long to stay?

Sandakan itself can be easily discovered in one day. If you are planning to visit natural attractions around Sepilok or Turtle Islands Park, you should plan 2-3 days more.

Where to stay?

I spent two nights in AeCOTEL and would recommend this hotel. The rooms were spacious, everything was very clean and the beds were comfy. They also have scooters for rent and can help you to book a river cruise at Kinabatangan.

How to get around?

You can comfortably get around using the ride-hailing app – Grab. If you want to be more independent, a good idea is to rent a scooter. I rented one at my accommodation: AeCOTEL.

What to do in Sandakan?

Agnes Keith House

A restored colonial mansion called Newlands, presents the story of American writer Agnes Keith and her British husband Harry, the Conservator of Forests in North Borneo. They spent three years in Japanese internment camps during World War II and resided in Sandakan from 1934 until 1952. Keith immortalized the house in her hilarious, engrossing, and award-winning depiction of colonial life in Land Below the Wind.

Sandakan Old Chinese Cemetery

The Chinese Cemetery is spread over the hillside and is quite impressive, especially if you have not seen a similar place previously. It is still used as some of the graves are recent but some parts are overgrown. You can walk through most of it using the steps and pathways.

Berhala Island

An island with a truly local and authentic village. You won’t find any resorts there. The village is not big and it takes about half an hour to visit. Unfortunately, I felt completely overwhelmed with the amount of rubbish, especially plastic bottles that I saw all around.

You can also hike up towards Berhala Island Lighthouse but the trail isn’t easy to find so you will need to ask locals for directions or hire a guide.

To get there, look for a boat at the pier behind the fish market at Sandakan Central Market.

Sandakan Central Market

All seafood, veggies and fruits are fresh and sold at an affordable price here. Very clean place for both dry and wet markets. The surroundings of the market are very lively. Right outside, you can see the waterfront, harbour mall and lots of shops and restaurants.

Sim Sim Water Village

A charming and unique village that is known for its traditional stilt houses and picturesque waterfront views. Known as one of the oldest and most historic water villages in Sabah, Sim Sim can be explored on foot. It’s a must-visit in Sandakan, for anyone interested in admiring the traditional architecture of the stilt houses and sampling delicious local cuisine from the waterfront eateries. I got rice with dried fish and sambal for as little as 1 RM!

Trig Hill

A great place to admire the panorama of Sandakan. Unfortunately, the Rotary Tower was closed and I couldn’t climb it.

Puu Jih Syh Temple

One of the finest Chinese temples in Sabah. It’s about 4km west of the city centre centre and provides beautiful panoramic views from its terrace.

St. Michael’s and All Angels Church

This Anglican church, a relic of colonial times and a monument to Christian worship, is the first and oldest stone church in the State of Sabah, completed in 1925.

Sandakan Memorial Park

The location marked by a stunning rainforest garden was a Japanese prisoner of war camp and the beginning of the infamous WWII “death marches” to Ranau. By July 1945, only six Australian escapees remained alive out of the 1793 Australians and 641 British servicemen who had been imprisoned here in the beginning. The only tangible remnants are a concrete water tank and a few rusty machinery from the British agricultural station that was converted into a jail.

Check the offer of guided treks, following the route of death marches.

Astana Height Recreation Park 

A very pleasant and interesting loop trail. Breathtaking views from the top toward Berhala Island and Sim Sim Water Village. Be careful on the stairs as they might be a bit shaky.

Sandakan Rainforest Park

Beautiful scenery of nature and you can hear different types of birds singing. There are wide, concrete paths, often used by locals for jogging. If you want to be more adventurous, take a turn into a proper jungle trail. It was surprisingly wild and quite difficult loop with many ups and downs. No fees are required to enter the park.

What to outside of Sandakan?

Sepilok

The place is renowned primarily for the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and hiking opportunities at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Read more in a separate post HERE.

Turtle Islands Park

40 kilometres to the north of Sandakan is the Turtle Islands Park including three small islands: Selingan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kechil. It encompasses the nearby reefs and oceans and spans 1,740 hectares. This park is unique since it is home to two different types of turtles: green and hawksbill. They come ashore at night to lay their eggs all year round. Every one of the three islands has hatcheries. The islands offer more attractions than only sea turtles. The crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured ocean and its surrounding coral reefs are perfect for diving, snorkelling, and swimming.

It takes you about 45 minutes by boat from Sandakan to the island. With no day trips allowed at Turtle Island, this overnight package is the shortest option to witness the magic of baby turtles hatching off the coast of Sandakan. Similar to other activities including nature in Sabah, it isn’t cheap and you should expect to pay about 1500 RM per person for the 2D1N package.

Gomantong Caves

It’s a stinky and dirty place but if you are not afraid of cockroaches then this cave is worth going to. You might get lucky and witness how locals collect edible nest swiftlet plus don’t forget to keep your head up as orangutans are hanging around high in the trees from time to time.

For most of the tourists coming here, Gomantong Caves is included in their Kinabatangan River Cruise package. If you are not on tour, you will need to rent a car to reach it.

Sepilok, located in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is renowned primarily for the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and hiking opportunities at the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

How to get to Sepilok?

Getting to Sepilok typically involves travelling to Sandakan, a city in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo.

By Air

Several airlines operate flights to Sandakan, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, with direct flights available from Kota Kinabalu (the capital of Sabah) and Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia). To get from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok the best way is to use the ride-hailing service, Grab.

By Land

There are bus services from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan passing through Kundasang and Sepilok. The journey takes about 6-8 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off at Sepilok.

Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter in Sandakan and just ride to Sepilok for a day trip which is exactly what I did.

For ticket booking, visit Easybook or 12Go.Asia

When to go?

The best time to visit Sepilok is during the dry season, which typically falls between March and October. The weather during these months is generally more favourable with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the rainforest (the trails are less muddy) and enjoy outdoor activities.

How long to stay?

It depends if you are planning to hike the Kabili Trail within the Rainforest Discovery Centre. If yes, it will take you a minimum of 5-6 hours and you won’t be able to fit much more into your daily schedule. Therefore, I would plan 2 days in the Sepilok area to comfortably visit the rest of the sights on the second day.

If you don’t plan to hike the Kabili Trail, then one full day is perfectly enough.

How to get around?

Three major sites are located very close to each other, within walking distance: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Rainforest Discovery Centre.

To get to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary you will need a taxi or a rented scooter. Inquire at your accommodation or check on the mobile app – Grab.

What to do in Sepilok?

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The sun bear, the smallest bear species worldwide, gets its name from the golden band of fur that encircles their necks. Sun bears can be found in Borneo, eastern India, southern China, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, among other parts of Southeast Asia. With their large claws, they can easily climb tall trees in pursuit of beehives. Additionally, they manage the damaging termite population in the forest, which is an essential component of the bears’ diet.

They are the second most endangered bear species in the world and the centre takes good care of them. Before being released into the wild, a new newcomer will learn how to forage, make nests, climb, and interact with others. The gift shop plays a film that educates customers about the important work of the centre.

The entrance ticket costs 50 RMB for non-Malaysians and 10 RMB for Malaysian adults.

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1964 by Barbara Harrison, an Englishwoman, who worked in collaboration with the government of Sabah. The centre was founded to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans so they could eventually return to the wild.

Initially, the centre focused on rescuing young orangutans who were displaced due to logging, deforestation, and illegal pet trade. The early years involved significant efforts in raising awareness and educating the public about the plight of orangutans. Over the years, the rehabilitation process at Sepilok has evolved. Young orangutans are taught essential survival skills, including climbing and foraging, in a safe and controlled environment before they are gradually released into the forest.

Feedings at the platforms are at 10 AM and 3 PM, and last 30 to 50 minutes. Tickets are valid for one day, so you can see two feedings with the same ticket. I visited in the morning and the place was extremely crowded with people which took away most of the charm of this place. I felt like I was in some kind of a zoo…

Rainforest Discovery Centre

In addition to eight canopy towers connected by walkways that offer you a bird’s-eye view of the treetops, there are many gentle walking routes. Get a map at the ticket office. Join a night walk for increased chances of spotting tarsiers, slow loris, civets, flying squirrels, and other nocturnal creatures.

Regarding the trails, a Forest Reserve Entry Permit is needed for the 16-kilometre round-trip Kabili Trail. You can easily get it at the ticket office for 35 RMB. The main difficulty of the trail is weather humidity and high temperature, so take plenty of water on you and some clothes for change. In May there weren’t any leeches. Along the path, there are three shelters where you can take a rest. The trail is well marked and in my opinion, there is no need for a guide but they can be hired if needed.

The Sepilok Laut Reception Centre at the end of the trail is reached by walking for 1 km on a boardwalk through the mangrove. You can even spend a night there but need to plan it up front and bring enough water and food. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange a boat pick-up from the centre to Sandakan, but you have to do it a couple of days in advance. Otherwise, you just have to do the trail as an out-and-back day trip. 

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is situated inside an oil palm field. The 400-acre property was set to be cleared for the development of oil palm in the mid-1990s when the owner learned that proboscis monkeys were residing in the mangrove forest. He chose to keep this little area of woodland intact as a monkey refuge.

Labuk Bay’s environment is fragmented, with small areas of mangrove forest encircled by plantations. The monkeys are fed extra food because there isn’t enough of it. Somehow I had the feeling that the story of this place fits very well with the general story of Borneo and the fact that wild animals are pushed out of their natural habitats and can only survive on those small, controlled sections… just as a tourist attraction to generate money. That’s why after visiting Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, I felt quite depressed and decided not to come here. I hoped to see proboscis monkeys truly wild, but maybe I was too naive.

This privately run sanctuary has two observation platforms. Feeding takes place at Platform A at 9.30 AM and 2.30 PM and at Platform B at 11.30 AM and 4.30 PM. At most feeding times groups of proboscis monkeys descend from the nearby forest and mangroves and head to the wooden platform for a free meal.