Semporna
Sabah

"Semporna -- a gateway to Sipadan Island
and World-Class Diving in Celebs Sea"

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Semporna Sabah

Semporna is located in the east coast of Sabah in Borneo. Despite its small size, it has attracted travelers from all around the world!

In this article you'll find:




This is why:

Ever heard about Sipadan Island and the fantastic diving?

It is said that Sipadan Island has world class diving!

Sipadan itself is the only oceanic island in Malaysia formed by corals. The warm water of Celebs Sea draws tropical fish, large rays, sharks, lazy turtles and sometimes the great whale shark!

To make things even more interesting...

Sipadan Island is not the only island that offers excellent diving, but also the islands of Mabul, Kapalai and Sibuan. Sipadan is still the best island, but the others are good follow-ups.

The local life...

When we arrived in Semporna, we didn't know how to get to Skuba Junkie. We asked a young local and he just smiled and pointed the direction. We experienced that the locals in general were very friendly, and had a smile on their face.

Well, besides underwater activities and getting to know the friendly locals, there's nothing much to do in Semporna!



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Semporna Sabah

I'm sorry to say that the poverty in Semporna was more striking than other parts of Malaysia. When we arrived in Semporna, and tried to find Skuba Junkie, the impressions on the way to Skuba Junkie were harsh.

Kids ran after us, begging for money.

Persistent "taxi" drivers wanted to take us to Skuba Junkie, and followed us for two blocks.

It was kind of sad to see this, because you could clearly sense that the locals would do anything to earn a buck!

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1st picture: Semporna town by Skuba Junkie

How to get to Sipadan & Semporna

By air: If you're coming from Kuala Lumpur (KL), book a flight through Air Asia to Tawau. The town of Tawau is one hour away from Semporna. If you're in KK and in a hurry, you can take the airplane from KK to Tawau as well.

Cheap flights to Tawau:

By bus: Long-distance buses from KK to Semporna leave Inanam bus station (around 9 hours of bus ride).

From Sandakan there's a direct bus to Semporna at 8 am (5 hours). All the long-distance buses leave the bus station, which is located 4 km north of Sandakan town. To get to this bus station, take a local bus by the waterfront or a taxi (RM 10). If you miss the buss at 8 am, go to Lahad Datu where minibuses frequently leave for Semporna.

Let's begin with important places to know about:

  • Police We didn't find any police station in Semporna, but there has to be one. If you know about it, please contact me.
  • Hospital Semporna Phone nr: 089 781 522
  • I didn't notice any real pharmacies in Semporna. But Watsons and Guardian near Skuba Junkie provide basic medical supplies. Otherwise there are plenty of doctors near KFC. The doctor we saw was Dr. Syed, and his closing time was 6 pm.
  • You can get free internet access at Skuba Junkie (it was at least free when we were there in June 2009). They've got two computers.

    You can also go to Mabul Cafe where they have an internet cafe (Skype included).

    Internet price per hour: RM 2

    Print-outs without color: RM 1

    Print-out with color: RM 3.50

  • Most shops close at 6 pm, and others close at 8 pm.


Semporna Articles



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Where to sleep

Reviews of Skuba Junkie Guesthouse!

And tips for other accommodations in Semporna!

CLICK! Welcome to Semporna Accommodation (Malaysia Budget Accommodation 2)!



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Where to eat & drink

Reviews of the food in Semporna included the food at Skuba Junkie Restaurant, the Indian food at Bismallah, Malay food at Mabul and much more!

Come here to get a bite of food in Malaysia!



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Diving with Skuba Junkie

We tried the open-water course at Skuba Junkie.

Read our review here!

We had a blast! :-)

Enjoy diving in Sabah!



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General Info on Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and Sibuan

Get all the information you need on outstanding Sipadan and the other beautiful Malaysia islands: how to get there, best time to dive, what marine species you can see, accommodation and much more!

Visit Malaysia Islands of Sipadan, Kapalai, Sibuan and Mabul! (Malaysia Islands 2)

Return to top

You're done with Semporna Sabah, where do you want to go next?

Ready for the Perhentians?

Useful information about Sipadan island, Kapalai, Mabul and Sibuan, the diving and snorkeling there

Visit Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

How do you get to Kota Kinabalu Sabah on Borneo?

Heading for Bangkok?

Wondering about what to consider in your Malaysia Budget?

Need some Malaysia facts before departure?

Return from Semporna Sabah to Backpacking Tips Asia.





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