MY · Sabah · 4.48°N 118.61°E

semporna

The way to Sipadan and Mabul: turtles, reef walls and stilt villages on the sea.

Best time
Diving is good all year; April to September is often calmest.
How long
4–5 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Tawau, about 2 hours 45 minutes, then around 1–1.5 hours by road to Semporna.
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MY · Sabahsemporna4.48°N 118.61°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,The way to Sipadan and Mabul: turtles, reef walls and stilt villages on the sea.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSempornaMY, Sabah
KLsemporna
≈ 1,883 km from KL, as the crow flies
Semporna Waterfront, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small town on Sabah's east coast and the jumping-off point for Sipadan, Mabul and the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Bajau Laut stilt villages sit out on the reefs.

Makan

  1. Seafood over the waterRestaurants on stilts near the jetty, where you pick your catch.Map ↗
  2. Kopitiam breakfastsKopi and roti in town before the boats leave.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Dive SipadanOne of the world's best-known dive sites, with turtles and huge schools of fish.Map ↗
  2. Mabul and KapalaiMacro diving and resorts on stilts.Map ↗
  3. Bohey DulangA short, steep hike to a view over the lagoon.Map ↗
  4. Island hoppingSibuan and Mantabuan for white sand and snorkelling.Map ↗

Where to stay

In Semporna town for day trips, or on Mabul for the dive resorts.

Good to know

  • Sipadan permits are limited each day. Book with a dive operator well ahead.
  • Check the current travel advice for Sabah's east coast before you go.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.