Semporna Review: I wouldn't recommend it.

✨ In February, while most places are still chilly, Semporna is embraced by warm sunshine and crystal-clear waters, like a blue gem💎 left on Earth. This small town, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is a dream island paradise for countless travelers. If you're yearning for a trip to escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the sea, be sure to save this guide📖 📍Location Semporna is located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, surrounded by turquoise waters and dotted with numerous charming islands🏝️ 🚗Transportation ✈️External Transportation: - First, arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and then transfer to Tawau Airport. There are many flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, with a flight time of about 2 hours. - You can also transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, with a flight time of about 1 hour. 🚌Internal Transportation: - From Tawau Airport to Semporna town, you can book an airport transfer service online in advance, which takes about 1 hour. You can also take a taxi at the airport, which is relatively more expensive but more convenient. - Getting around Semporna town mainly relies on walking. To visit the surrounding islands, you need to join an island-hopping tour, with local boatmen providing transportation🚤 🏠Accommodation - Semporna Town: There are many affordable guesthouses and hotels, convenient for travel, with restaurants and supermarkets nearby. For example, the Seafest Hotel Semporna offers great value for money, complete facilities, and beautiful sea views🌊 - Kapalai Island Resort: This overwater resort feels like a fairy tale world, where you can see the endless sea as soon as you open the door. Here, you can enjoy romantic sea-view rooms and snorkeling🤿 However, the price is relatively high, and reservations are required in advance. - Mabul Island Resort: Experience the romance of overwater bungalows and the convenience of land-based resorts. Mabul Island has many resorts of different grades to meet the needs of different travelers, and you can also observe the life of the Bajau people up close🏝️ 🌟Must-See Attractions Sipadan Island: Known as the "world's premier diving paradise," it boasts a 600-meter vertical drop-off and a wealth of marine life🐠 However, Sipadan Island limits the number of visitors per day, and reservations must be made in advance through a certified dive center. Diving costs range from MYR 500 to MYR 1,000. Kapalai Island: Kapalai Island has spectacular coral reefs and is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Here, you can put on a life jacket and snorkeling gear and dance with colorful fish🐟 No entrance fee is required, but staying at Kapalai Island Resort requires paying the corresponding accommodation fee. Mabul Island: Mabul Island is a vibrant island where, in addition to beautiful seascapes, you can see the unique water villages of the Bajau people. You can participate in diving activities here to explore the mysterious underwater world. Diving costs around MYR 300 - MYR 800. Mataking Island: Consisting of Big Mataking Island and Small Mataking Island, the island has a pristine ecological environment and fine white sand beaches. It is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, and if you're lucky, you can see turtles coming ashore to lay eggs🐢 You can reach it by joining an island-hopping tour, which costs around MYR 200 - MYR 400. Tun Sakaran Marine Park: Home to Malaysia's largest coral reef, it is one of Semporna's most popular attractions. You can climb Pearl Island for a panoramic view of the marine park and snorkel at islands like Bohey Dulang Island and Mantabuan Island🤿 The marine park entrance fee is around MYR 100 - MYR 150. Semporna Seafood Market: When you come to Semporna, you must visit the seafood market to taste the local seafood🦀 There is a wide variety of seafood here at affordable prices. You can choose your favorite seafood and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant. Processing fees are generally between MYR 10 and MYR 30. Dragon Inn: A landmark building in Semporna, it is popular with tourists for its unique appearance and seaside location. You can take photos here and experience the fishing port atmosphere of Semporna. No entrance fee is required. Pom Pom Island: The white sandy beaches and clear waters on the island are incredibly beautiful, making it a great place for vacation and leisure. There are some resorts on Pom Pom Island, and you can also join a day trip to the island, which costs around MYR 300 - MYR 500. 💡Other Tips - Semporna has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round. Take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat🌞 - Follow the instructor's guidance when diving and pay attention to safety. If you can't swim, you can also experience snorkeling in shallow water and feel the charm of the sea. - The official languages of Semporna are Malay and English, but many businesses speak Chinese, so communication is generally not a problem. - Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Dress appropriately when entering mosques. 🎈Every piece of seawater and every island in Semporna exudes a unique charm. Here, you can forget all your worries and enjoy the beauty of the sun, sand, and sea. I hope this guide can help you embark on an unforgettable journey to Semporna and create your own island memories🌊