Semporna

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Top 10 attractions in Semporna

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Kapalai
No. 17 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Kapalai

6.5
4.7/5
500 reviews
Kapalai Island, located in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, is a sandbar nestled between Sipadan Island and Mabul Island, about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna. It's a world-renowned diving paradise, home to a rich marine life, including cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and sea turtles. It's also a common habitat for manta rays. The resort offers 51 overwater bungalows connected by wooden boardwalks, allowing visitors to stroll along and watch the marine life swimming beneath them, earning it the nickname "Water Paradise." The island's restaurants offer Malaysian specialties, and guests can enjoy the unique island atmosphere from their balconies, listening to the sound of sea turtles breathing. To reach Kapalai Island, you first need to fly to Tawau, then drive to Semporna, and finally arrive by speedboat. The island offers both diving and non-diving packages, providing comprehensive services including meals, accommodation, and more.Semporna · 29.6km from downtown
Mabul Island
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Mabul Island

6.1
4.8/5
521 reviews
Mabul Island (Mabul Island), also known as Mabul Island, is a sandy island located in the northeast of Semporna, adjacent to Sipadan (Sipadan) about a 15-minute boat ride. The island is one of the top diving spots in the world, where visitors can swim, snorkel and dive. The waters near Mabul Island are rich in marine life, and tourists who are not familiar with water can also watch the colorful corals, starfish and fish on the seabed in the corridor of the water house. There are also various holiday houses and water houses on the island, providing tourists with a different accommodation experience.Tawau Division · 26.1km from Semporna
Sipadan Island
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Sipadan Island

5.6
4.6/5
207 reviews
Sipadan Island is a small island off the coast of Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It is a rare oceanic island in Malaysia, covering an area of approx. 40,000 square meters. It was formed by coral reefs growing over a long period on the top of a dormant submarine volcano until they emerged above the sea surface. The entire island resembles a stone pillar rising straight out of the sea from the seabed approx. 600 m deep, with nearly vertical reef walls surrounding it. The shallows near the jetty are just a few steps from the beach, and at the edge of the reef shelf, the seabed drops off steeply into the ocean hundreds of meters deep. This "cliff at your feet" topography is the foundation of its status as a legendary dive site. After filming a documentary here, oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described it as "an untouched piece of art."Tawau · 40.6km from Semporna
Pom Pom Island

Pom Pom Island

5.6
4.3/5
195 reviews
Pom Pom Island is adjacent to Sipadan Island, a diving resort, about 40 minutes by boat from Semporna Pier. It is a peaceful paradise island. The island is famous for its turtles, and guests can join night patrols where baby turtles are released back into the water. If you are lucky, you can also spot large turtles while snorkeling on the shore during the day. Resorts on the island provide a variety of options such as beach houses, water houses and flower houses, and tourists can book according to their preferences.Pom Pom Island · 106m from downtown
Bohey Dulang Island
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Bohey Dulang Island

5.5
4.7/5
94 reviews
Bohey Dulang Island is a volcanic island located within Tun Sakaran Marine Park, off the coast of Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, with the mountain rising steeply from the sea. The main peak is over 300 m above sea level, and the ancient volcanic crater, now filled with seawater, has become a blue-green lagoon. The water color transitions in layers between sapphire blue and mint green, making it highly recognizable among the many islands in Semporna. Climbing to the summit offers a panoramic view of the entire marine park, with the lagoon, island groups, and the open sea all in sight. The deep blue and light green waters interweave among the islands, making it one of the most iconic photo spots in the area. The island was designated as a bird sanctuary in its early years and is still home to birds such as the oriental pied hornbill and the Nicobar pigeon. On the east side, there is a series of rock pools connected by streams. By the seaside, there is a giant clam and marine invertebrate hatchery that cultivates various species of giant clams, serving as a window to understand the conservation work in this sea area.Semporna · 23.5km from downtown
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sabah

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

5.5
4.9/5
103 reviews
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is located in the coastal waters off the east side of Sabah, Malaysia, adjacent to the town of Semporna. It is also often called Tun Sakaran Marine Park. The park consists of eight islands and two reef flats, making it one of the larger marine parks in Sabah. To this day, no large resorts have been established here. Only Bajau fishing villages are scattered throughout. The water is clear, the ecosystem is well-preserved, and the richness of marine life is among the best in Malaysian waters, with more than 500 species of coral reef fish recorded alone. A notable feature within the park is Bohey Dulang Island: it was formed by the uplifted remains of an ancient volcanic crater, which, together with the adjacent large island, encloses a deep blue lagoon. Following the mountain trail to the viewing platform, you can overlook the sea's blue-green gradient from above, which is a classic, highly recognizable scene in the Semporna area. The island also houses a giant clam hatchery for the marine research station, where you can learn about the cultivation process of these rare giant clams.Semporna · 22.8km from downtown
Mataking Island

Mataking Island

5.5
4.8/5
260 reviews
Madatin Island is located at the northern upper end of Mabul Island, near Sipadan Island. It is a private island belonging to TheReefDiveResort Resort. The building is a traditional Malaysian design, with one island and one hotel, with gorgeous cabins and diving centers, which are very suitable for diving and diving. On vacation, many people come here not to dive, but to enjoy the vacation feeling. The marine ecology inhabiting the waters of Maagin covers plankton and larger marine species, attracting many underwater photographers, novice divers, and even professional divers. On the east coast of Madin Island is a coral cliff sloping down to a depth of 100 meters, while on the west, most of them are coral cliffs with a depth of 100 meters. Many divers commented that the vividly colored corals on the seabed of Madagain are indeed a paradise for all kinds of marine life. The marine species that appear here include the resident rainbow, batfish, wrasse, barracuda, hawksbill, lobster, giant clams and blue-spotted rays. In addition, the net red sea swing that has exploded ins is here, which is also one of the reasons for attracting many tourists.Mataking · 38.9km from Semporna
Semporna Ocean Tourism Center
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Semporna Ocean Tourism Center

5.5
5.0/5
8 reviews
Semporna Ocean Tourism Center is situated on the waterfront of Semporna town in Sabah, Malaysia, and serves as the main gateway to the surrounding islands. Most speedboats to diving destinations such as Sipadan, Mabul Island, Kapalai, Mataking, and Pom Pom Island depart from the piers in this area. The boarding area is built along the waterfront, allowing you to enjoy views of the sea while waiting for your boat. Many of the town's dive shops and travel agencies are also concentrated here, making it a one-stop location to arrange your island-hopping and diving itineraries. It is not just a transfer pier, but also a highly recognizable waterfront destination in town.Semporna · 432m from downtown
Timba Timba Island
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Timba Timba Island

5
4.5/5
25 reviews
Timbatimba Island, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is a true gem of the sea that captivates travelers and diving enthusiasts from around the world with its untouched natural beauty and vibrant marine ecosystem. The island is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. During low tide, a distinctive sandbar emerges, resembling a radiant bridal veil stretching out into the sea. Surrounding Timbatimba Island are waters teeming with diverse marine life and spectacular coral reefs, offering exceptional dive sites suitable for all levels. Divers can encounter colorful tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and occasionally spot sharks or rays, making it an ideal place to experience the wonders of the underwater world.Semporna · 35.7km from downtown
Sipadan Mangrove Resort
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Sipadan Mangrove Resort

4.9
4.6/5
32 reviews
Swim in the mangroves, enjoy the scenery of nature and the sounds of wild animals. Occasionally, you can find other apes and crocodiles. You can see flocks of egrets flying up and eagles swooping for food. I believe this trip The journey is sure to leave you with indelible memories.Tawau · 35.1km from Semporna

Experiences you can't miss in Semporna

Featured Day tours in Semporna

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SEMPORNA Day Trip Tun Sakaran Marine Park - Bohey Dulang / Mantabuan / Sibuan
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4.3/5
· 6 reviews· 49 booked
Duration: 7.3 hrs
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1-day tour to Mataking, Timba Timba Island and Pom Pom Island - Semporna island hopping with snorkeling and scuba diving (admission ticket at your own expense)
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4.8/5
· 40 reviews· 350 booked
Duration: 5.8 hrs
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92.5% of travelers recommend
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SEMPORNA Day Trip Mabul + Kapalai
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4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 6.7 hrs
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Xianben Namada Jingbangbang Island Tingba Tingba One day Tour Snorkeling and Diving
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4.4/5
· 25 reviews· 686 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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1-day tour to Mataking - Semporna island hopping with snorkeling and scuba diving at Timba Timba Island and Pom Pom Island (admission ticket at your own expense)
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews· 205 booked
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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Four-island tour in Semporna / Mataking · Timba Timba · Pom Pom Island · Pandanan Island
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3.0/5
· 2 reviews· 23 booked
Duration: 5.3 hrs
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Free cancellation
FromSGD 59.44
Semporna Mabul Island Kapalai Day Tour Snorkeling and Diving Tickets at Own Expense
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4.5/5
· 19 reviews· 414 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Semporna

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Snorkeling 1-day tour to Semporna Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Malaysia
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Semporna Island Day Trip - Mataking / Pom-Pom / Pandanan | Semporna, Sabah
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What travellers say about Semporna

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BrightEyedBaby29 September 2026
5.0
In my opinion, this is a great place to do diving. I enjoyed the house reef diving because I get to dive around freely with my friends without much restrictions. The sea is clear and beautiful with a lot of wild sea aquatic creatives. It was a truly memorable experience with my friends. I had a great time at our five star resort and it was a chill getaway. However, do note that it can be quite a hassle trying to access the place. The staff are friendly and professional, and the place is well maintained as a whole. It is a recommended attraction to visit with your friends.

Kapalai

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Djsensen13 October 2025
5.0
It takes 50 minutes by speedboat from Semporna town to reach Mabul Island. The water houses are very beautiful and the photos are especially good. There are also many Bajau children rowing boats and saying in Chinese: "Want to buy coconuts?" It's very interesting.

Mabul Island

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_TI***vf24 February 2025
5.0
Sipadan island is world famous and an amazing spot for scuba diving (sharks, turtles, huge colorful corals, etc) and also excellent for snorkeling.It is a really a must to order a guaranteed Sipadan permit in advance long before you get there are the number of permit per day is limited especially during peak seasons.Mabul island is the nearest and the best place to stay at as there are no resorts on Sipadan itself.

Sipadan Island

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bagasikuning15 May 2023
5.0
Shortvacay for the short trip. nice water for diving and snorkeling here. love this place so calm and private.

Pom Pom Island

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Mr. Bagpackers Jr4 December 2023
4.0
SEMPORNA TOWN IS THE GATE TO THE MARINE WORLD HEAVEN LOCATED IN THE SULU SEA SUCH AS MATAKING ISLAND, BULBUL ISLAND, SIPADAN ISLAND, BOHEYDULANG ISLAND AND SOME OTHER BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS LOCATED ON THE EAST COAST OF SABAH.THE JOURNEY BY RIDING A SPEED BOAT ACROSS THE SULU SEA ABOUT 40 MINUTES PROMISES A VERY BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF SEA PARADISE.

Bohey Dulang Island

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JJ778 May 2023
5.0
Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as Semporna Islands Park, is located in the offshore waters east of Sabah. It is a marine park consisting of 8 small islands and is the largest marine park in Sabah. Although it is not as famous as other marine parks in Malaysia, the rich underwater biological system here should not be underestimated. The park has the largest coral reef in Malaysia. As long as you bury your head in the water, you can see countless mysterious and beautiful underwater creatures.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

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ewry6 August 2025
5.0
Deep diving requires reservations one day in advance and is led by a one-on-one diver from the dive shop. Snorkeling allows you to see large corals and various fish. Staying in Doris Cabin, the fee is NT$2,000 per person, which is super expensive.

Mataking Island

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亲亲股太乐27 April 2023
5.0
The Xianbei Na scenic spot in Enshi, Hubei is a fairyland in the dreams of many people. The scenery here is very primitive, and the emerald green lake water is intoxicating. The boat will take tourists to the center of the lake, and the reflection of the boat seems to be in the sky. Tourists will take photos as souvenirs.

Semporna Ocean Tourism Center

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乖小咪14 March 2020
5.0
Timba Timba Island in Semporna is a small island with dense forests and rich animal resources. There are many wild monkeys living on the island. When you come to the sea, you can often see monkeys swimming and bathing in the sea, which is very interesting.

Timba Timba Island

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素素7730 October 2019
5.0
Southeast Asia has a large number of tropical rainforests and mangroves that protect water and soil. There is no shortage of such mangroves in West Malaysia and East Malaysia. The Semporna mangroves have beautiful scenery and fresh air. It is very suitable for a one-day family trip for all ages.

Sipadan Mangrove Resort

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Semporna?

Don't miss these attractions in Semporna: Kapalai, Mabul Island, and Sipadan Island. If you like Day tours, try SEMPORNA Day Trip Tun Sakaran Marine Park - Bohey Dulang / Mantabuan / Sibuan. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Xianben Namada Jingbangbang Island Tingba Tingba One day Tour Snorkeling and Diving.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include SEMPORNA Day Trip Tun Sakaran Marine Park - Bohey Dulang / Mantabuan / Sibuan, 1-day tour to Mataking, Timba Timba Island and Pom Pom Island - Semporna island hopping with snorkeling and scuba diving (admission ticket at your own expense), and SEMPORNA Day Trip Mabul + Kapalai. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Semporna is around SGD 39.19 – SGD 64.78. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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