Island transit hub
Semporna Town
Semporna is the staging ground for Sabah's eastern archipelago. You stay here because you have a late flight or an early boat, not for a holiday.
The location
Coastal transit centre
Semporna is a coastal commercial centre on the eastern edge of the Semporna Peninsula. It is the mainland departure point for boats to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sipadan and the outer islands. Streets lined with dive shops, seafood restaurants and budget hotels lead to the water. Mataking and Pom Pom offer island resort stays with spas and beach villas.
The waterfront is a working harbour filled with speedboats and fishing vessels. A night in Semporna prevents a delayed flight from ruining the start of your island stay. It is also the base for divers who want to dive Sipadan and the surrounding reefs while staying on the mainland rather than at an overwater resort.
Town highlights
What to expect here
- The morning speedboat staging ground for Mataking, Pom Pom and Kapalai.
- Seafest Regency offers modern rooms with sea-facing balconies and an elevator.
- Sipadan Inn 2 provides mid-tier transit rooms directly on the waterfront.
- Dragon Inn Floating Resort features Bajau-style architecture on the water.
- Speedboats reach Mataking in about 40 minutes and Pom Pom in 45.
The marine life of the Semporna archipelago
Semporna is the gateway to Sipadan and the surrounding reefs. Mataking borders the 100-metre deep Alice Channel, and Pom Pom operates a sea turtle hatchery. Divers explore the Tun Sakaran Marine Park from here.
Duration
Nights in Semporna
For most travellers passing through, 1 night is enough. For resort stays on Mataking, Pom Pom or Kapalai, Semporna bridges the gap between your flight and the morning boat. You arrive, sleep, have breakfast and leave. See the island transfers for speedboat travel times.
Getting there from Tawau
Tawau Airport is 58 kilometres west of Semporna, a 60 to 90-minute drive by pre-arranged private transport or shared minivan. The team arranges airport transfers and transit hotels. See road transfers.
Alternatives
The eastern archipelago
Mataking Reef Dive Resort
40 minutes by boat from Semporna, Mataking is a 40-acre private island offering deep wall diving, sandy beaches and comfortable chalets for couples and families.
Pom Pom Island Resort
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna, Pom Pom Island Resort offers wooden villas, macro diving and a sea turtle hatchery on a private coral cay.
Mabul Island
An hour's boat ride from Semporna, Mabul Island combines some of the finest macro diving with the most reliable access to Sipadan.
Sipadan Island
An oceanic island rising from deep water in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is Sabah's flagship dive site. It is protected by a strict permit system with no accommodation on the island itself and offers exceptional encounters with schooling barracuda, reef sharks and turtles.
The location
Plan your Semporna transit
Tell the team your flight times and they will arrange your transit stay and morning speedboat to the islands.