Tucked away on the eastern edge of Sabah, Malaysia, the Semporna Islands are a haven for ocean lovers. With crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, and the legendary Sipadan Island, this archipelago in the Coral Triangle is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. While the journey to Semporna comes with its challenges, the rewards beneath the surface—and at spectacular viewpoints like Bohey Dulang—make it a bucket-list destination for divers and adventure seekers.
This guide covers everything you need to know: from getting there, the best time to visit, to top snorkeling and diving spots. Whether you’re planning an island-hopping vacation or an epic scuba diving trip, here’s your complete guide to the Semporna Islands in Sabah, Borneo.
Where Are the Semporna Islands?
The Semporna Islands are located off the southeastern coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. They’re part of the Coral Triangle, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas” for its marine biodiversity. At the heart of this region lies Sipadan Island, one of the world’s top-rated dive sites.
The town of Semporna acts as the gateway to this marine paradise. While the town itself struggles with pollution and underdeveloped infrastructure, it remains an essential stop for travelers heading to nearby islands like Mataking, Timba Timba, and Pandanan.
✈️ How to Get to the Semporna Islands
Getting to Semporna is a bit of an adventure in itself. Here’s how you can get there efficiently:
Fly to Tawau Airport (TWU)
- From Kuala Lumpur: Direct flights on Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Tawau Airport is small, with basic facilities—don’t expect KLIA standards!
- Pro tip: Avoid arriving too early for your return flight—the terminal can be hot, and seating is limited.
Immigration Check
- Even though Sabah is part of Malaysia, it has its own immigration controls. You’ll need to show your passport and receive a stamp upon arrival and departure. Don’t skip this—it’s mandatory and checked when returning to mainland Malaysia.
Transfer to Semporna Town
Private or resort-arranged transfers from Tawau Airport to Semporna take 90 minutes.
Expect scenic views of palm plantations—but fast local driving!
Boat Transfer to Your Island Resort
- Speedboat transfers leave from Semporna Seafest Jetty.
- Travel times vary: 30–80 minutes depending on the island.
- Be sure your flight schedule matches your resort’s boat times.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit the Semporna Islands
The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit, offering:
Clear Skies
Calm Seas
Excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving
🏝️ Top Things to Do in the Semporna Islands
1) Island Hopping
Island hopping is a highlight of any Semporna trip. Many resorts include these tours in their packages, but not all islands are ideal for going ashore—some beaches are sadly affected by plastic pollution.
🌴 Mataking Island
- Beautiful snorkeling with clear waters and vibrant corals.
- Public beach area was crowded and littered—but snorkeling offshore made up for it..
🐢 Pandanan Island
- Home to our resort.
- Great snorkeling right off the beach—lots of sea turtles.
- Coral condition varies, with some areas showing bleaching.
2) Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Semporna is suitable for all experience levels. Life jackets are usually required, especially for beginner swimmers.
At Mataking, I found the life jacket helpful, as the corals were shallow and floating let me enjoy the view without risking damage. At deeper spots like Timba Timba, however, it felt more restrictive than helpful.
3) Scuba Diving: Explore the Coral Triangle
While I’m not a certified diver myself, I’ve gathered insights from seasoned divers and local guides. Here are the top dive sites:
🌊 1. Mataking Island
Garden of Eden: Colorful corals, moray eels, turtles, blacktip sharks.
Shipwreck Site: A small wreck teeming with groupers and lionfish.
Turtle Playground: Watch green sea turtles cruise through calm waters.
🐠 2. Timba Timba Island
Known for Stingray City.
Expect to see cuttlefish, nurse sharks, sea snakes, and coral trout.
🦀 3. Pandanan Island
Great for macro diving: nudibranchs, gobies, frogfish, sea slugs.
Perfect for underwater photographers.
🦈 4. Sipadan Island
The crown jewel of diving in Malaysia.
Spot hammerhead sharks, swirling barracudas, and sea turtles.
Permits are limited to protect the reef—book in advance!
Most resorts require a minimum 4D3N stay and Advanced Open Water certification to dive here.
About 80 minutes by boat from the main island cluster.