Semporna is the least fun town in Borneo and probably even in all of Asia. It is a dirty city, there is garbage everywhere, there are many begging children and you are stared at everywhere. So why go to Semporna? You do so to explore Borneo’s beautiful beaches and underwater world. In fact, you can do good snorkeling, diving and excursions at the islands.
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Practical information Semporna
So Semporna is not a nice city to stay in. Still, you cannot escape spending at least one night in Semporna. To still have a nice memory of Semporna is to explore some nice points in the area. Rent a scooter or take a cab to the Bukit Parapat viewpoint just outside town for a great view. Afterwards, visit one of the villages on the water to experience local life. End your day on a rooftop bar at Palm Bar & Bistro, where you can enjoy the sunset overlooking the city.
Diana really made sure we still had a nice stay in Semporna and helped us with everything. Without her, we would have quickly left Semporna without having seen the underwater world.
From Sandakan and Kinabatangan, the bus to Semporna leaves twice a day. Check with the accommodation in advance for the exact time. We took the bus from Kinabatangan where we did the Kinabatangan River tour. Our tour provider Sukau Greenview arranged the transfer to the bus station and helped us get on the bus. Learn more about transportation in Borneo here.
Snorkeling and diving in Semporna
All tours offered are at the islands for snorkeling or diving. The most famous island is Mabul. This is where many backpackers go to dive and snorkel. On Mabul, you can also stay overnight. Most travelers stay here for 2 nights.
If you want to see several islands, it is wise to book your accommodation in Semporna and arrange separate day tours. For example, you can go to the beautiful Tun Sakaran Marine Park where you take a hike to the viewpoint. Then you will go snorkeling at the nearby islands where you can spot many fish and turtles.
Other tours include the one to Timba Timba, where you can take many beautiful pictures. After Timba Timba, continue by boat to Mataking and Pom Pom for lunch and snorkeling. Per tour day, you will visit 3 snorkeling spots where you will see different fish each time and if you are lucky, turtles.
We did 2 tours in 2 days and spotted 5 turtles while snorkeling. A full day with 3 snorkeling spots costs around 35 euros per person. We booked the tours a month in advance with Borneo Travel Network. The service and communication is good. You will be picked up at your accommodation in the morning and returned after the tour.
Semporna is also home to many different diving schools. It is advisable to walk into a dive center immediately after your arrival in Semporna to see if you can join a trip the next day. Most diving schools offer 3 dives in a day for about 70 euros.
Conclusion about Semporna: ugly city but beautiful underwater world
Semporna is not a cozy town to have many drinks with other travelers. In the evening, this point does have a cozy little bar with live music.
You will encounter more travelers in Mabul, but if you want to visit several islands, it is wiser to stay in Semporna and book separate tours from there. This way you will see more of the underwater world.
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