Looking for a quiet island getaway in Sabah? Pompom Island in Semporna could be worth adding to your list. The island is known for its soft sandy beaches, clear blue-green waters, and coral reefs.

It's also a popular spot for seeing sea turtles. If you're lucky, you may even spot them while snorkelling near the shore.

Getting to Pompom Island takes around 45 minutes by speedboat from Semporna's jetty. You can visit for a day trip or stay overnight at one of the island's resorts.

Here's what you need to know before visiting Pompom Island, including how to get there, things to do, and some practical tips for your trip.

Read more: Best Diving and Snorkeling Destinations in Southeast Asia 2026

Pompom Island is located around 30 kilometres northeast of Semporna in the Celebes Sea. It is part of the same island group as popular diving destinations such as Sipadan and Mataking.

Unlike some of its better-known neighbours, Pompom Island is relatively small and less developed. Coral reefs also start close to the shore, making it easy to enjoy the marine life without going too far out.

The island gets its name from the pompom trees that grow across the area. It's also known for its sea turtles, including Green and Hawksbill turtles. They can sometimes be seen coming ashore at night to lay their eggs.

During the day, the calm and warm waters are ideal for snorkelling. At night, the island offers clear views of the stars with little light pollution.

Getting to Pompom Island involves three main parts. You'll need to fly to Tawau, travel by road to Semporna, and then take a boat to the island.

From Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu: You can take a domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport (TWU). Flights from Kota Kinabalu usually take less than an hour.

Airport Transfer: From Tawau Airport, the journey to Semporna takes around 1 hour by van. Many resorts arrange airport transfers as part of their accommodation packages.

By Speedboat: Resort-operated speedboats usually depart from Semporna's jetty. The journey to Pompom Island takes around 45 minutes. You'll also pass several smaller islands along the way.

Tip: Most resorts offer two scheduled boat transfers each day. These are usually arranged around late morning and mid-afternoon flights.

It's best to book your boat transfer together with your accommodation. This can help you avoid the additional cost of arranging a separate boat charter.

Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Sabah, Borneo in 2026

The right time to visit can make your trip more comfortable. Sea conditions and visibility can affect boat transfers and water activities.

Island Access: Pompom Island is mainly visited through resort bookings. Your accommodation and boat transfer are usually arranged as part of the package.

Boat Transfers: Scheduled boats generally run twice a day between Semporna and Pompom Island. Check your transfer time with the resort before your trip.

Transfer schedules can change. If you miss your scheduled boat, you may need to stay another night in Semporna.

Early Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The water is usually calmer and clearer in the morning. It's a good time for snorkelling and looking for sea turtles.

Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): This is a good time for a beach walk or to relax by the shore. You can also enjoy the sunset over the Celebes Sea.

Peak Season (April to September): These months generally offer calmer seas and better underwater visibility. Boat schedules are also more reliable, making this period suitable for diving and snorkelling.

Monsoon Season (November to February): Stronger winds and rougher seas can affect boat transfers. If you're planning to visit during these months, check the weather and sea conditions before your trip.

Read more: 9 Best Beaches in Sabah You Need to Visit in 2026

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Pompom Island. You can spend your time in the water or simply relax on the beach.

You don't need to take a boat to go snorkelling. You can enter the water directly from the beach and look for turtles around the coral reef.

The house reef is also a convenient spot for seeing marine life without needing to go on a diving trip.

Pompom Island is home to several dive sites with a variety of marine life. You may spot frogfish, ghost pipefish, and scorpionfish among the coral.

Many resorts offer daily diving trips. Options are available for both certified divers and beginners.

Staying overnight gives you a chance to see the island after dark. Ask your resort about guided night walks if you're interested in seeing nesting turtles.

Green and Hawksbill turtles may come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Some resorts also run hatchery programmes to help protect the eggs.

You don't have to fill your itinerary with activities. Pompom Island is also a good place to slow down and enjoy some quiet time.

Relax in a hammock under the palm trees or take a walk along the beach. It's a simple way to enjoy the island away from busier tourist destinations.

There are really two ways to approach this. You can stay right on Pompom Island itself for the full castaway experience, or base yourself in Semporna town the night before if you'd rather not rush for a fixed morning transfer. 

Both work, depending on how much time you have and whether you want to wake up already on the island.

Pompom Island Resort is the only accommodation actually located on the island, which means you skip the daily boat transfer altogether once you've arrived. Rooms come with beach or ocean views, and the resort has its own restaurant, beach bar, spa, and fitness area on site.

This is the pick if you want to fall asleep to the sound of the sea and be steps from the water for an early snorkel before anyone else is up.

Seafest Hotel Semporna is a well-established hotel in Semporna town, with a swimming pool that's handy if you're travelling with kids and have a few hours to kill before your boat.

It's a solid choice if you'd rather stay on the mainland the night before and get an early start toward the jetty.

Perfect Inn sits right in the heart of Semporna, just a short walk from the town centre and close to local dive operators. Rooms are simple and come with free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk.

It's a practical, no-frills option if you just need somewhere convenient to rest before heading to the jetty the next morning.

Planning a trip to Pompom Island involves a few different bookings. You may need to arrange your flight, accommodation in Semporna, and transport from Tawau Airport.

With Traveloka, you can book your flight to Tawau and find a hotel in Semporna. You can also arrange an airport transfer for your journey.

Traveloka also offers flexible rescheduling and free cancellation on selected bookings. Round-the-clock customer support is available if you need help with your booking. You can also enjoy the Best Price Guarantee on eligible bookings.

Ready to plan your trip? Open the Traveloka app and start arranging your Pompom Island getaway.