Semporna is the gateway to some of the most spectacular marine environments in the world. This small coastal town on the southeastern tip of Sabah sits at the edge of the Coral Triangle — the global centre of marine biodiversity — and is the departure point for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving expeditions to destinations including Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking, Pom Pom, and the broader Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Here are 15 things to do in and around Semporna.

Book your flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport and travel to Semporna by road — approximately 4 hours by car or express bus:

The Tun Sakaran Marine Park encompasses eight islands within a protected marine park zone and is the most popular excursion from Semporna. Day tours typically visit three snorkeling areas within the park, with gear provided, safety briefings conducted, and a packed lunch included. The marine diversity here — including hawksbill turtles, diverse reef fish, coral gardens, and occasional sightings of reef sharks — is exceptional even by Malaysian standards.

An alternative island hopping route covering three islands with distinct marine environments. Pom Pom Island is known for its photogenic beach swing, glass-bottom boat rides, and calm snorkeling conditions in its sheltered lagoon. Mataking offers a more remote reef experience. The tour includes gear, lunch, entrance fees, and insurance. This is a full day on the water that covers a wide range of island characters in a single excursion.

Sipadan is one of the world's great diving and snorkeling destinations, consistently rated among the top sites on Earth for marine biodiversity. The island drops steeply to deep ocean on all sides, and the upper reef zone is home to barracuda in enormous schools, green and hawksbill turtles at close range, reef sharks, and extraordinary coral formations. Access is strictly controlled — 254 permits are issued per day by Sabah Parks. Book well in advance through a licensed Semporna operator to secure a Sipadan permit.

For those who want to experience the ocean floor without scuba certification, sea-walking uses a weighted helmet that supplies air while you walk along the seabed in shallow reef areas around Semporna's outer islands. Guides fluent in Chinese and English accompany participants throughout, and underwater photography services capture the experience. Priced from around RM208.

Bohey Dulang Island within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park offers one of the finest viewpoints in Sabah. The moderate-difficulty summit trail winds through coastal forest and emerges at a hilltop with panoramic views over the entire island chain and the turquoise waters of the marine park below. The perspective from the top — with azure ocean in every direction and the ring of protected islands visible simultaneously — is breathtaking and unlike anything available on the mainland.

A remote island accessible by boat from Sandakan, Lankayan is known for its serious commitment to turtle conservation. Sea turtles nest and hatch on the island's beaches year-round, and the resort-managed conservation programme allows guests to observe turtle nesting and hatchling releases at close range in a carefully managed way that minimises disturbance to the animals. The surrounding reef is healthy and relatively undisturbed.

Find and book the best hotels in Semporna for a comfortable base between island trips:

One of Semporna's most distinctive accommodation options, Dragon Inn Floating Resort is a stilt-built property above the sea at the Semporna waterfront. Rooms look directly down onto the water where fish swim beneath, and the resort arranges boat transfers to nearby islands. The seafood restaurant is excellent and the floating setting gives an immediate sense of Semporna's marine character from the moment you arrive.

Kapalai Island, built entirely on stilts above the shallow sea, offers water bungalow accommodation where guests can step directly from their room into the ocean for snorkeling. The island sits on a shallow sandbar surrounded by healthy reef — macro marine life including nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and diverse reef fish are particularly abundant here.

Semporna Town is a compact, working waterfront settlement with a central market selling fresh fish, local produce, and basic supplies. Several small shops sell diving and snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and souvenirs. The Semporna Heritage Museum provides context for the area's cultural history, particularly the Bajau Laut (sea gypsy) community whose traditional stilt villages extend from the town's waterfront. Early morning is the best time to see the town at its most active, as fishing boats return from night trips and the market fills with fresh catch.

Book Semporna island hopping tours, Kinabalu Park day trips, and Sabah marine activities through Traveloka's activities page:

Semporna is approximately 4 hours by road from Kota Kinabalu or accessible via a flight to Tawau Airport (closest to Semporna, about 1 hour by road). A car rental from Kota Kinabalu or Tawau gives flexibility for the journey. Arrange an airport transfer from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through the Traveloka app, and check Traveloka promotions for Sabah flight and hotel deals.

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