Hotels in Semporna

Semporna is located at the tip of Semporna Peninsular around Lahad Datu Bay which is also known as Darvel Bay, and is visited by tourists as a base for scuba diving or snorkelling trips to Pulau Sipadan 36 kilometres southeast of town. Semporna was founded after the British North Borneo Chartered Company established Sandakan, and initially settled by Chinese traders from Spanish attacks on the Sulu Sultanate. Before being named "Semporna", this area was known as "Tong Talun" in Bajau language which means "Hujung Hutan" in Malay or "at the end of the forest" in English which chosen by Panglima Uddang, Panglima Sallehangni and Panglima Sakti of Bajaus Kubang ancestry. The name gradually evolved to "Semporna" (known as "Peaceful Place") over time.

How to Get There

By Plane

Most travellers take a flight to Tawau from either Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kota Kinabalu airport and travel overland by taxi or rent a car from Tawau airport to Semporna town at rate around RM 80-100. There are also public buses waiting outside the airport. Locals typically pay RM10 to Semporna, but tourist prices are often higher RM 20-25.

Tourist Attractions

Sipadan Island

The Sipadan Island is a sacred place which safeguards more than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of species of corals. This island shared its top spot with 2 other destinations known for the diversity of their marine life with the Galápagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia. The jungle on the island is the home to many species of exotic birds like the Grey Imperial-pigeon. Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for 'The Top Dive Destination in the World'. Fishing is not allowed on the island to preserve the ecosystem here and corals, sand or dead shells are prohibited from being collected. The best time to visit Sipadan is between April and June but the best time to watch turtles lay their eggs would be between May and August.

Sipadan National Park

This national park is a top diving destination in the world and provides the best diving site is the Barracuda point. Sipadan is a paradisiacal, small and military land and there are many sea creatures to discover here such as imperial shrimps, jaw fish ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and many more. There are wide ranges of diving packages for an individual and for family and friends which are provided from diving association here. The best time to dive here is between January and August when the water is so clear that visibility underwater is over 30 meters.

Hotels

Arung Hayat Semporna Lodge

Arung Hayat Sipadan Adventures Lodge is a great choice for accommodation when visiting Semporna and in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as The Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsy), Mabul Island, Kapalai Island.At Arung Hayat Sipadan Adventures Lodge. The rooms offer fresh linen upon check in with sea or beach views and amenities. This hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving local dishes and famous for snorkelling and diving activities. In addition, there is daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi in public areas and car park available for guests.

Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort

Renovated in 2014, the Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort is situated not too far from the city center and only an hour to reach the airport. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, airport transfer, family room and BBQ facilities. The resort features well equipped room with complimentary instant coffee, complimentary tea, linens, mirror and towels. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as snorkeling, private beach, diving, fishing and water sports (motorized).

Seafest Hotel

Seafest Hotel is located near attractions such as Sipadan National Park, SOO Clinic and Hospital Semporna. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi in all rooms, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park and room service to ensure our guests the greatest comfort. All rooms provide television LCD/plasma screen, towels, wireless internet access, whirlpool bathtub and non- smoking rooms. Besides that, the hotel also offers variety of recreational facilities including fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool and spa.