Semporna and Sipadan

Semporna, a small town on Sabah’s east coast, is the gateway to some of the best diving in the world. Offshore lies Sipadan, an oceanic island famous for its turtles, sharks and huge schools of fish, plus the nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai, and the dramatic islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Even non-divers come for the snorkelling and the views.

Why go

• Sipadan: a legendary dive site with a sheer wall dropping into the deep, just off the beach.
• Variety: big-fish diving at Sipadan, macro and “muck” diving at Mabul, and coral gardens around the marine park.
• Island scenery: turquoise lagoons and volcanic islands that look great from the water and from the top.

What to do

Dive Sipadan

Sipadan is protected, and only a limited number of divers are allowed each day, using permits allocated through licensed dive operators. Book your trip through an operator well in advance, and expect to need several days in the area to get a Sipadan day. Many operators expect you to have an advanced certification or a set number of logged dives for some sites. You can’t stay on Sipadan itself, so trips leave from Semporna or the nearby islands.

Dive or snorkel Mabul and Kapalai

Mabul is world-famous for macro life: frogfish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish and other strange small creatures. Kapalai is a sandbank with water bungalows built on stilts. Both are good bases for diving and snorkelling near Sipadan.

Island-hop in Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Day trips from Semporna visit islands such as Bohey Dulang, where a steep hike leads to a famous viewpoint over a lagoon, and nearby islands with white sand and clear water for snorkelling.

Meet the Bajau Laut

The Bajau Laut, sometimes called sea nomads, have lived on boats and stilt villages in these waters for generations. You’ll see their boats and villages on island trips. Be respectful: ask before taking photos and don’t treat people as an attraction.

Getting there and around

• By air: fly to Tawau, the nearest airport, from KL or Kota Kinabalu. From there it’s about an hour and a half by road to Semporna. Dive operators and hotels often arrange transfers.
• Passports: bring your passport, since Sabah runs its own immigration checks.
• To the islands: dive operators and resorts run speedboats from Semporna.

Where to stay

Stay in Semporna town for the widest choice of budget dive lodges and day trips, or on Mabul or Kapalai for island resorts close to Sipadan. Most island stays are sold as dive packages including meals and boat trips.

Compare places to stay in Semporna Browse Semporna island tours

When to go

Diving is possible year-round. Calmer seas and better visibility are often found from about March to October. Book Sipadan permits early for school holidays and peak months.

Also in Sabah: Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River.