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    Semporna Islands
    Adznee Abas from Shah Alam, Malaysia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

    Malaysia

    Semporna Islands

    Point of Interest

    The Semporna Archipelago in south-eastern Sabah is one of Malaysia's best-known dive areas. Off the small town of Semporna lie dozens of islands with coral reefs, stilt villages of the Bajau Laut and the dive site of Sipadan.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Malaysia
    7. Sabah
    9. Semporna Islands
    The Semporna Archipelago in south-eastern Sabah is one of Malaysia's best-known dive areas. Off the small town of Semporna lie dozens of islands with coral reefs, stilt villages of the Bajau Laut and the dive site of Sipadan.Semporna and its offshore islands lie in eastern Sabah. Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah and its islands specifically.Sabah Parks issues only a limited number of permits for Sipadan each day. On the volcanic island of Bohey Dulang, a steep path leads to a viewpoint over the lagoon.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Sipadan Island
    Attraction

    1Sipadan Island

    Small island with a reef wall that plunges steeply into the depths. Divers can spot Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles, barracuda schools, bumphead parrotfish, and sharks here. For dives, you'll need a day permit from Sabah Parks, which are limited in number. The island is closed for one month once a year. Inquire about fees and requirements with your dive operator.
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    Pulau Mabul
    Natural Feature

    2Pulau Mabul

    Inhabited island off Semporna with dive resorts, guesthouses, and a Bajau Laut stilt village. Many divers stay here and travel by boat from Mabul to Sipadan.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Ikan Bakar Kampung Simunul

    Casual grill spot in Semporna serving Ikan Bakar, grilled fish with Sambal and rice. An easy dinner after a day on the water.
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    The Bajau, the People of the Sea

    Many Bajau live around Semporna, including the Bajau Laut, who traditionally lived as sea nomads on boats. Today, many reside in stilt villages above the water, such as off Mabul.When children paddle up to you in boats, don't give money for photos. Ask before you photograph people. Once a year, Semporna celebrates the Regatta Lepa with a parade of traditional Lepa boats, cultural evenings, and water sports. In 2026, it took place from June 20 to 28.

    Getting There and Boat Trips

    Getting thereFlights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur land in Tawau. From there, take a minibus, taxi or your resort's transfer to Semporna. Long-distance buses from Kota Kinabalu take considerably longer. The islands can only be reached by boat; book island tours and dives through a licensed operator.Travel adviceSemporna and the offshore islands, including Sipadan, lie in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah specifically.

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    Nearby

    Danum Valley Conservation Area

    Danum Valley Conservation Area

    Danum Valley in eastern Sabah protects around 438 square kilometres of largely undisturbed lowland rainforest with towering dipterocarps. On guided walks and night excursions you may see orangutans, gibbons, hornbills and, with luck, Bornean pygmy elephants.Danum Valley is reached via Lahad Datu on Sabah's east coast. Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah specifically.In 2019 Menara was discovered here, a yellow meranti of almost 98 metres that is considered the tallest known tropical tree in the world.
    Kinabatangan

    Kinabatangan

    At around 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river and Malaysia's second longest. On its lower reaches around the village of Sukau in eastern Sabah, you can see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills and, with luck, Borneo elephants from the boat.The lower Kinabatangan lies in eastern Sabah. Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah specifically.Wildlife watching mainly happens on boat trips in the early morning and late afternoon, and you stay in lodges on the riverbank.
    Sandakan

    Sandakan

    This port city on Sabah's east coast was the capital of British North Borneo until 1946. Today it is mainly a base for Sepilok, the Kinabatangan and the Turtle Islands.Sandakan lies on Sabah's east coast. Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah specifically.In town, the Agnes Keith House and Sandakan Memorial Park recall the colonial era and the Second World War, and the harbour is the place for fresh fish and seafood.
    Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

    Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

    At the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah in northern Borneo, orphaned orangutans have been prepared for a life in the rainforest since 1964. During feeding times you can watch the great apes from just a few metres away, in a protected forest rather than a zoo.Sepilok lies near Sandakan on Sabah's east coast. Before any planning, check the UK FCDO travel advice, which covers eastern Sabah specifically.Right next door is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre for rescued sun bears, and a few minutes away the Rainforest Discovery Centre with its canopy walkway.
    Derawan Islands

    Derawan Islands

    The Derawan Islands lie off the northeast coast of Kalimantan. Sea turtles, reefs, mantas, and Kakaban's Jellyfish Lake make the archipelago one of Borneo's best snorkeling and diving areas.

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    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
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