Semporna is a district of Sabah, located on the East Coast or at the tip of the Semporna Peninsula. It is a district that comprises a majority of the Bajau community along with other ethnic groups like Kadazandusun and Chinese Hakka and its central pillar of the economy is marine products.
Thanks to its geographic location, Semporna is the perfect escape point for tourists to island hop as the most popular islands in Sabah are very close to it. Other than island hopping, there are many things you can do upon travelling to this district. That being said, let me introduce you to the 20 best things to do in Semporna 2023.
How frequently do tourists visit Semporna?
100%, without a doubt, all the time! The locals are nice, the country’s government is looking after it and Semporna remains safe from natural disasters as well. Moreover, this district is heaven for those who love island hopping and those who enjoy swimming in the sea.
How do I get to Semporna?
Wherever you are right now, you want to check if your local airport has a flight to Tawau airport, another district in Sabah. Afterwards, you need to take a taxi, bus or e-hailing cab to Semporna. The car ride should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Semporna district.
20 Best Things To Do In Semporna 2023
1. Dragon Inn
Dragon Inn is one of the oldest and most unique floating hotels in Semporna. This place has some of the best seafood restaurants you need to try. The hotel has excellent service for a stay in nights, has an aquarium and a light path walk decoration. The scenery here is so Instagrammable, you would see many visitors busy taking pictures.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm (Daily)
Address: No. 1, Jalan kastam, Bandar Semporna, P.O.Box No. 168, 91307 Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia.
Phone No: 089-781088 & 089-781077
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://dragoninnfloating.com.my/
2. Sipadan-Mabul Resort
Sipadan-Mabul Resort provides great accommodations floating on the sea. You can snorkel, join the Sipadan-Mabul and Sukau Safari exploration and get a spa treatment. Please note that you first need to contact and make a reservation with their administration office in Kota Kinabalu before coming to the resort.
Address: Mabul Island, Semporna, Malaysia
Phone No: 088-486389
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SipadanMabulResortSMART/
REFER INFO ON WEBSITE3. Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Sites
Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Sites is one of Sabah’s heritage and archaeological sites. Enjoy the area’s history by visiting its museum centre or hiking on Tengkorak hill so you can enjoy the breathtaking view. The hill is steep, over 450 metres tall so, it may not be suitable for children or older adults to come.
Operating Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 089-222679
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
WEBSITE INFO4. Pangkalan Bay
Pangkalan Bay is a relaxing recreation centre with an attractive and colourful landscape. You can go for a swim in the sea, have a BBQ or picnic, go fishing and feed fish in its man-made pond. The centre has ample parking spaces to fit your convenience.
Operating Hours: 7 am – 10 pm
Address: Pakalangan, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
5. Tanjung Parapat
Just 30 minutes away from Semporna Town and located in Pokas village, Tanjung Parapat is a hidden gem near the sea. Strolling in the area will give you a view of the luscious trees, and walking on the jetty lets you see the glorious sea. Here, there are so many seafood restaurants that cook fresh and delicious seafood cuisines you’ll probably gain a few kilograms by eating them, but it’ll be worth it.
Address: Kampung Tanjung Parapat Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 014-6292900
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
6. Maglami-lami Waterhouse
Maglami-lami Waterhouse is a budget-friendly, floating resort. Here, you can go do kayak or diving into the sea all day from just outside your door steps. This resort has rooms has all the amenities you need to stay here for a long time along with a bewitching view of the crystal-clear turquoise water from your room window.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Pulau Bumbum, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 019-8311916 & 012-4801021
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaglamiLamiWaterhouseLodge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maglamilami.waterhouse/
VIEW WEBSITE7. Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is one of the largest marine parks with over 340 square kilometres of sea and 10 square kilometres of land. Its marine biodiversity is noted to be equivalent to that of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This park has 8 islands: Bohey Dulang Island, Mantabuan Island, Sibuan Island, Maiga Island, Selakan Island, Pulau Sebangkat, Pulau Tetagan and Pulau Bodgaya, thus making it the perfect one-stop for island hopping. You may contact the board of trustees of Sabah parks for information on Tun Sakaran Marine Park and its islands.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Block H, Level 1-5, Lot 45 & 46, Signature Office, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Phone No: 088-523500
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE8. Bohey Dulang In Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Bohey Dulang is one of the famous islands in Tun Sakaran Marine Park and it is 313 hectares in area formed from volcanic rocks. This island is famous for hiking activities. The hike is 353 metres upwards then upon reaching the peak, you get to see its glowing blue lagoon and the whole Tun Sakaran Marine Park islands.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Block H, Level 1-5, Lot 45 & 46, Signature Office, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Phone No: 088-523500
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE9. Mantabuan Island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Mantabuan Island may be the smallest island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, covering 10.08 hectare in area, but it is also one of the most visited islands just like Bohey Dulang island. You can join activities like exploring its 3 multi-level diving sites, which include the Black coral, Stingray Alley and Star point. This island has frequent sightings of devil rays, eagles and mantas
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Block H, Level 1-5, Lot 45 & 46, Signature Office, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Phone No: 088-523500
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
10. Maiga Island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park
This island is the third most popular island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park that covers 20.16 hectares in area. Unlike its cousin, Bohey Dulang island, this island is lowland and has a stunning beach view. This island is home to locals of the nomadic sea gypsies and sea creatures such as clown fish, snappers and blue tangs are common sightings upon diving in the sea.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Block H, Level 1-5, Lot 45 & 46, Signature Office, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Phone No: 088-523500
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE11. Seafest Square
Seafest Square is Semporna’s first shopping complex and is located near the sea. Perhaps it is time for you to do some shopping. If that’s the case, then come here. The mall is enormous and provides an exciting atmosphere because many people are busy shopping and eating in the mall food centres.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 10 pm (Daily)
Address: Seafest Complex, Jln Kastam, Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 089-788129
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Seafest-Square/100057589713343/
12. Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort
Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort is located 8 kilometres away from the town of Semporna thus providing a calming atmosphere with comfortable accommodations. This place has a restaurant that serves affordable yet mouth-watering seafood dishes. It also includes scuba lessons for you if you’re interested to learn.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 11 pm (Daily)
Address: Kampung Tampi-Tampi, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 019-8966996
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scubatigerborneo/
13. 2 Win Hill Park
2 Win Hill Park is a recreation centre where picturesque scenery is your view. That also means your phone memory will be full because you have to take many pictures here. Moreover, you can hike on its hill, whereby reaching the top will give you a view of Semporna town. The park is decorated beautifully and, accommodations for staying the night and a restaurant are available.
Address: Jln Bukit Sakong, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8359290
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2winHillPark/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2winhillpark/?hl=en
14. Mushroom Inn
Mushroom Inn has a unique architecture for homestays because they are literally shaped as mushrooms. Here, a tranquil atmosphere can be obtained and if you look around the place further, it’s like you are in a Super Mario game because of the red, with white spot mushroom designed homestays. Doesn’t that give you a nostalgic feeling?
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Lorong Avenue 3, Taman sutera, 91307 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 011-1067 8989
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
15. Tropical Research And Conservation Centre (TRACC)
Are you a marine lover? Want to learn more about the biodiversity of the sea? If you answer ‘Yes’, come to the Tropical Research And Conservation Centre (TRACC) in Semporna. It has a great group of employees teaching and helping you to learn about the sea and marine conservation. You’ll be taught about building artificial step reefs, turtle ID, coral restoration and more. This centre also offers courses like marine A-level, PADI courses and dive master internships. Apart from that, you can join its volunteering program to make a difference in saving the marine biodiversity of Semporna.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 6 pm (Daily)
Address: 4 Turtle Beach, Pom Pom Island, 91300 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 019-8505412
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracc.borneo/
VIEW WEBSITE16. Semporna Seawalking
Semporna Seawalking provides you a sea walking adventure. Furthermore, it has photography and video services for when you are exploring the sea bed. Amateur divers don’t have to worry as this place is equipped with advanced equipment and guides to watch and teach you how to navigate the sea bed.
Operating Hours: 8:15 am – 4 pm (Daily)
Address: Bulik Patuid, Pulau Sebangkat, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Phone No: 012-8492054
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sempornaseawalking/
17. Parapat Hill
We’ve heard of Tanjung Parapat, now let’s give its hill some credit too. Parapat Hill is another tourist attraction for hiking in Semporna. Hiking here is easy and quite relaxing. Upon reaching the peak, you can view the three islands in Semporna: Mabul island, Kapalai island and Sipadan island.
Address: Semporna, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
18. Semporna Jetty Centre
By now, we all know that Semporna has many paradise islands to explore but, how do we get to these islands or enquire more information about them? Well, Semporna jetty centre is your answer. The staff here provide extraordinary services and can answer your enquiries expertly. Another thing, you can have a view of a heavenly sunset here.
Operating Hours: 6 am – 6 pm (Daily)
Address: Jln Bangau Bangau, Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna
Phone No: 089-784 481
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/Jetipelancong/
19. Tun Sakaran Museum
‘I’m a history lover. Where can I go in Semporna to learn about its history?’ Well, my answer for you is Tun Sakaran Museum. By visiting the museum, you can learn the history of the district and its development along with learning about ancient artefacts and heritage items from communities, especially from the Bajau community. The museum is huge and peaceful, so take your time exploring it.
Operating Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE20. Semporna Town
What better way to explore the district of Semporna than exploring its town. Wander the streets of the town, interact with locals, eat at street food stalls or the restaurants there; do them all so you can be immersed in Semporna’s district surroundings.
Address: 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
