From Wikitravel

Semporna is a city on east coast of Sabah. It has a population of around 135,000. While there is not much to see and do in Semporna itself, it is frequently used as a gateway for diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking~, Maiga and others.

[edit] Get in

Flight

Most travellers take a flight to Tawau, then travel overland from there by bus (Tawau airport to Tawau town at RM 10, then Tawau town to Semporna) or taxi (Tawau airport to Semporna town at RM 95).

Coach

It is also possible to arrive Tawau by 8-hour coach ride from Kota Kinabalu. Most coaches depart in the morning around 7:30am and in the evening around 8:00pm, with one or two mid-day services from the long-distance bus station just outside of town.

From Sandakan there is a direct bus to Semporna at 8:00am. If you miss the direct bus, you can also try taking a bus to Lahad Datu (at least 1:00pm, 18RM), and from there take a minibus to Semporna (leaves when it's full, 24RM).

[edit] Get around

Because of its small size, Semporna is easily explored on foot. However, there are also mini buses and kereta sapu (prebet) for getting around. Usually the fare is RM1 to RM2 to where ever within the city, but the prebet will charge tourists with higher prices (about RM5 - RM10), make sure you make a deal with the driver before take a ride.

the kereta sapu (prebet) can be determine by the brand of the car (mostly malaysian national car, proton). you can found lots of them in front of the largest supermarket at the town.

mini buses are the transportation to go far to the palm oil estate.

taxi is not available to travel within semporna, the only taxi available are those who going to tawau.

[edit][add listing] See

The houses on stilts by the jetty.

in april, semporna will be helding REGATTA LEPA LEPA. it is the biggest annual event in semporna. Regatta Lepa-Lepa is a tournament for each kampung (village) to show off their lepa (boat) and their igal-igal dancers. the fastest and most beautiful boat will win the competition. there will be beautiful fireworks and concerts during the night.

[edit][add listing] Do

Diving/Snorkeling

The nearby island of Sipadan offers some of the world's best scuba diving opportunities with large pelagics including sharks, rays and sea turtles. Many visitors to Semporna join a scuba diving trip to Sipadan. The usual charge is RM 260 for a 3-dive trip, plus RM 40 for equipment rental (if needed) and RM 40 marine park fee. Snorkelers pay about RM 120, plus RM 15 for equipment rental. The boat ride from Semporna to Sipadan takes about an hour.

Other nearby islands include Mabul and Kapalai, which are also popular destinations for both scuba divers and snorkelers. Day trips to both of these, as well as other islands nearby, are available from most of the half dozen or so dive operators in Semporna.

Dive operators: Scuba Junkie (tel : +6089785372 [1] sipadanscubajunkie@yahoo.com

Uncle Chang (tel : +6089781002 , +60128980002)

Sipadan Scuba (PADI 5*IDC centre - [2]) (tel: +6089919128, +6089781788) [3] www.sipadanscuba.com diving@northborneo.net

[edit][add listing] Buy

Moon stones and pearls are sold, often on the jetty by the Dragon Inn hotel. Bargain hard to get a good price. Moon stone pendants (without necklace) should go for about RM 4-5.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Chinese food. chinese restaurants can be found easily in every block.

Nasi kuning (yellow rice), sold in the morning by the street. traditional breakfast for sabahan. it consist of rice, fish cook with chilli and vegetables.

mee soup (bakso), sold by indonesian immigrant. RM1 for each bowl. Good if you are in tight budget.

pisang goreng (fried banana), 10-20 cents each, sold by the street (same street with bakso and grilled chicken).

ayam panggang (roasted chciken), can be found near to mee soup stall. both sold only during night.

putu (local traditional carb) 50 cents for a portion.

grilled tuna fish (RM2-RM3 per fish).

latok (fresh seaweed) 50 cents for a portion.

[edit][add listing] Drink

The restaurant at the beginning of the causeway serves big mugs of fresh fruit juices (mango, honeydew, lychee and others) for RM 5.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Hotels in Semporna right at the seafront:

• Hotel Seafest (3-star) [4]
• Hotel Dragon Inn [5]
• Sipadan Inn, Block D, Lot No. 19-24, Semporna Seafront Township, ☎ +60 089 782766, +60 089 781766 (sipadaninn@streamyx.com), [6]. Check in: noon; Check out: noon. Clean and comfortable new hotel (as of July 2007). There are two computers with internet access in the lobby for free use by guests. RM60 for a standard twin/double room.  edit

Hotels in the town of Semporna:

• City Inn, [7]
• Lee Resthouse

[edit] Get out

Take a taxi or a minibus to Tawau airport. First minubus leaves 07AM (or when full), and costs 20RM. take a bus to kota kinabalu, sandakan or lahad datu.

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