Hey fellow travelers! Mark here, your friendly American backpacker, always on the lookout for the next Asian adventure. This time, I found myself exploring the stunning islands surrounding Semporna, Malaysia. Get ready for turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and a whole lot of island hopping!
Getting to Semporna: A Journey in Itself
My journey began in Kota Kinabalu Airport, where I grabbed a quick McDonald's bite (the spicy chicken sandwich was surprisingly good!) before catching my flight to Tawau Airport, the closest airport to Semporna. Even though the soda was flat (a personal pet peeve, even though I don't drink carbonated drinks), the food fueled me up for the next leg of my journey. From Tawau, I hopped on a pre-booked shuttle (RM25 per person) to Semporna. Word to the wise: pre-booking is essential, especially if you arrive late. It's a long drive (about 1.5 hours) and the streets are surprisingly dark.
Island Hopping: Mabul and Kapalai Islands
The next morning, I embarked on a pre-booked island hopping tour through KKday to Mabul and Kapalai Islands. Klook is another option, but prices and itineraries can vary. My tour, which included scuba diving, cost around 2500 TWD.
Mabul Island: A Diver's Dream
Mabul Island is a small, circular island known for its diverse marine life and stunning overwater bungalows. It's a short boat ride (about 40 minutes) from the mainland and well worth the trip. I was amazed by the crystal-clear turquoise water and the abundance of marine life. It's important to note that you can't just show up at the islands. You need to book a tour through a dive operator or have your accommodation arrange entry permits for you. Trust me, it's much easier and cheaper to book in advance online.
| Island | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mabul Island | Circular island with white sandy beaches | Diverse marine life, overwater bungalows, close proximity to Sipadan Island |
| Kapalai Island | Sandbar in the Celebes Sea | Stunning reefs, restricted access (resort guests only), no-fly zone |
On Mabul, I encountered the Bajau people, also known as "sea nomads," who live in stilt houses and navigate the waters in small boats. They often sell coconuts to tourists – a refreshing treat in the tropical heat! The tour included a simple boxed lunch. My advice? Bring some snacks and drinks, just in case you're not a fan of the provided lunch or if you get hungry later.
Kapalai Island: A Restricted Paradise
After lunch, we headed to Kapalai Island, a sandbar with a military presence. Access is restricted to guests staying at the Kapalai Dive Resort, and it's a no-fly zone for drones. I was fortunate enough to have a second dive at Kapalai (thanks to our awesome dive instructor, Jan!), where the visibility was even better than at Mabul. The marine life was also more abundant.
Semporna Town: Food, Markets, and More
Back in Semporna town, I explored the vibrant seafood market near the harbor. It's a great place to haggle for fresh seafood, which can then be cooked at nearby restaurants. I opted for a delicious BBQ dinner at a local restaurant, savoring chicken and beef skewers, prawns, scallops, and fried noodles. The mango smoothie was the perfect ending to the day!
Accommodation and Tips
I stayed at a budget-friendly backpacker hostel (RM55 for a twin bunk bed), which was perfect for a quick overnight stay. Remember to bring a universal adapter for the Malaysian power outlets.
Here are a few tips for your Semporna adventure:
- Pre-book transportation: Arrange your airport transfer and boat trips in advance.
- Download Grab: The Grab app is a lifesaver for getting around town cheaply.
- Pack a waterproof bag: Protect your belongings from splashes on the boat.
- Bring snacks and drinks: Supplement the provided lunches and stay hydrated.
- Engage a dive instructor who is willing to take photos: Capture your underwater memories!
Semporna and its surrounding islands offer a truly unforgettable experience. It's a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and anyone who loves exploring the beauty of the underwater world. I highly recommend adding Semporna to your Southeast Asia itinerary!
