70 km
from city center 1 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

Sipadan National Park, on the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, is a top diving destination, being located at the centre of the Indo-Pacific basin. With turtles, sharks, triggerfish, crevalle jack fish, barracudas, and trevally fish found here, and the waters are home to one of the richest marine habitats in the world. However, the deep diving points and underwater currents mean Sipadan is more suited to advanced divers.

73 km
from city center 2 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

23 kilometres from Semporna, Bohey Dulang island, is the second largest island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park archipelago. Bohey Dulang is a hiker’s paradise, with uphill treks to the island’s peak and a lagoon that opens into the sea there to explore. The island is also home to birds such as hornbills, fruit doves, babblers, metallic pigeons, scrub fowls, and the like, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. In addition, the Tun Sakaran Marine Research Unit houses a seaweed farming centre and a giant clam hatchery. The island is home to the nomadic sea gipsy people, known locally as the Bajau Laut.

71 km
from city center 3 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

Comprising eight islands, the Tun Sakaran Marine Park features multiple dive sites. The waters around the islands off the east coast of Sabah are home to barracudas, eagle rays, turtles, parrotfish, and nudibranchs. Hikers are in for a fun time at the park as well, with the chance to hike uphill and explore the lagoon in Bohey Dulang. Tourists can also visit the Tun Sakaran Marine Research Unit, home to a seaweed farming centre and a clam spawning centre.

55 km
from city center 4 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

Located 10 kilometres south of Semporna, Skull Hill, locally known as Bukit Tengkorak, is a volcanic rock shelter site as well as an important archaeological site. The slopes of the hill have shards of pottery that have been traced back to over 3000 years ago. The hill is an open archaeological site, with a museum at the base housing various findings from the site. The hill used to be one of the largest sites of pottery making in Asia during the Neolithic period, a practice that continues with the Bajau people of Semporna.

53 km
from city center 5 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

Spas in Semporna have well-designed treatments, and some, such as Le’One Spa, are situated right on the ocean. The ocean views add to the relaxing experience, and you can enjoy tea and other refreshments next to the ocean. Some hotels have their own spas and cater to both residents and visitors. Little Village Spa offers a variety of traditional massage experiences, such as the Borneo Oil Massage, Thai Massages, Herbal Ball Massages and the like.

53 km
from city center 6 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

While peak diving season is between April and November, diving is possible all year round in Semporna. The clear waters around the islands in the Semporna Island Park, also known as the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, are great spots to explore the variety of aquatic life found on the island. Further, Mabul island and Kapalai island house cuttlefish, mandarin fish and pygmy seahorses, among others.

82 km
from city center 7 out of 7
Things To Do in Semporna

The Tropical Research And Conservation Centre at Semporna aims to restore coral reefs and protect sea turtles from fish bombing practices followed by locals. Tourists can volunteer to help the organisation and construct frameworks for corals, monitor and protect green and hawksbill turtles and move their eggs to the hatchery, and patrol the islands to protect marine life. As volunteers, tourists can also enjoy scuba diving as well as relaxing on the white sands of the beach.