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Blog The Next Malaysian Maldives! 5 Reasons Why You Must Visit Semporna
26 Aug 2020
The next Malaysian Maldives is on our shores! Semporna’s Tun Sakaran Marine Park, located 28 km from the nearest town, Tawau - is the gateway to arguably one of the best diving experiences in the world. Here are 5 reasons why you must visit the islands of Semporna the next time you come to Sabah:
1. Relax and Enjoy the Beach at Pom Pom Island
Photo by @jessielam2742 via Instagram
Pom Pom Island is home to an abundance of Pom Pom trees, hence the name! The island attracts people who are looking to enjoy a variety of beach-related activities, including kayaking, beach volleyball and more. Sit back and relax, as you watch hundreds of baby sea turtles emerge from their eggshells and crawl back to sea.
2. Stay on a Water Villa on a “Disappearing” Island
Photo by @lynnl0107 via Instagram
Known to locals as the "Magic" island, Kapalai Island is actually a narrow sand bar situated on the Ligitan Reef that only emerges during the low tide. The sole resort on the island features chalets that are built on high wooden stilts. This allows you to observe marine life right below your feet! From stingrays, lionfish to turtles, you'll be amazed at how much you can see from your chalet in the clear blue waters.
3. Dive at a World-Class Diving Site on Sipadan Island
Photo by @holibae_official via Instagram
The great explorer Jacques Costeau once called Sipadan Island "an untouched piece of art". Voted as one of the top five dive sites in the world by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine, Sipadan is home to some of the world's most diverse marine life forms. Many divers from all over the world come and witness the beauty of diving here! Living corals grow atop an undersea volcano which rises 700 metres from the seabed. Sipadan island is also home to world-class diving instructors - so consider getting your diving certifications here.
4. Explore the Remains of an Ancient Volcano on Bohey Dulang Island
Photo by @traciagoh via Instagram
The mountainous Bohey Dulang island is formed from the remnants of an ancient volcano. Hike up the 600-metre nature trail to get a panoramic view of the island, which includes a good look at a magnificent lagoon created by the volcanic crater. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to witness some rare plant species along the way, such as the trichoglottis geminata, a rare orchid that grows on volcanic rocks!
5. Experience Bajau Laut Culture on Selakan Island
Photo by @stickyricetravel via Instagram
Selakan island is home to the Bajau Laut community. For centuries, this ancient community of seafarers have lived on the sea for almost all their lives. The Bajau Laut community have mastered the art of freediving, with some being able to dive for 20 meters deep while holding their breath for several minutes on end. Immerse yourself into the Bajau Laut way of life by spending some time with this ancient seafaring community!
How to Get To Semporna
Getting to the islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park of Semporna is fairly easy. Take a flight to Tawau and then board a taxi or a minivan that will take you to Semporna town. From Semporna, you'll need to get a speedboat that will take you to the island of your choice. The boat ride will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Interested in catching a flight to Tawau to visit these islands? Check out our flight deals on our Makan Angin page!
Other Makan Angin packages to check out or take a look at more here!
