Tambunan

Tambunan is a town in the interior of Sabah, on the road from Kota Kinabalu to Keningau. It is known for the Mahua Waterfall and the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve.

By Plane

Tawau Airport (TWU) — 1.5 hr drive to Semporna. Flights from KL (3 hr) and KK (50 min).

By Train

No train.

By Car / Road

Semporna is 400 km from KK (8 hr drive) and 100 km from Tawau (1.5 hr).

Grab and taxis are available. The town is compact. A car is useful for exploring the islands.

• Semporna town — the dive hub with gear shops and the jetty for Sipadan

• Semporna central market — fresh seafood and local produce

• Bajau Laut sea gypsies — traditional stilt villages around Semporna

• Tun Sakaran Marine Park — a group of 8 islands with coral reefs, snorkelling, and hiking

• Scuba diving at Sipadan — the main draw; book months ahead

• Snorkelling at Mabul and Kapalai

• Island hopping — boat tours to the islands for snorkelling and beach time

• Photography of the sea gypsy villages

• Semporna seafood restaurants — ikan bakar, chilli crab, butter prawns; RM 10–25
• Semporna central market — local Malay food; RM 3–6
• Dive resort restaurants on Mabul/Kapalai

• Teh tarik (RM 2)
• Fresh coconut water (RM 2–3)
• Bottled water — essential for island trips

• Budget: Hotel Semporna (RM 40–70/night); Semporna Dive Lodge (RM 50–80/night)
• Mid-range: Seafest Hotel (RM 80–130/night); Dragon Inn (RM 60–100/night, over-water chalets)
• Resorts on Mabul/Kapalai/Mataking (RM 200–800/night)

• Semporna market — fresh seafood, local crafts
• Dive gear — several dive shops in town
• Pearls — Semporna is known for cultured pearls

• Sipadan Island (45 min by boat)
• Mabul Island (30 min by boat)
• Kapalai Resort (30 min by boat)
• Mataking Island (45 min by boat)
• Tawau (1.5 hr drive)
• Danum Valley (3 hr drive from Lahad Datu)