Malaysia (8th Visit) – Semporna: A Diving Paradise
Self-Guided Malaysia Trip Review: 4 Days 3 Nights (8th Visit)
This marks my eighth adventure in Malaysia, but my very first foray into Semporna. This charming seaside town serves as the gateway to the legendary Sipadan, a world-renowned diving mecca. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Trip Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival and Island Bliss
- Travel: Hai Phong – Hanoi – Kuala Lumpur – Tawau
- Check-in: Mabul Water Bungalows Resort
Day 2: Kapalai Island Immersion
- Explore Kapalai Island, indulging in snorkeling and breathtaking coral reefs.
Day 3: Timba-Timba and Mataking Adventures
- Discover the beauty of Timba-Timba Island.
- Experience the allure of Mataking Island.
Day 4: Departure
- Travel: Tawau – Kuala Lumpur – Hanoi – Hai Phong
Pre-Trip Essentials
Flights:
My journey began from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a connecting flight to Tawau, Malaysia. Roundtrip tickets typically range from 10 to 12 million VND. From Tawau Airport, taxis are readily available to Semporna town, about 100km away, costing around 60 RM (just over 300,000 VND). However, for added convenience, I pre-booked a transfer with Mabul Water Bungalows Resort, which included pick-up from Semporna jetty.
Ideal Time to Visit:
The period from April to October is highly recommended. This dry season boasts minimal rainfall and calm seas, creating perfect conditions for diving, snorkeling, and island hopping. This timeframe also helps you avoid the northwest monsoon and major storms.
Recommended Stay Duration:
Given my focus on relaxation and diving, a four-day stay proved to be ample time to fully immerse myself in the Semporna experience.
Accommodation:
Mabul Water Bungalows Resort (5-Star Luxury)
This exquisite 5-star resort floats on the waters of Mabul Island, offering direct, stunning views of Sipadan, one of the world's premier diving destinations. The resort features luxurious wooden bungalows, fully equipped with modern amenities and boasting spectacular ocean vistas. Its commitment to excellence has earned it numerous prestigious international awards.
- Room Category: Water Bungalow
- Pricing:
- 1420 USD per night (excluding diving) – approximately 37 million VND
- 2376 USD per night (including diving) – approximately 62 million VND
- Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transfers between Tawau Airport, Semporna jetty, and Mabul Water Bungalows Resort via van and speedboat.
- Three daily meals and hot beverages within the resort premises (excluding alcoholic drinks, juices, and carbonated soft drinks).
- Opportunity for up to three dives daily at Mabul, Kapalai, or surrounding islands.
Mabul Water Bungalows Resort operates on a fixed boat transfer schedule:
- Departures from Semporna to Resort: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, or 4:30 PM
- Departures from Resort to Semporna: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, or 1:30 PM
Currency Exchange:
For the best exchange rates, it's advisable to convert VND to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) at reputable gold shops. Exchanging USD in Malaysia can also yield a better rate. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 RM = 6,200 VND.
SIM Cards:
Numerous options for tourist SIM cards in Malaysia are available online. A quick search will reveal competitive pricing and a wide variety of choices to suit your needs.
Private Boat Island Hopping Tours:
To explore islands like Mataking and Timba-Timba at your own pace, consider a private boat tour. You can arrange this in advance with your resort for a fee of approximately 1944 RM per boat (around 12 million VND).
Dining Delights:
Popular Local Specialties:
- Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)
- Sambal Sotong (squid stir-fried with sambal)
- Kerang Rebus (boiled cockles with chili salt dip)
- Nasi Lemak (fragrant coconut rice served with fried anchovies, peanuts, sambal, and egg)
- Mee Goreng Mamak (Malaysian-style fried noodles with shrimp, egg, and vegetables)
- Sabah Laksa (spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and fresh seafood)
- Hinava (Sabah-style raw fish salad marinated with passion fruit, chili, and onion)
Overall Reflection
My inaugural visit to Semporna, following seven prior trips to Malaysia, left me utterly captivated by its raw, pristine beauty. The incredibly clear turquoise waters and the world-class diving experiences, especially around Sipadan, were truly remarkable. Semporna is an ideal destination for nature lovers, those seeking relaxation, and anyone yearning to be submerged in the vast, magnificent ocean.
