Explore Semporna

Semporna is a town located on the east coast of the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Semporna has become more famous over time due to it being the departure point for some of the best diving in the world including Sipadan Island and Mabul Island. There are numerous dive centres and dive resorts which cater to the increasing popularity of snorkelling and diving at the islands in this area. Visitors interested in exploring the waters here can do this either from Semporna itself and use it as a base, they can do it from one of the handfull of liveaboards which depart from here, or they can travel to and stay on Mabul Island for a more tropical but also more low key stay. Aside from the pristine waters, the ideal climate with warm temperatures and impressive visibility, what makes these two islands so popular is that Sipadan has a large array of big species, while Mabul has a large collection of small marine critters, so divers can see a range of species and really enjoy all that these waters have to offer.

Courses and Events

Divemaster

The Divemaster course is the first step in an exciting journey. Take the Divemaster course and earn the respect of your dive buddies and become a diving ambassador. You only need to earn 40 verified/documented dives and certifications in deep diving, navigation, night diving and limited visibility, or at least 5 recorded/verified dives in each area, plus diver pressure and rescue. Upon successful completion of the Divemaster course, you will receive a dive guide certificate. If you are interested in turning your passion into a career, mentoring certified divers, teaching ecology courses, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, then your next step is to upgrade your divemaster with a minimum of 60 records/validations. Self-study dive science textbooks, pass the digital final exam, and become an SSI Professional Diver to upgrade to Divemaster immediately or at any time. There are thousands of job opportunities around the world waiting for the next generation of highly qualified divers.

01 June
EUR 1,681.40
USD 2,000.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Semporna

The islands off the coast of Semporna offer a wide range of types of diving and all of them include an exciting array of marine species for divers to admire and get excited about. Sipadan Island is the place to go for divers interested in deep dives, wall diving and especially for divers hoping to spot some of the big gentle giants of the ocean such as Manta Rays or Whalesharks. Mabul Island is a dream destination for underwater photographers, more novice divers and divers who enjoy night dives because this diving area is teaming with macro life and some unique species of fish. The waters are Mabul Island are extremely nutrient rich and so is also a popular destination for muck diving. 

Top Wildlife Sightings in Semporna

The oceans around Semporna are known for its high abundance of marine fauna and flora. With there reportedly being thousands of species of fish and hundreds of species of corals, there is something to be admired on every dive. Should divers be hoping to spot larger species, then Sipadan Island is the place to go. Species here include Barracuda, Jacks, Tuna, Snappers, White Tip Reef Sharks, Whalesharks, Grey Reef Sharks and on the luckiest days, Hammerhead Sharks, Leopard Sharks and the adorable Thresher Sharks. There are also multiple species of Rays including Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and Devil Rays. The highlights at Mabul include Frogfish, Crocodile Fish, Ghost Pipefish, endless colourful and adorable Nudibranchs, the elusive Mandarin Fish, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Sea Turtles, different species of Shrimp, Seahorses, Scorpion Fish, Crab and Blue Spotted Stingray. 

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
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The best Months to Dive in Semporna

Borneo has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season, and so the main difference is the amount of rainfall as the air and water temperatures stay warm throughout the year. The air temperatures range between 27°C and 31°C while the water temperatures stay between 26°C and 30°C, so really pleasant to dive in. Water conditions are pretty calm throughout the year, with the strongest winds being in December to February. The visibility is, on average, 20 metres but can reach up to 50 metres on the best days between March and October, which is the best period to dive here. Luckily for divers, the large majority of the species which frequent these water are there throughout the year.

Dive Centers

STORMDIVE, 暴风潜水

Block D, Lot 19, Semporna Seafront Township, 91308 Semporna, MYS

Infinity Scuba Dive Centre

Lot 34, Block F, Semporna Seafront Resort Town, 91308 Semporna, MYS

Scuba Home

Kampung Air Hujung, Peti Surat 520, Semporna, 91308 Sabah, MYS

Diving Dojo

LOT 39, BLK 12, 91308 SEMPORNA, TAWAU, SABAH, MYS

Seabunny Scubacations

Lot 123, 1st Floor, Desa Seri Tongtalun, 91308 Sabah, MYS

Nemo and Friends

LOT 1, TAMAN CANTIK SAHMUDRAH, 91308 SEMPORNA, SABAH, MYS

Dive Sites

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Stormdive - Singamata (★4.7)

Locate at Singamata reef resort, 10min boat travel from Semporna town. A water bungalow resort build on top of reef. With include hotel stay and divecenter.