I can't believe I've never been to Semporna Islands 😱
For one, I am a Sabahan Bornean, born and raised here. Secondly, it's only 45 minutes flight + 2 hours drive away from home, where as I've been as farther as to Europe. How is that possible?
There's a term for what's going on at the moment, post pandemic. It's called 'Harga Runtuh'. For Malaysians that understand this, this is basically the time when all prices are slashed down to 90% from its original prices. The time to make some cash flow and not necessarily revenue, because things will never be the same and the earlier we know this the better. But we can minimise damage or cushion the damage our businesses are facing, which most industry players are doing. Slashing prices, adding more value.
That means for the rest of us travellers, BETTER TRAVELS! And I mean it! With the perfect timing and dates, better discounts, and little to no tourists (again, timing) - this is truly the time that traveling becomes the best of times.
What is timing?
Simple, weekdays.
But what about annual leaves?
This is the time to use them. You wouldn't need it any other way.
I want to cross over a weekend? Which is better, Friday off or Monday off?
Always, Monday off. Always.
Do I think this a honeymoon period for Malaysians to travel? Is this a bubble? Unfortunately, I think it is. Come October 2020, where moratorium is gone for I would say 95% of working Malaysians, people will be even more frugal with their spending. And not just that, there's a general sentiment of keeping their money for rainy days.
The key to sustain my lifestyle I think is not bursting it at one time. Many people do that, I fortunately, don't know how to cause I'm a cheap at times. Also, cause I'm single. A budget for one person is a lot less than for a family.
Anyway, I digress. First question, I'm sure many Malaysians are asking.
WHERE IS SEMPORNA?
Locate Semporna from this map, which is right underneath the mouth of this map (or dog as Sabahans would call it) 😅 As you can see it is located at almost at the tip of the state. It is a coastal town, a jump off point to many of the islands that are so famous for diving, snorkelling sites or even where world class resorts are.
Fly in
If you are from Kuala Lumpur, or Kota Kinabalu, that means yes, you would need to fly. Semporna does not have its own airport and the closest airport to Semporna is Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan. You can choose to transit from Kota Kinabalu, and fly to Tawau and then bus or drive to Semporna.
If you are from Kuala Lumpur and believes that you really do not have the time for Kota Kinabalu, then yes you can fly to Tawau directly via AirAsia.
Source map (1): MySabah.com
Source map (2): Borneo Speedy Dive/ FoodHunter vs Backpacker
Deep dive into the above map, and you will realise Semporna connects you to SO MANY ISLANDS. In fact, there are hundreds of islands scattered around the Celebes Sea, the sea that connects Philipines, Malaysia and Indonesia (Kalimantan) that it's practically impossible to decide.
As for me, mine was to simply "introduce myself" to Semporna Islands, because it felt like a white canvas. And well to snorkel and relax come second (cause I represent 99% of the population, I am not a diver). There are about three main clusters of "simple accessible islands" I would call it, and these simple islands are best for photos, hiking, discovery and basically snorkelling, also diving.
Clusters 2 and 3 are quite famous for diving, but not as famous as the king of them all - Sipadan. They were also some of the earliest more established discoveries, including more general facilities and availability of resorts in that area.
Cluster 1
- Bohey Dulang
- Sibuan Island
- Mantabuan Island
Cluster 2
- Timba Timba
- Mataking
Cluster 3
- Mabul
- Kapalai
Since the objective of my visit was merely to get to know Semporna, and simply to not over do it as well as to overwhelm myself, I chose only one day trip and one resort to relax into. So I chose Cluster 1. I've heard many things about Bohey Dulang, apparently a newly discovered place and famous for hiking where one can overlook the island's encove landscape from the top of the hill. Unfortunately, the night before was raining so heavily so for safety, hiking was not allowed. (Honestly I don't really hike either, but it was still lots of fun around the area because with views like these who needs anything else!!)
Lastly, relaxing.
Even though the resorts around Semporna have slashed their prices so much, I was still sticking to a certain budget. And it seems Lato Lato Resort matched my budget perfectly. I stayed there for one night, but was taken care of like a queen (ask me why when we meet lol).
There you go, essentially I only did one day trip to one cluster of islands, and a stay in affordable resort. All resorts in the sea would have full board meals, because - you are right at the sea. They would have to provide you with meals because it would be more practical that way.
Summary of budget (4D/3N):
- Return flight (RM 24 for airport tax - I bought AirAsia's Unlimited Pass)
- Grab to Tawau town (RM 31)
- Return bus ride from Tawau to Semporna (RM 45)
- Two nights at mainland Semporna at Cube Bed Hostel (RM 96 - They upgraded me for free because, idk, alone)
- Meals at Mainland Semporna (RM 80)
- One night stay at Lato Lato Resort @ Bum Bum Island (RM 150 - inclusive of four meals, and snorkelling gears)
- Clear boat Kayak Activity (RM 30)
- Return boat to mainland (RM 150)
- Total = RM 606
More detailed breakdowns of each of the activity soon! Hope this has helped some of you 😊
Jacqueline Rowena @ Jacqkie.
Comments