Semporna is a city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It is located on the east coast in the north of the island of Borneo at the exit of Darvel Bay, which is open to the Sulawesi Sea.
Although people had lived here and there along the coast of Semporna before, it was not until May 10, 1887 that Semporna was founded by the incumbent governor W.M. Crocker during a punitive expedition against the pirates in Ommadal. Shortly before, the North Borneo Chartered Company had settled in Sandakan. The place for the new settlement used to be called Tong Talun. Semporna means “place to stay” in the Bajau language.
The city belongs to the Semporna district of the same name and is part of the Tawau Division area, which includes the Kunak, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau and Papar districts.
The local economy is mainly based on fishing and the distribution of sea products. Pearl farming is an important part of the local industry.
The only attraction of Semporna is the diving / snorkelling. There are several diving centers in the city where you can buy diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby islands. Most malls are located around the Sipadan Inn (downtown) and Dragon Inn (near the harbor) hotels.
Access : Coordinates: 4.483333, 118.616667 / Semporna is a town in the administrative division of Tawau, on the east coast of Sabah, on the island of Borneo.
Highlights :
- Regatta Lepa : Semporna is famous for the dragon boat regatta ,The Lepa Regatta is a boat regatta held annually in April with traditional Bajau boats. Semporna was also the start and finish of the Eco-Challenge sailing regatta in 2000.
- Marine park : Offshore is Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as Semporna Islands Park, named after Sakaran Dandai. It was designated as a protected area in 2004 and has since been managed by the state agency Sabah Parks.
- Diving/Snorkeling : Semporna is known for its unique diving and snorkeling spots on Sipadan Island (Sipadan Island), which is about 36 kilometers south-east of the city.
- Tun Sakaran Museum is located about two kilometers from Semporna city center in Kampung Imabah Kamal.
Go next : Snorkeling trips to the nearby islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Maiga and others.
