15 Best Islands Near Semporna, Sabah

Semporna is a coastal town in southeastern Sabah, known as a gateway to some of the best islands and dive sites in Malaysia. The islands near Semporna are known for their beaches, coral reefs and marine life. This guide covers the best islands near Semporna.

Islands

1. Sipadan

Sipadan is a world-renowned dive site, known for its marine life. It is a protected area with restricted access. Access requires permits, which are limited. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators.

Type: Island and dive site What it offers: Diving, marine life Why visit: World-renowned dive site Practical tips: Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

2. Mabul

Mabul is an island near Semporna, known for diving and accommodation. It is a popular base for diving at Sipadan and other sites.

Type: Island What it offers: Diving, accommodation, beaches Why visit: Diving base, accommodation Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

3. Kapalai

Kapalai is a dive resort built on stilts over a reef, near Semporna. It is not an island — it is a resort on a sandbar. It is a popular destination for divers.

Type: Dive resort (not an island) What it offers: Diving, accommodation Why visit: Unique resort experience Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

4. Mataking Island

Mataking Island is an island near Semporna, known for its beaches and diving. It has a resort and is a popular destination for island hopping and diving.

Type: Island What it offers: Beaches, diving, accommodation Why visit: Beaches, diving Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

5. Bohey Dulang

Bohey Dulang is an island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, known for its hiking and views. It is a volcanic island with a scenic viewpoint.

Type: Island What it offers: Hiking, views, marine park Why visit: Hiking, views Practical tips: Check current access with official operators. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

6. Timba-Timba Island

Timba-Timba is an island near Semporna, popular for island hopping and photography.

Type: Island What it offers: Beaches, photography Why visit: Scenic island Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

7. Sibuan Island

Sibuan is an island near Semporna, popular for snorkelling and photography.

Type: Island What it offers: Snorkelling, photography Why visit: Scenic island Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators.

8. Sipadan Island (separate from the dive site)

Note: Sipadan is both an island and a dive site. The island itself is a protected area. Access is restricted. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators.

Type: Island and protected area What it offers: Diving, marine life Why visit: World-renowned dive site Practical tips: Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators.

Marine Areas

9. Tun Sakaran Marine Park

The Tun Sakaran Marine Park is a marine park near Semporna, with islands and marine life. It includes Bohey Dulang and other islands. Check current access with official operators.

Type: Marine park What it offers: Islands, marine life, hiking Why visit: Marine park Practical tips: Check current access with official operators. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

10. Sipadan Marine Park

Sipadan is part of a marine park. Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators.

Type: Marine park What it offers: Diving, marine life Why visit: World-renowned dive site Practical tips: Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators.

Other Destinations

11. Pandanan Island

Pandanan is an island near Semporna, with beaches and accommodation. Check current availability with official operators.

Type: Island What it offers: Beaches, accommodation Why visit: Beaches Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators.

12. Denawan Island

Denawan is an island near Semporna. Check current availability with official operators.

Type: Island What it offers: Beaches Why visit: Scenic island Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators.

13. Ligitan Island

Ligitan is an island near Semporna, known for its beaches. Check current availability with official operators.

Type: Island What it offers: Beaches Why visit: Scenic island Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators.

14. Langkayan Island

Note: Langkayan is in the Sandakan area, not near Semporna. For Sandakan area islands, see our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

15. Other Islands

There are other islands near Semporna, some accessible through island hopping tours. Check current availability with official operators.

Type: Islands What it offers: Beaches, snorkelling Why visit: Island hopping Practical tips: Check current availability with official operators.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Semporna is accessible by road from Kota Kinabalu (about 8-10 hours) or by flight to Tawau, then by road to Semporna (about 1 hour). Check current transport options with official sources.
• Getting around: Islands require boat transfers. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators. See our Sabah car rental guide.
• Weather: Semporna is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip.
• Islands: Island access depends on weather and sea conditions. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators before travelling.
• Marine park: Some islands are in marine parks. Follow marine park rules. Do not touch or step on coral. Do not collect marine life. Do not imply unrestricted access to protected areas.
• Marine life: Marine-life sightings are not guaranteed. Conditions can change. Check current conditions with official operators.
• Diving: Diving conditions can change. Check current conditions with official dive operators. Some dive sites require permits.
• Water visibility: Water visibility can change. Check current conditions with official operators.
• Sun protection: Bring hats, sunscreen and water.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs.

FAQ

What are the best islands near Semporna?

The best islands include Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Bohey Dulang. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

Can I visit Sipadan?

Sipadan is a protected area with restricted access. Access requires permits, which are limited. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

Is Kapalai an island?

Kapalai is a dive resort built on stilts over a reef, not an island. It is a popular destination for divers. Check current availability with official operators. See our things to do in Semporna guide.

Conclusion

The islands near Semporna are some of the best in Malaysia. For more ideas, see our things to do in Semporna, best beaches in Sabah and places to visit in Sabah guides. For exploring beyond Semporna, see our Sabah road trip guide.