Semporna brings together the Bajau way of life by the sea and trips to the surrounding area. Lepa boats have long been a symbol of Bajau life in Semporna and serve as a means of transport on the sea. This is a useful guide when choosing your accommodation: decide whether you want to devote most of your time to the culture in Semporna or also set aside time for excursions. The destinations below differ in their focus and location.

Understanding Bajau culture in Semporna

Muzium Tun Sakaran is primarily dedicated to the history and culture of Semporna’s population, especially the Bajau. Historical cultural artefacts belonging to this population are displayed on the upper floor. The museum is named after Sakaran Dandai, the eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah. Two cultural perspectives therefore meet here: the history of the local population and the memory of a specific Sabah figure.

Lepa boats also offer a distinctive insight into the connection between Bajau culture and the sea. Their significance is both cultural and practical: they represent Bajau life in Semporna and also serve as a means of transport on the sea. When planning your trip, you can consider the artefacts on display and the Lepa boats as different ways to explore culture and everyday life.

The Regatta Lepa was introduced in the early 1990s to preserve Bajau traditions. It adds a specific historical context to the cultural picture. If you want to plan your trip around a regatta, check the dates for your preferred travel period.

The sea and activities in the surrounding area

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is near Semporna, at the entrance to Darvel Bay on Sabah’s east coast. The speedboat journey takes about 45 minutes; the actual duration may vary. The park is popular with divers, and its hills are suitable for climbing activities. This gives you a choice of different interests in the surrounding area: diving in the sea or climbing on land. When planning your excursion, you can first consider which of these activities is most important to you. The approximate journey time also helps you take the trip there into account when planning your schedule.

An archaeological site south of Semporna

The archaeological site of Bukit Tengkorak offers a different focus. It is located on Jalan Tampi-Tampi, about ten kilometres south of Semporna. This places it outside the town, distinguishing its location from cultural attractions directly associated with Semporna. If you would like to include an archaeological point of interest in your travel plans as well as Bajau culture and the sea, this is another option. The approximate distance and road name help you locate the site without conflating it with the attractions in town.

Plan excursions and accommodation together

Island and diving trips can be booked with tour operators at Public Jetty Semporna and Seafest Jetty at Seafest Hotel. Confirm the operators and availability for your travel dates before your trip. The Marine Park is near Semporna, the speedboat journey takes about 45 minutes, and the archaeological site is approximately ten kilometres to the south.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kudat, Ranau, Papar, Tambunan, Beaufort, Kota Belud, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran

For the main travel overview: Sabah.