Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SNORKELLING IN SEMPORNA
Many nondivers wonder if they should visit Semporna. We give a qualified 'yes'. The diving here is obviously the
main draw, as there are no real beaches to speak of (besides some small patches of sand). But if you like snor-
kelling, there's some incentive to come out this way. Snorkelling is not the obsessive hobby that diving is - people
don't plan their holidays around it the way they do with diving. But if you're travelling in a group or as a couple
where some dive and some don't, the Semporna islands are a lot of fun; dive and snorkelling trips are timed so
groups leave and come back at similar times, so you won't feel isolated from each other. If you're on your own
and only want to snorkel, it's still pretty great, but not as world class as the diving experience, and a bit pricey rel-
ative to the rest of Malaysia - snorkel trips cost around RM150, and you also have to factor in the relatively high
cost of accommodation here and the price of getting out to the islands. Then again, you still have a good chance of
seeing sting rays, sea turtles and all sorts of other macro-marine wildlife while in the midst of a tropical ar-
chipelago, so really, who's complaining?
Sleeping & Eating
From opulent bungalows to ragtag sea shanties, the marine park offers a wide variety of
accommodation catering to all budgets. Sleeping spots are sprinkled across the ar-
chipelago with the majority of options clustered on Mabul (Sipadan's closest neighbour).
No one is allowed to stay on Sipadan. Note that prices rise in August and September.
Nondivers are charged at different rates than divers.
At almost all of the places listed below, you are tied to a set schedule of three to five
meals broken up by roughly three diving (or snorkelling) trips per day. Meals are in-
cluded; drinks are always extra, although tea and coffee are often gratis. If you feel the
need to let loose at night, there are occasional parties at Uncle Tan's or Scuba Junkie on
Mabul. High-end resorts have their own bars and restaurants; you may be able to eat and
drink here if you're staying in a budget spot and the man at the gate is in a good mood, but
you'll pay for it.
Divers and snorkellers can also opt to stay in the town of Semporna. That means
slightly better bang for your buck, but no fiery equatorial sunsets. Perhaps more pertin-
ently, it takes at least 30 minutes, and usually a bit longer, to get to dive sites from Sem-
porna town.
Every one of the accommodation options listed below can arrange diving trips, includ-
ing certification courses and trips to Sipadan.
