Semporna, Coastal town in Tawau Division, Malaysia
Semporna is a coastal settlement in Tawau Division on the eastern shore of Sabah, where wooden stilt houses stretch across turquoise waters of the Celebes Sea in a scattered waterfront pattern. The town centers on its harbor, from which boats depart regularly to reach nearby islands and diving destinations.
The settlement began in the 1880s when Chinese merchants arrived after fleeing Spanish military campaigns against the Sulu Sultanate, establishing the first trading post in the area. This early commercial foundation shaped the town's role as a busy harbor and meeting point between sea traders and local communities.
The Bajau people form the heart of this community, living in wooden houses on stilts that rise directly from the water and create the town's distinctive character. This way of life reflects a deep connection to the sea that shapes how residents move, work, and interact with their surroundings daily.
Visit during the dry season from April to October when seas are calmer and boat trips run more reliably throughout the day. Head to the harbor early in the morning, as most departure times cluster during these hours and later scheduling becomes less predictable.
Every April the Regatta Lepa festival brings traditional wooden boats to race across the waters in decorated fashion, drawing crowds of both residents and visitors. This event reflects how deeply maritime traditions remain woven into community life despite modern changes elsewhere.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
