Hotels near Semporna Airport (SMM)

With population of around 135,000, Semporna is a city on east coast of Sabah. This town is known for being a gateway for diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby islands. To get here, travellers usually take the airplane.

Semporna Airport is a small airport operated by Malaysia Airport Berhad. It serves the town of Semporna and was designed for STOLport (STOL Short Take-Off and Landing) operations. This airport has a short single runway, in general shorter than 5,000 feet (1,524 m) and only accepts certain types of aircraft, usually with smaller propeller and limited amount of fuel. Today, Semporna Airport serves Malaysia Airlines' MASwings, which flies to and from Tawau Airport.

Tourist Attractions

Tun Sekaran Marine Park

Explore the undefined underwater beauty of Tun Sekaran Marine Park that is located off the east coast of Sabah. Consisting of eight exquisite islands; Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Sibuan, Maiga as well as Church Reef and Kapikan Reef, the marine park however is not well equipped with facilities for tourists. Even so, expect to discover sightings of eagle rays, turtles, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, and plenty of nudibranchs. The transfer to Tun Sakaran Marine Park by speedboat from Semporna Jetty Point takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Sipadan Island

Known for some as the best scuba diving spot in the world, this dive mecca has been indisputably the most famous scuba destination in Malaysia. It is located in the Celebes Sea, on the north-eastern corner of Borneo. The island was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. There are more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified here. Apart from diving, you can walk along the beautiful sandy beaches and bask in the warm sun. Restricted to 120 visitors per day, you need to apply for permit prior visiting.

Hotels

Arung Hayat Semporna Resort

Arung Hayat is a budget resort located 3 km away from Semporna Airport. It brings the traditional Malay culture as it was built from wooden structure and coated by with varnish. Offering a wide range of rooms types at easy prices, this resort provides a large parking area that ensures security of your vehicle. Known for their speciality in running trips to the stunning islands at Tun Sekaran Marine Park, Arung Hayat Semporna Resort is an absolute pick for those wishing to spend their holiday at the sea.

Seafest Hotel

Seafest Hotel is the first business class hotel in Semporna town. A homelike place to stay while you are not home, all rooms here are harmoniously blend with cosy comforts of home and the luxurious amenities of a business hotel. Equipped with excellent facilities to ensure ultimate comfort for their guest, some of them include function rooms that can acomodate 20 to 700 person at one time, a business center with high speed internet, copying and faxing services as well as a health center with gym, sauna and steam room.

Borneo Global Sipadan Backpackers

Located at Jalan Causeway, Tawau, Borneo Global Sipadan Backpackers is another budget lodge that aims to cater only the best for their guest. Featuring nine rooms comprising dorm, triples and family rooms, this lodge provides 24 hours reception service with no curfew and lockout. Despite being a low budget resort, all rooms here are air-conditioned with attached bathrooms and equipped with hot and cold pressure water heater and soap. Providing daily diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby islands, Borneo Global Sipadan Backpackers is a perfect base if you are planning to explore the uniqueness of this place.