Town in Sabah, Malaysia
Getting around Semporna
How to get around Semporna
Arrive by taxi or bus from Tawau airport, then take dive-operator boats to the islands. The town is small enough to walk.
Ways to get around Semporna
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shared van or taxi from Tawau | About RM30–100 | About 1.5 h; shared vans are cheaper |
| Dive-operator speedboat | Included in packages | Transfers to Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan |
| Local taxi | About RM8–20 | Within town; agree the price |
Taxis in Semporna
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Use local taxis with agreed fares; dive operators handle island transfers.
Arriving in Semporna
Tawau Airport (TWU)
Taxi or shared van to Semporna about RM100–150 / RM30–40 per seat, 1–1.5 h; flights from KK and KL.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on an English-language licence; otherwise carry an IDP. Scooters need a motorcycle-class licence.
- Onward travel in Malaysia: KTM's ETS electric trains link KL with Ipoh and Butterworth (for Penang); express buses go everywhere; cheap flights reach Penang, Langkawi and Borneo.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Semporna?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Use local taxis with agreed fares; dive operators handle island transfers.
What's the best way to get around Semporna?
Arrive by taxi or bus from Tawau airport, then take dive-operator boats to the islands. The town is small enough to walk.
How do I get from the airport to Semporna?
Taxi or shared van to Semporna about RM100–150 / RM30–40 per seat, 1–1.5 h; flights from KK and KL.
Is Semporna walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Semporna
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.