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Town in Sabah, Malaysia

Internet in Semporna: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources
179 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Semporna?

Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi in town is basic; mobile coverage is weak on Mabul and Kapalai. Not suited to remote work.

Getting online in Semporna

Details
Home fibreUnifi fibre in parts of the town; slow or none on the islands.
Cafés and coworkingCafé wifi in town is basic; mobile coverage is weak on Mabul and Kapalai. Not suited to remote work.
OutagesFrequent power cuts and signal drops on the islands
Tourist SIMAirport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available.
eSIMLocal carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
CarriersCelcomDigi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile
Monthly data planRM30–60 ($7.3–14.7)

Coworking in Semporna

There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.

Internet speeds in Southeast Asia

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

CountryFixedMobile
Singapore463 Mbps164 Mbps
Vietnam301 Mbps220 Mbps
Thailand299 Mbps134 Mbps
Malaysia179 Mbps165 Mbps
Philippines114 Mbps66 Mbps
Brunei86 Mbps254 Mbps
Laos60 Mbps45 Mbps
Cambodia55 Mbps112 Mbps
Indonesia51 Mbps66 Mbps
Myanmar25 Mbps—

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Semporna?

Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi in town is basic; mobile coverage is weak on Mabul and Kapalai. Not suited to remote work.

Which SIM card should I get in Semporna?

Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available.

Can I use an eSIM in Malaysia?

Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.

More about Semporna

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Sources

Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.