 
Semporna
- The town with its feet
in the sea
In the Bajau and Malay language, "semporna" literally
means, "perfect". The town its feet in the sea, Semporna
and its many islands are like a dream come true... pure white sandy
beaches, coconut palms and tranquil waters lapping over colourful
reefs in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Sulawesi Sea. The
richness of the sea, fishes of all kinds, sea cucumbers, shells,
pearls and in recent years, seaweed farming - all these have attracted
seafarers and fisher-folks to Semporna and its islands.
The early Bajau people lived their entire lives aboard their boats.
Today, most live along the coasts, perched on stilts over shallow
reefs, where they continue their love affair with the sea. Every
April, Semporna celebrates with a Regatta Lepa. Thousands sail into
town in all kinds of boats including the gaily-decorated lepa and
jungkong, their traditional boats, to compete for prizes. Arrangements
can be made to explore the islands off Semporna to visit water-villages
and seaweed farms, swim and snorkel. The Semporna people also boasts
they have the best seafood in all of Malaysia, the freshest and
least expensive!
Semporna is the departure point to the world's best dive sites
and island-resorts of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. |
