ViSiT MaLaYsIa

Semporna is a busy area to receive the influx of tourists every day. The main reason is because the crystal clear water that is unmatched. For this reason, many activities can be carried out such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing and so on. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the sea and diving in the islands, such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, cast and Sibuan.

There are more than 20 operators in Semporna Tourism exist for the management of hotels / resorts, diving courses (PADI Diving Courses) world class boat rental service for Island Hopping and fishing. For the safety of the divers, navy Semporna ( KD Sri Semporna ) provides special emergency treatment to address cases of diving injuries.

For the purpose of diving, snorkeling, picnic, honeymoon, honey, "Island-Hopping" and stay in the 'Resort' homes the water, you can choose to perform these activities in Pulau Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, cast, Pom-pom, Sibuan and Giant Clam Marine Park. For fishing enthusiasts , you can choose to fish in the sea or on the shore of the mainland coast. Services 'charter boat' available along the coastal town of Semporna while fishing equipment such as fishing rods, rapala, hooks, barracks and others can be found easily in the town of Semporna areas such as markets, Ssupermarket Milimewa and Bandar Baru Pekan Semporna ( close to the 'Resort floating Dragon Inn '). Other personal care needs (such Sunblock / Sunscreen) can be found in the 'Guardian', Semporna.

Archaeological Site of Skull Hill in Tampi-Tampi is suitable for those who like to study 'past life'

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL / BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Visitors can visit Semporna throughout the year. If you plan to Sipadan for diving, the best time to visit is between April to June This is because in these months the visibility diving is about 30m to 50m compared to other months only about 20m away. From May to August, you may be lucky enough to see turtles lay their eggs along the islands.In mid-April every year, this area welcomes 'Water Festival' Regatta Lepa. Diving is possible throughout the year with visibility at 20m and bove most of the time. The best time is from April to June, with visibility bove 30m and up to 50m around Sipadan. From May to August, you may also be lucky enough to spot turtles laying their eggs on the beaches of Sipadan. In Mid April the district of Semporna will celebrate its Annual Water Festival 'called The 'Regatta Lepa' .

LANGUAGE & RELIGION / LANGUAGE:
English Malay spoken by the locals in the dialect of 'raw-Sabah. In addition, there are also Native Bajau and Suluk language also spoken by the tribes here. English as a second language can be used in Semporna, Malaysia and widely understood. More than 95% of the local population is Muslim Semporna. Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language but Bahasa Inggeris is widely spoken and understood.Over 95% of the population are Muslim (Sunni).

WEATHER / CLIMATE:
Hot and humid during the equator between 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).Humidity is high (85-95%). Rainy season from November to February.Due to the hot weather it is advisable to use 'sunblock' when at sea or in the islands. Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures year-round, ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Humidity is high (85-95%).Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and most rain can be expected between November and February.

CLOTHING / CLOTHING:
Dress is casual. No matter if you use the shorts and tshirt. We recommend that you wear on cotton or easy to absorb sweat. Use appropriate clothing for swimming, and diving snorking. Very casual.There are no dress restrictions on the islands and light cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts would be suitable.

THE VALUE OF MONEY AND CREDIT CARD / CURRENCY CREDIT CARDS:
All transactions using 'RM (Ringgit Malaysia). RM 1.00 equivalent to 100 per cent. Current exchange rate to the US Dollar Malaysian Ringgit is approximately USD1 = RM3.20. Foreign exchange can be made at the airport Tawau or commercial banks in Semporna. There are two banks in Semporna of the National Savings Bank and Maybank. Both are equipped with ATM facility. Machine CDM (Cash Deposit Machine) is only available in Maybank. There are no banks or ATMs on the islands. Visa and Mastercard can be used in Semporna.The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen equals one Ringgit. US $ 1 is roughly RM 3.20. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and money changers at the airport and in Semporna. Visitors are not permitted to take more than RM 1000 in Malaysian currency out of the country and no more in foreign currency than was brought in. There are no banks or ATMs on the islands. VISA and Mastercard are accepted at all resorts.

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET / TELEPHONE AND INTERNET:
All hotel / resort has telephone and fax facilities (including IDD (International Direct Dial). Access Code for making international calls from Malaysia is 00. For additional information, please dial 103. Cellular Telecommunications Operator ( TELCO) like online Digi, Maxis and Celcom provides good access with 3G and Mobile Broadband '. Most of the hotel / resort has its own Internet access. Guests CyberCafe WiFi and can be found easily. The speed of the internet to achieve broadband connection with a minimum of 384kbps.All resorts have telephone facilities, including facilities for international phone calls. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103. Most resorts have a fairly stable Internet connection available for guests. WiFi points are available throughout the town. Internet speed are good at the minimum of 384kbps.

CENDERAMATA / SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS:
Personal Adornment based pearls and crystals are very popular among tourists. Items such as the baju melayu, Rantai, rings, bracelets and necklaces of pearls are easily available in stores in the town, and the hotel restaurant n. In addition, the shirts 'T', key chains, postcards and other souvenirs on 'Dive' and 'SMM' are also on sale. Souvenirs 'typical' Semporna is a replica of the boat 'plaster' wooden , 'pasture', rock and samurai sword 'carpentry results locals. However if you wish to get the goods 'weapon', you have to be careful to bring it into the air. Tourists are advised to be alert to the sale of souvenirs 'street' and use your wisdom to the bargaining process. Pearl products are available throughout the town, restaurant and resort. There are many to choose from buttons, pendant, bracelet and necklace."Sipadan-theme T-shirts, keyrings, postcards and other souvenirs are also on sale. The 'Semporna Exclusive Souvenir' are the 'plaster-Boat Replica' crafted to perfection by locals made from solid wood, others maybe consider metal replicas of 'samurai sword', 'pasture' and 'rock' as gifts. But if you purchase these 'weapon' items, please make sure that they are 'safe-enough' for airport clearance - carry them with your own responsibility. All resorts have a small boutique offering t-shirts, sunscreen and postcards, batteries and some other essential items. 1. Flights Daily / Daily Flights MAS / AirAsia - from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Fares: * check with the nearest travel agents Duration: 45 mins AirAsia - from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau Fares: * check with AirAsia ( www.airasia.com ) Duration: 2 hours and 45 mins 2 Bus Express / Express Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna Fares: RM58 Duration: 9 hours 3. Cab / Taxi from Tawau to Semporna Fares: RM80 - RM100 Duration: 1hr 45mins 4. Mini Bus / Mini Bus from Tawau to Semporna Fares: RM12 - RM20 Duration: 1hr 45mins

Complex islands' Giant Clam Marine Park 'is a' popular-brand 'Semporna. From afar, it looks like a man who was sleeping. That is why it is called 'Sleeping Buddha' for some tourists. Giant Clam Marine Park is the place to plantations kelp (seaweed), the largest in the state. It's also a place to study marine biology for most divers, scientists, and has always been the choice of marine science faculties abroad and international universities. Giant Clam Marine Park is administered by the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks (Sabah Parks), which has branches in Semporna, Sabah.

The Semporna Islands Darwin Project (IDP) is an initiative involving local communities in coral reef conservation in the gazette recently SMM, Sabah, Malaysia. The project is managed by the Marine Conservation Society in collaboration with Sabah Parks, and the aim is to protect the outstanding features and biodiversity of the site while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, economic development and traditional culture.

Click HERE to brpwse The Website of the Darwin Initiative Project:

SMM