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The main reason to come to Semporna is to get yourself over to the Semporna Archipelago, a short boat journey away. The dive companies are all conveniently located in the same area, and many have a dive center at the resorts on Mabul Island. If you've booked your dive and stay from KK already, you'll be picked up from the airport by your respective tour company and spirited straight to Semporna's port and onto your end destination, so there's no need to stay a night here.
Aside from visiting its mosque and snapping photos of some pretty stilted, over-the-water hotels, most travelers will dump their bags and chat with dive-company staff before salivating over the archipelago.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Semporna.
Marine Reserve
Also known as the Semporna Islands Marine Park, this 350-sq-km protected area, a short boat ride from Semporna, comprises eight islands and two reefs. Some of the islands are inhabited by the Bajau sea gypsies, who eke out their living from fishing. Diving operators tend to take their clients to uninhabited Mantabuan and Sibuan islands, as well as the Kapikan and Church reefs.
Mosque
Dominating the waterfront with its elegant golden cupola and soaring minarets, this sky-blue mosque is probably the best-looking thing in Semporna, especially when silhouetted against the sunset.