A week in the Semporna islands
You want a full week in Semporna's waters and need to know how to split the nights.
A week in Semporna works best with one main base and one change, not four islands in seven days. Split the nights only if the second place gives you something the first cannot. Your Sipadan permit, not the calendar, should set the dates.
Our guide on how many days you need for an island holiday covers the basics. For the nearer decisions, see Mabul versus Mataking for a Semporna stay and the Mabul island guide.
How long does it take to reach the islands?
Semporna is far from most starting points, so the first and last days carry a lot of travel. One operator reports about 75 minutes by van from Tawau airport to Semporna jetty, then about 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat to a Mabul resort [3]. Mataking is reported at about one hour by speedboat from Semporna [4].
That means roughly two to two and a half hours of travel on arrival day for Mabul. Plan the first night as a rest night. A Semporna jetty fee may apply, and some packages leave it out [3].
How should you split six or seven nights?
Here is one pattern that uses two bases.
| Nights | Where | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| One to three | Mabul side | Settle in, first snorkel days, Sipadan day if permitted |
| Move morning | Via Semporna | Half a day lost to the transfer |
| Four to six | Mataking | A quieter base and a different feel |
| Seven | Optional | A spare night to protect your flight home |
If your priority is the water, a simpler pattern is five nights on the Mabul side and one night in Semporna town before your flight. See what a mainland night adds in Semporna.
What decides your Sipadan days?
Sipadan is about 45 minutes from Semporna town by speedboat in calm seas, and there has been no accommodation on the island since it became a marine park in 2004 [1]. You go across for the day.
Permits are booked by registered operators, up to six months ahead. Payment terms are a 50 percent deposit and full payment two weeks before, with a cancellation inside two weeks forfeiting the payment [2].
Ask your resort which of these terms apply to you. Put your Sipadan days early in the stay, so rough weather has a spare day to fall on.
What should you ask before booking the move?
- Is the move between resorts direct, or does it go through Semporna jetty?
- Who books and pays the transfer, and is the jetty fee included?
- Can luggage be held if check-out and check-in times do not match?
- What happens to my Sipadan days if my move falls on a rough day?
- Do both resorts offer the meals and snorkel trips in the same way?
A better fit if…
A split week may be a better fit if you are a keen snorkeller who wants two different feels and can accept half a day of transfer. One base may be a better fit if you want maximum time in the water, or you are travelling with children or parents.
Use our island trip cost calculator to test both patterns with your own numbers.
Common questions
Can I stay on Sipadan itself during a Semporna week?
No. Sabah Parks states there has been no accommodation on Sipadan since it became a marine park in 2004. Visitors stay on nearby islands or in Semporna and go across by boat. Permits are arranged by registered operators, so ask yours how Sipadan days are handled in a package.
How long is the journey from the airport to a Mabul resort?
One operator reports about 75 minutes by van from Tawau airport to Semporna jetty, then about 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat to a Mabul resort. Treat it as roughly two to two and a half hours of travel. Confirm the exact legs and the jetty fee with your resort.
Is it worth staying on two islands in one week?
It gives you two kinds of stay, but each move costs half a day, and moving between resorts may route through Semporna. If your priority is time in the water, one base with day trips is often simpler. Ask each resort whether the move is direct.
How early should I ask about a Sipadan permit?
As early as your dates are fixed. Sabah Parks says permits can be booked up to six months ahead through operators. Ask your resort whether Sipadan is included, how many days it covers, and what happens to your payment if a permit is not available.
Sources
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Amazing Borneo (operator) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Wikivoyage mirror (accessed 2026-10-16)