Semporna to Mabul or Mataking by speedboat
You are choosing between two Sabah islands and want to know what the boat leg asks of you.
From Semporna, Mabul is reported at about 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat and Mataking at about an hour, so both are a real boat ride and not a hop [1] [2]. Choose by your group, your resort and the pickup arrangements, not by a few minutes. Our guides on Mabul and Mataking describe each island.
The boat is one link in a longer chain that starts at the airport. The jetty connection planner helps you place a buffer between your flight and the boat.
How do the boat legs compare?
The figures come from an operator page and a travel source, so confirm them.
| From Semporna | Reported speedboat time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mabul | About 45 to 60 minutes [1] | Ask whether the package includes pickup |
| Mataking | About 1 hour [2] | Low-confidence source |
| Pom Pom | About 45 minutes after a road leg of about 1 hour [3] | Operator page |
| Sipadan (day trip) | About 45 minutes in calm seas [4] | No accommodation on the island |
The summary is that none of them is a short crossing. Plan to be fed, rested and organised before you board.
What comes before the boat?
Most visitors fly into Tawau. One operator package describes about 75 minutes by van from Tawau airport to the Semporna jetty [1]. Our guides on Tawau Airport to Semporna jetty and Tawau to Semporna: the ground leg explained cover that part.
If your flight lands late, a night in town can save the day. See overnight in Semporna before the islands.
What should you confirm about the boat?
Send the same list to each resort:
- Where is the pickup, and at what time on my day?
- Is the boat covered, and are life jackets provided in all sizes?
- Is the Semporna jetty fee included, or paid on the day [1]?
- Where do dive or snorkel bags travel, and are they covered?
- What is the plan if the sea is rough or the boat is delayed?
Our guide on luggage on island boats helps with the bag questions, and jetty fees and boat tickets explains the fee line.
Which island suits which group?
Mabul may be a better fit if you want the shorter reported boat time and a package that arranges pickup. Mataking may be a better fit if you are happy with a longer ride and want to compare resorts on that island. Neither is better for everyone, because the resort and the sea on your day matter more than minutes on a chart.
A better fit if…
A mid-boat seat and a light bag are a better fit for first-timers and anyone prone to seasickness. Read our notes on where to sit on an island speedboat. A morning start from Semporna is a better fit if you want to settle in before dark.
Common questions
How long is the boat from Semporna to Mabul?
One operator package describes a speedboat of about 45 to 60 minutes from the Semporna jetty to a Mabul resort. Times can vary with the resort, the sea and the pickup point, so ask your resort for the time on your day.
Is Mataking further than Mabul?
One travel source gives about an hour from Semporna to Mataking, which is at the longer end of the Mabul range. These are low-confidence figures, so confirm both with the resort and ask what the boat is like.
Do I pay a jetty fee in Semporna?
One operator lists RM2 for Malaysians and RM10 for others and says it is not included in some packages. Ask whether your package covers it or whether you pay on the day, and whether you need cash.
Can I go to Sipadan from Mabul or Mataking?
Sipadan is reported as about 45 minutes from Semporna town in calm seas and has no accommodation. Permits are booked through dive operators, so ask yours how it handles them. Ask the dive operator whether a Sipadan day is part of your package.
Sources
- Amazing Borneo (operator) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Wikivoyage mirror (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Amazing Borneo (operator) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)