Attractions

The mere name conjures the image of crystal clear waters and a floating paradise like no other. A 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat, Kapalai island is one of the many beautiful diving havens in this part of the world. However, Kapalai is truly unique because it is not quite an ‘island’.

Looking for a secluded island to just kick back and relax? Hop on a Pom Pom-bound speedboat from Semporna and let your serenity journey begin! Being one of Semporna’s many dive havens, scuba diving aficionados can also spend the day underwater fawning over the vivid marine lives.

Sipadan was voted one of the top dive sites in the world, just 20 minutes from Mabul or Kapalai or 1 hour from Semporna. Malaysia’s only true oceanic island, rising 600m from the ocean floor. Stunning underwater visibility.

With its sparkling white sand, mesmerizing blue waters and top-class resort, Mataking Island is the ideal getaway for both the avid diver and non-diver. Divers can gear up and explore the Eel Garden, Coral Garden, Nudibranch Garden, Turtle Playground, Lobsters Lair and Hump Head Point.

This Marine Park, which is also known as the Semporna Islands Park, comprises of eight islands – Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, as well as the Church Reef and Kapikan Reef.

Mabul gained its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms) sites in the world.

Being remote from human habitation and almost alien to modern civilization makes the Danum Valley Conservation Area a naturalists’ paradise. 

Darvel Bay or Lahad Datu Bay is a bight (large bay) on the east side of Sabah, Malaysia. Darvel Bay is the latest diving hotspot in Lahad Datu.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to various endangered wildlife such as the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Tembadau and exotic birdlife. Covered in eury species lowland rainforest, Tabin nurtures a colossal number of tropical plants; some of which are rich in medicinal and therapeutic values.

Sungai Kapur – North Tabin is located within the RAMSAR site and referring it to an “off the beaten path gem” is an understatement! Sungai Kapur is by far Lahad Datu’s “2in1”! To conceptualize, it is as if the jungle of Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan River meets and placed in one area.