Hotels in the seaside town of Semporna consist mainly of 2-3 star budget accommodation located near the seafront (from as low as RM25-30 or US$6-7 per night).
Most are situated close to the jetty, some are built entirely on stilts over the ocean and many provide snorkeling/diving day trips to nearby islands.
Mid-range to luxury Semporna hotels
1. Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort
Dormitory rooms or superior chalets available at this dive operator with waterfront accommodation in Semporna. Daily island trips are organized.
► Check pricing for Scuba Tiger Semporna on: Agoda | Expedia
2. Seafest Hotel
Large hotel with an outdoor pool and excellent location on the seafront. Rooms include honeymoon and presidential suites.
► Check pricing for Seafest Hotel on: Agoda | Expedia
Budget Semporna hotels (waterfront)
1. Aloha Capsule Hotel
Capsule hotel with futuristic pods located near Sipadan Scuba (see below), one of 2 dive operators in Semporna with Sipadan permits.
► Check pricing for Aloha Capsule Hotel on Agoda
2. Cube Bed Station
Capsule-style dorm rooms and double rooms available with great views of the surrounding lagoon.
3. Ocean Inn
Clean, newly-renovated hotel in Semporna with 11 rooms in a good location near the seafront. Modern interior with sea-view rooms.
► Check pricing for Ocean Inn on Agoda
4. Sipadan Inn and Sipadan Inn 2
Both of these Semporna hotels feature sea-view rooms. Great location near the seafront with a good variety of F&B outlets nearby. Discounts available during off-peak season.
► Check pricing for Sipadan Inn on Agoda | Sipadan Inn 2 on Agoda
5. Dragon Inn Floating Resort
Built on stilts over the sea, the traditionally designed Dragon Inn is made of quality Cengal wood with many air-conditioned rooms.
Private jetty
Sea view rooms
► Check pricing for Dragon Inn Floating Resort on: Agoda
Homestays and hostels
1. Best Bunk Beds
Value-for-money, bed and breakfast with 10 rooms facing the waterfront.
5 meters from the ocean
Sea view rooms
► Check pricing for Best Bunk Beds on Agoda
2. Wanderer’s Inn
Dorm and double rooms available at this inn located near the waterfront.
► Check pricing for Wanderer’s Inn on: Agoda | Expedia
3. Mabul Home Town Homestay
Mixed or female-only dormitory rooms available at this homestay located near the ocean.
4. Poga Backpackers
Double rooms and female-only dormitories available at this friendly backpackers with a good location.
► Check pricing for Poga Backpackers on Agoda
Bus station
1. Alice Semporna Backpackers Hostel
A short distance from the jetty and with free wifi and breakfast, this is one of the most popular and affordable budget hostels in the area, with bunk beds and double rooms from RM25-30 available.
2. Marina Hotel
Marina hotel is a budget hotel with a modern interior located near the express bus station and about 5-8 minutes walk from Semporna’s jetty.
Check pricing for Marina Hotel on Agoda
3. City Inn
Situated next to the bus station, which is convenient for visitors coming in from Sandakan and other places, City Inn provides basic accommodation for a comfortable night’s stay.
Check pricing for City Inn on Agoda
4. Mabul Inn
Strategically located in Semporna town center, Mabul Inn offers basic accommodation at a reasonable price.
Around 2 minutes walk from the bus station, and 5 minutes walk from the jetty.
► Check pricing for Mabul Inn on Agoda
Semporna budget hotels (with Sipadan permits)
There are 2 dive operators with hotels in Semporna that have been allocated Sipadan permits directly from the government.
1. Sipadan Scuba (7 permits)
Dive operator in Semporna with an attached hotel (Holiday Dive Inn) and daily trips to Sipadan.
Stay 2 nights for 1 day diving in Sipadan. Divers: RM1000, Non-divers: RM950
2. Scuba Junkie Backpackers (7 permits)
This Semporna hotel is affiliated with Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort (4D3N Sipadan snorkeling packages), which is situated on Mabul itself.
Stay 3 nights for 1 day diving at Sipadan
