Getting from Tawau to Semporna and back is easy and there are several ways to achieve this using public and private transportation.
Above: Map showing location of Semporna and the islands of Bum Bum, Pom Pom, Mataking, Mabul, Sipadan and Kapalai
Private Transfer (from Tawau Airport)
This is the recommended mode of transport if you are heading from Tawau Airport to Semporna. It is professional, comfortable, saves time, is cost effective and can be booked and paid for in advance using a credit card.
If you are travelling in a group, this is probably the best option as the fare may be shared between group members.
► For private transfer from Tawau Airport to Semporna, please click on the image below (Toyota Highace – Up to 9 pax).
► For even better deals, follow this link for shared transfer from Tawau Airport to Semporna.
Bus (from Tawau town)
If you plan to take a bus, you need to firstly get from Tawau Airport to Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal in Tawau town in order to board the bus to Semporna.
I. Tawau Airport to Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal (in Tawau town)
An airport taxi from Tawau Airport to Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal costs ±RM48 (±35 minutes journey duration).
Note: There used to be a shuttle bus from Tawau Airport to Tawau town, but based on our enquiries with Tawau Airport, this service has been terminated.
II. Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal to Semporna
Bus (±RM15) from Sabindo Square to Semporna. Duration: ±1 hour 30 minutes.
Note: Bus departures vary from time to time. To ensure that you do not have to wait for long in Tawau town to board a bus to Semporna, do check the timetables beforehand.
The journey from the bus terminal to Semporna takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and road conditions are good along the way.
Bus tickets may be purchased over the counter at the bus terminal of they can be reserved online.
Bus timetable from Tawau to Semporna
| Operator | Route | Timetable | Price |
| Manis Express | Tawau to Semporna | Route Closed | – |
| Tongtalun Express | Tawau to Semporna | 3.00pm | RM10 |
Bus timetable from Semporna to Tawau
| Operator | Route | Timetable | Price |
| Manis Express | Semporna to Tawau | Route Closed | – |
| Tongtalun Express | Semporna to Tawau | 8.30am | RM10 |
Note: Due to fluctuating demand, bus operators and their timetables vary from time to time. To ensure that you do not have to wait for long in Tawau town to board a bus to Semporna, please check the bus timetables beforehand.
Taxi (Direct)
Consider this option especially if you are travelling in a group, as the taxi fare may be shared between group members, making the journey more cost and time effective.
| Airport taxi: Tawau Airport to Semporna jetty | |
|---|---|
| Price | ±RM95 |
| Duration | 75-90 minutes |
Minivan (from Tawau town)
At times, minivans may be found outside Tawau Airport. Minivans have a more flexible schedule, often operating from 6.00am to 5.30pm.
Take note that most minivans depart only after all seats are filled up.
If you do manage to board a minivan outside Tawau Airport, and there still are seats available by the time it is ready to leave, the minivan may make a detour to Tawau town to pick up more passengers before continuing on to Semporna.
Note: Your resort/dive operator may offer transportation at competitive prices for airport pickup + boat ride to Mabul, so it is best to check beforehand.