From Tawau
In Tawau, you’re just a one hour drive away from Semporna. You can book a minivan from the airport to Semporna for approximately RM40. Note that you’ll actually need two mini-vans: one to deliver you from the airport to the city center, and a second mini-van to take out to Semporna. Cabs are available as well, though prices are quite a bit higher.
However, your best option is to let us know you’re coming ahead of time and we can send our private shuttle to pick you up. Not only can we pick you up from the airport and take you directly to Semporna, but you can split the shuttle costs with multiple passengers (our shuttle operates pretty much daily). Send us an email, give us a call, or use our booking form to let us know you’re coming and you’ll be greeted by a friendly blue van with a big Scuba Junkie logo on it when you step out of the airport.
From Kota Kinabalu
You can either fly or catch a bus from Kota Kinabalu. Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines offers multiple flights daily to Tawau, where you’re just a 1 hour drive away from Semporna (see [getting to Semporna from Tawau] (#semporna-tawau)).
If you’re on the backpacker circuit (did you climb the mountain?), buses leave daily for Semporna at 7:30AM/7:30PM from the Kota Kinabalu Bus terminal. It takes about 7 hours to reach Semporna by bus and costs approximately RM50 (includes food).
From Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and the major transport hub for the country (you'll likely arrive here if you're flying from overseas). You'll want to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau in order to get to Scuba Junkie (see Tawau for details on getting to Semporna from Tawau). Air Asia provides two flights a day that fly directly to Tawau, and Malaysian offers connecting flights that go through Kota Kinabalu. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau takes approximately 3 hours.
From Singapore or Johor Bahru
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to get to Semporna from Singapore or Johor Bahru. Most fly into Kuala Lumpur without realizing that Air Asia offers direct flights from Johor Bahru to Tawau. If you're in Singapore catch a bus or taxi from Queens Ferry Street, which will take you across the border into Malaysia. Once in Malaysia, hire a taxi to take you to the airport (allow approximately 1.5 hours.)
See the “getting to Semporna from Tawau” section for details once you arrive in Tawau.
From Bangkok
Air Asia offers two flights daily from Bangkok to Kota Kinabalu (check their site for current schedules). Once in Kota Kinabalu, catch a connecting flight to Tawau. Both Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines offer multiple flights daily.
From Kinabatangan River
Catch a mini-bus to Laha Datu from the mini-bus depo, then catch a minibus from Laha Datu to Semporna. Please note that these are local mini buses and you should be aware that you sometimes have to wait for the mini-bus to fill to capacity before leaving.
Outside of Asia
If you’re coming from Europe, North America, or anywhere else outside of Asia, you’ll want to book flights to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and the major transport hub for the country. Many major airline carriers offer flights to Kuala Lumpur including Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines. Check with your travel agent for cheapest prices, or visit some of the many online ticket vendors including cheaptickets.com, lastminute.com, Expedia, Orbitz, and more. Don't forget your passport!
See the Kuala Lumpur section for details on getting to Semporna from Kuala Lumpur.
Finding Scuba Junkie In Semporna
Scuba Junkie located down by the waterfront, just a 5 minute walk from both the mini-van bus stop and the long-distance bus station.
Here's a simple map that should get you here with no problem.
