Semporna is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend going in June because........

Semporna Travel Guide (Including Prices and Practical Information) 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket/Activity Prices Kapalai Island: Features dreamy overwater villas, crystal-clear seawater, coral reefs, and tropical fish. Price: Overwater villa accommodation costs about ¥3,000-5,000/night (including three meals and snorkeling), booking 3-6 months in advance is required. Mataking Island: Features a trailing sandbar at low tide, a prime spot for deep diving, and underwater shipwreck relics. Price: Island hopping tour package costs about ¥600-800/person (including snorkeling gear, lunch, and guide service). Sipadan Island: A world-class diving destination with breathtaking sights like barracuda storms and jackfish storms. Price: Requires a diving certificate, daily quota limited to 120 people, resort packages cost about ¥5,000-8,000/person (including 3 dives + accommodation). Mabul Island: Half resort, half overwater Bajau village, offering an experience of sea nomad culture. Price: Island hopping tours cost about ¥400-600/person, overwater villa accommodation about ¥2,000-4,000/night. Pom Pom Island: Features tranquil white sandy beaches and a sea turtle conservation project, ideal for family trips. Price: Resort packages cost about ¥2,500-4,000/person (including accommodation + snorkeling + turtle release activities). Bohey Dulang Island: Features hiking with panoramic views of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, with stunning blue seas and skies. Price: Island hopping tour packages cost about ¥500-700/person (including hiking guide and snorkeling). 2. Transportation Costs External flights: From China to Kuala Lumpur/Kota Kinabalu with a transfer to Tawau Airport, economy round-trip about ¥2,000-4,000 (off-season as low as ¥1,500). Airport transfer: Tawau Airport to Semporna town about ¥120-150/car (can be booked in advance). Local transport in town: Walking or renting a motorcycle about ¥50-80/day. Island hopping boats: Speedboats about ¥400-600/person (including guide and equipment), it is recommended to join hotel or travel agency organized tours. 3. Food Costs Affordable seafood fried rice: ¥20-30/serving. Coconut pudding: ¥10-15/serving. Fragrant crab: ¥80-120/serving (priced by weight). Mid-range restaurant creamy tiger prawns: ¥150-200/each (large size). Seafood hotpot: ¥100-150 per person (including processing fee). High-end resort dinner: ¥300-500 per person (including Western cuisine/seafood buffet). 4. Accommodation Costs Budget homestays in Semporna town: ¥200-400/night (e.g., Mr. Bean Homestay, Pali Hotel). Mid-range hotels: ¥500-800/night (e.g., Hai Feng Grand Hotel, Longmen Inn). Island resort overwater villas: ¥3,000-5,000/night (e.g., Kapalai, Mabul Island MWB Resort). Beach villas: ¥2,000-4,000/night (e.g., Pom Pom Island Dragon Pearl Resort). 5. Suggested Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Semporna, acclimate Morning: Arrive at Tawau Airport, transfer to Semporna town. Afternoon: Stroll around town, buy sunscreen and snorkeling gear. Evening: Shop at the seafood market, have it cooked at a restaurant (about ¥100-150 per person). Day 2: Mataking Island + Timbatimba Island island hopping Morning: Deep dive/snorkel, enjoy the trailing sandbar. Afternoon: Take photos at Timbatimba Island, experience the glass-bottom boat. Evening: Free time in town. Day 3: Mabul Island + Kapalai Island island hopping Morning: Visit Bajau village, snorkel. Afternoon: Take photos at Kapalai Island overwater villas, free time. Evening: Resort dinner (if staying on the island). Day 4: Bohey Dulang Island hiking + return Morning: Hike Bohey Dulang Island, overlook the marine park. Afternoon: Return to Tawau Airport, end of trip. 6. Money-Saving Tips Book in advance: Flights, resorts, and island hopping tours booked 1-3 months ahead can enjoy discounts. Group tours: Choose 4-6 person group tours for island hopping to lower per-person costs. Bring your own gear: Bring your own snorkeling mask and snorkel to save rental fees (about ¥50/day). 7. Notes Sun protection and mosquito repellent: Bring high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and mosquito repellent. Diving safety: Do not fly within 24 hours after diving, follow diving instructor’s guidance. Cultural respect: Ask permission before photographing Bajau village, do not touch villagers’ belongings. Currency exchange: Exchange Malaysian Ringgit in advance (1 RMB ≈ 0.6 MYR), some shops in town accept Alipay. Conclusion Semporna is famous for its clear waters, dreamy islands, and rich marine life. Whether you are a diving enthusiast or a leisure traveler, you will find joy here. Plan your trip well and book accommodation and activities in advance to enjoy a cost-effective tropical island vacation!