Semporna is a town on the island of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It’s the gateway to Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a group of 8 islands with dive sites on the Kapikan and Church reefs. Bodgaya Lagoon is home to eagle rays and barracudas. On Bohey Dulang Island, the rocky Bohey Dulang Nature Trail has panoramic views. Hawksbill and green turtles hatch their eggs on the biodiverse Pom Pom Island.

Visitors can experience the fascinating culture of the Bajau Laut people who live in stilt huts on floating villages, or on wooden long boats called Lepa. These Sea-Gypsies have roamed the coral triangle between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines for centuries, and are expert free divers and fishermen with a profound connection to the ocean. Historically, they rarely set foot on land, and although many have since left the sea in search of economic stability, there are still an estimated 3000 or more living on various settlements around the islands of Bodgaya, Mantabuan, Maiga, Sibuan and Bohey Dulang.

During the month of April in Semporna, visitors can enjoy the colourful Regatta Lepa, an annual water festival that celebrates the proud heritage, traditions and customs of the sea gypsies.