State of Sabah Travel Forum

We are going to Sabah next month and looking to do the following quick itin:
day1 fly kk to tawau, go to semporna
day2 diving sipadan
day3 drive to sukau, kimbatan river
day4 sukau, drive to sandakan
day5 sepilok, fly to kk

I need to know about the transportation options from Semporna to Sukau. Is there a bus/minibus? Or is it best to take a taxi? What would be the cost for each?

Hi, you are repeating the journey I made a couple of weeks ago and we had a fantastic time. Here's a few things we learnt that may be useful:

We stayed at the Bilit village homestay by the Kinabatangan - actually in one of the village family's home. Zul is the village co-rdinator (+60138913078) and he picked us up at the junction to Sukau on the main road to Sandakan.

Bus is much cheaper than taxi since the distances are fairly long. The bus leaves Semporna at 8am, but you should buy your ticket the night before (open until 7pm I think) and get on the bus early (7:30 am) as it leaves as soon as it gets full and it often gets full before 8 am! It is a swish air con bus and takes 5 hours to Sandakan.

Staying with the River People was great: food was traditional and delicious, they took us on plenty of treks and river cruises where we saw elephants, crocodile, hornbills and plenty of monkeys; it felt like individual treatment and we were helping to keep their village going. They also charge a lot less (360RM for 2 nights with all food, treks, etc) than any of the lodges. No aircon and basic toilet/washing, but it is designed not to get too hot and we had no mosquito trouble!

Have you booked up for Sipidan diving (permit needed) and accomodation? From your itinary looks like you will have 2 nights in Semporna and won't be able to stay at Mabul. We stayed at the City Inn which wasn't great; others were pleased with the Dragon Inn. The people you are diving with should be able to give you accurate prices for bus/taxi to Sukau. Semporna diving/snorkelling was fantastic!

The Army is based on Sipidan so it is well-protected; when the tourists turn up at lunchtime ask them and they will love a game of volleyball or beach football with you!

Sepilok is better at the afternoon feeding (3pm) since all of the tours head there in the morning.

Let me know if you want any more info - and have a great time!!

Richard