Live Your Best Lives
Semporna, a popular online town hidden in Sabah, Malaysia, boasts a population of only a few hundred thousand. Its unique natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere have made it a rising hotspot for island getaways, attracting travelers from around the world. Not only is it a prime seafood destination, it's also a gateway to world-class diving destinations like Sipadan and Kapalai.
Imagine strolling leisurely through the streets of Semporna. The tranquility of the small town forms a sharp contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city. The sun is warm and the breeze is not dry. How pleasant it would be.
In this small town, Xiaoxia strongly recommends that you spend a whole day strolling around and washing off the work smell.
In the morning, you can visit the local market and experience the joy of being a Semporna local. The air is filled with the aroma of local life, as vendors enthusiastically advertise their "trophies"—the day's catch and freshly picked tropical fruits. Enjoy authentic Malay cuisine, converse with local fishermen in a mix of Chinese and English, and experience the profound meaning of "local land and water nurture local people."
In the afternoon, you can enjoy a quiet time in a cafe and let your mind get a moment of peace and relaxation; at sunset, you can enjoy a seafood feast in a restaurant by the sea, feeling the sea breeze, and put a perfect end to the freedom you have achieved in the day.
FAT MOM'S RESTAUANT
Address: Taman Bandar Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
Restaurant Introduction
Fat Mama Seafood House is a famous Chinese-owned seafood restaurant in Semporna. The owner, Fat Mama, is from Hong Kong, China. She is very enthusiastic in serving customers and can even share suggestions for tourists on sightseeing around Semporna when the restaurant is not too busy.
The menu offers a variety of flavors and cooking styles to satisfy guests from all over the world. So, there's no need to worry about food culture issues. The restaurant's prime location, right on the beach, offers a sea view and a gentle ocean breeze while you enjoy your meal.
The seafood is freshly prepared by the chefs on site, ensuring it's fresh and delicious. Fei Fei Mama Seafood Restaurant has exploded in popularity online in recent years. It's usually necessary to arrive early to reserve a table, so tourists are advised to arrive early, as there might be a line around mealtimes.
Our specialty food
Egg yolk crab, stone fish, stir-fried swimming crab with scallions and ginger, elephant trunk clams, tiger prawns with garlic sauce, creamy lobster, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, egg yolk squid, tofu, fried rice noodles with XO sauce, and stir-fried rice noodles
Average consumption per person: RM80-90
Seaview Cafe
Address: Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
Restaurant Introduction
This restaurant is located under the Haifeng Boutique Hotel. If you happen to stay in this hotel, just go downstairs and you can enjoy the most authentic local seafood cuisine.
The restaurant's unique location, right next to the pier, makes it the perfect place to relax and dine after a day at the sea. When you return to the hotel exhausted, this lively restaurant will surely catch your eye and make you want to go in for a hearty meal.
The restaurant's dishes maintain a consistent quality and consistently deliver high quality. In addition to classic seafood feasts, we also offer the exquisite flavors of Cantonese cuisine, the spicy and numbing flavors of Sichuan cuisine, the freshness of Vietnamese cuisine, the fragrant and spiciness of Hunan cuisine, the local flavors of Malay cuisine, the sour and spicy flavors of Thai cuisine, and the elegance of Western cuisine. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to explore a different cuisine, Seaview Seafood Restaurant has something for everyone.
Our specialty food
Garlic Vermicelli Scallops, Spicy Lobster, Salted Egg Yolk Butter Prawns, Sea Urchin Steamed Egg, Egg Yolk Crab, Laksa
Average consumption per person: 70-80RM (Malaysian Ringgit)
Sea Drogan Seafood Restaurant
Address: Seafest Commercial Complex, Lot 20&Lot 21, Ground Floor, 91308 Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
Restaurant Introduction
Hailong Chinese Restaurant, located in a bustling area of Semporna Town, next to Starbucks, boasts exceptional ocean views and is renowned for its affordable and delicious cuisine. Here, you can savor your food while enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the whisper of the waves – a truly unique experience.
The restaurant's owner, a native Sichuanese, brings the flavors of his homeland to a foreign land. The cuisine here skillfully blends the flavors of Guangdong, Sichuan, and Malaysia, creating a unique menu that satisfies both international diners' yearning for Chinese cuisine and visitors' taste for Chinese-Malay cuisine. Whether it's the classic spicy and numbing flavors of Sichuan, the light and fresh flavors of Cantonese, or the spiced notes of Malay cuisine, the menu here strikes a perfect balance.
Our specialty food
Sea urchin steamed egg, dragon sashimi, creamy mantis shrimp
Average consumption per person: RM60-75
Address:Jalan Well Reserve / Hospital, Pekan Semporna, 91037 Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
Restaurant Introduction
This Nanyang restaurant, located downstairs from the Yongda Hotel, has become an internet sensation thanks to its signature pineapple buns and unique claypot e-myeon (Yi Noodles) dishes. Every dish is fresh and rich in flavor. Besides delicious food, DOZO also offers a variety of Nanyang specialty coffees and beverages to satisfy every palate. The restaurant's extensive menu is particularly popular during festivals, and queues are common.
Our specialty food
Nanyang Coffee, Spiced Chicken Dry Noodles, Butter Prawn Butter Rice, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pineapple Bun, Fried Wontons, Noodles, Curry Fish Balls, Sesame Oil Rice, Tom Yum Goong Rice Noodles, Beef E-Noodles, Cheese Shredded Chicken Butter Puff, Nanyang Kaya Toast, Curry Chicken Rice, Egg Noodles, Classic Fried Wet Noodles
Average consumption per person: 30-40RM
Address: Lot No. A26 Bandar Utama, Jalan Bubul, Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Restaurant Introduction
This is a small restaurant in Semporna. It may not be that famous on the internet, but its taste will surprise you. Only locals will recommend it to others. It is a little far from the pier, but Semporna itself is not big, so it is still relatively easy to get to.
The cuisine here is a fusion of Western cuisine, with some of the specialties being the owner's own unique take on traditional dishes. With a rich menu ranging from classic Western seafood to Southeast Asian specialties and mouth-watering desserts, this is undoubtedly an ideal restaurant for those who have enjoyed too much seafood in Semporna and are eager to try something different.
Here, you can not only enjoy delicious food, but also experience the unique culture and human touch of Semporna town.
Our specialty food
Shrimp cream pasta, grilled platter, durian smoothie, coconut milk nut milkshake, watermelon coconut milk ice, beef bone soup, cheese crab, seafood fried rice
Average consumption per person: 20-40RM (Malaysian Ringgit)
Address: Lot 23, Lot 24 & Plaza A, Ground Floor, Seafest Commercial Complex, 91308, Semporna, Malaysia
Restaurant Introduction
The only Starbucks on the beach in the world! You can only find it in Semporna. Located right by the pier in Semporna Town, with a photo-worthy ocean view right outside your door, who knew you could have afternoon tea with a sea view for just a few dozen bucks?
For those seeking a place to relax and unwind after a seafaring trip, this is undoubtedly the perfect spot. Feel the gentle ocean breeze, soak in the relaxing seaside atmosphere, chat with friends about life and share your aspirations, and find a moment of peace and contentment amidst the daily grind and sorrow. Happiness, at this moment, is no longer an abstract concept; it becomes tangible.
Address: Lot 9 2nd Floor, Seafest Square, Jalan Kastam We Do Spa, Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Sabah
Store Introduction
This specialty SPA shop located on the second floor of Haifeng Shopping Mall is an ideal place for travelers to relax after a long journey. Of course, if you want to experience traditional Malaysian SPA culture, you can also try it.
The exquisite interior design and tranquil, elegant ambiance create a tranquil atmosphere, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each therapist has undergone rigorous professional training and possesses exquisite skills and extensive experience. Here, you can let go of the fatigue of travel and immerse yourself in professional massage and treatments, allowing your body and mind to fully relax and recover.
Featured Services
Herbal compress, hot stone therapy
Average per capita consumption: RM170-200
Address: Lot 3 semporna seafront resort township Semporna, 91308 Sabah
Store Introduction
This is a long-established spa in Semporna. Its clean, hygienic environment creates a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. The temperature and lighting are just right for comfort. Tourists who want to experience the unique Thai massage should give it a try.
Featured Services
Thai massage
Average consumption per person: RM130-160
Semporna's seafood market, located at the pier behind the Sea Breeze Hotel, bursts into life with the first rays of dawn. A large number of fishing boats return laden with their catch. The boatmen swiftly pull their boats ashore and begin unloading, quickly unpacking boxes of vibrant seafood.
Fishermen displayed their "trophies" on their stalls, their eyes full of desire to sell them for a good price. Since many local tourists choose to charter boats to go island hopping in the early morning, there are more locals here.
If you want to get a deeper understanding of the local customs and culture, visit during this time and stroll through the streets to experience the lively atmosphere. The enthusiastic calls of vendors and the haggling of customers, accompanied by the clamor of hand gestures, leave no doubt that the prohibition of bargaining is universal across countries and ethnicities.
1. Since local seafood prices are generally lower than those in China, please remember that when buying seafood, do not assume the domestic price.
2. If you are new to bargaining, you can start by bargaining at half of the marked price.
3. When bargaining, remember to stand tall and hold your head high. While vendors are savvy, they'll immediately notice you're not a seasoned bargainer. Don't let them get the upper hand.
4. The seafood in the afternoon is full of vitality and the prices are rising; at 6 or 7 o'clock in the evening, the prices fall back. Although the vitality is slightly reduced, it is also a good time to pick up bargains.
5. Don’t be fooled by the shouts of “all this”. Their inventory is as deep as the ocean. Once they sell out, they will replenish it immediately. So, don’t hesitate to bargain.
6. Walk around the market first and see which seafood is piled up like hills. These are your bargaining targets, so get ready to strike!
7. After successfully bargaining, don't rush to pay. First, check the seafood you chose to make sure they haven't substituted it for a smaller size. If you find out, say "NO"!
8. If you need change, remember to hold on and wait for the merchant to take out the change first before you hand over the large bill. This way, they won't have the opportunity to use tricks to get you to keep buying.
If your life lacks a breathtaking ocean view, consider visiting Semporna. Imagine discovering a beach all your own on a hidden island in Semporna. Perhaps you'll find a surprising snack at a bustling night market. Perhaps you'll use your newly learned skills to pick the plumpest crabs at the local seafood market. Or perhaps, you'll share your exciting lives with backpackers from around the world around a beachfront bonfire.
Semporna is not only about the sea, there are many more wonderful things waiting for you to explore.
