Returning home safely, be extra careful when visiting Semporna!! Because...

🇲🇾 Malaysia's visa-free policy for us will last until the end of 2026, 🎉 sisters planning island getaways during the May Day holiday, this is a must-go opportunity👏
👉 Especially Semporna—stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, amazing diving experiences, and overwater resorts are absolutely fantastic😍. The best part? Prices are less than half of the Maldives!

✅ Visa-Free Entry Checklist
⚠️ Chinese citizens enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay
1⃣ Passport: Valid for ≥6 months + at least 2 blank pages
2⃣ MDAC Entry Card: Fill it out 3 days in advance
3⃣ Hotel itinerary + return flight tickets: Keep electronic copies

📍 Recommended Island Hopping in Semporna:
✔ Pom Pom Island: Pristine sandy beaches and clear waters
✔ Timba-Timba Island: Long sandbar and jelly-like sea, perfect for turtle spotting
✔ Mataking Island: Enchanting island with gem-like beaches and rich underwater coral life
✔ Mabul Island: Diving paradise with Bajau settlements and luxury resorts, vibrant marine world
✔ Kapalai Island: Long white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, ideal for honeymoons
✔ Sipadan Island: Surfing hotspot with water sports and underwater exploration
✔ Bohey Dulang Island: Hiking trails with panoramic views of multi-colored seas
✔ Mantabuan Island: Milky-blue waters
✔ Sibuan Island: Teardrop-shaped sandbar lined with coconut trees

📸 Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots
✔️ Glass boat "floating" shots
Paddle a transparent boat in Mabul’s shallows, wear a bright long dress👗, and let the drone capture you as a "sea fairy."
✔️ Overwater villa pier sunset
Pink-purple skies + mirror-like waters—a breathtaking backdrop for silhouette photos.
✔️ Ocean swing
Sit on a swing in a bikini for an instant leg-lengthening effect and full-on glam.

🏨 Semporna Accommodation Options
1⃣ Town stays.
Centralized near the pier and attractions,🌊 the town can be explored in ~30min, with relatively affordable lodging.
2⃣ Overwater villas/beachfront stays.
🏝 Opt for all-inclusive packages with airport transfers, meals, and speedboat access for convenience.

🍜 Dining:
👉 Ocean Seafood Restaurant: Near Dragon Inn Pier, their lemongrass black pepper stir-fried prawns are a must-try—even non-seafood lovers will enjoy! Tender Sabah veggies are delicious too.
👉 DOZO: Next to Wing Tat Hotel, great ambiance with AC and budget-friendly prices—perfect for an afternoon break! Their pineapple buns and orange juice are favorites.
👉 Zhen Quan Ji: By the pier, serving bread, pulled tea, and three-layer milk tea. Their steamed three-color egg for kids is decent, though the shop can get hot.
👉 Xian Yan Zhan: Next to Zhen Quan Ji, their coconut bird’s nest pudding is excellent with generous portions—worth a try!

Best Travel Time:
Mar-Oct (dry season) for glass-like seas; Nov-Feb (rainy season) may offer surprise discounts (but expect rough waves).
💡 Pro Tips:
⚠️ Aging facilities: Overwater villas have slightly salty shower water, and WiFi is limited to lobby areas—pack a power bank + freshwater shampoo.
⚠️ Sun protection is crucial: Extreme UV! Combine sunscreen (like Anessa) with physical barriers.
⚠️ Allergy meds: Town hotels aren’t the cleanest—sensitive skin? Bring ointments.