Tawau
The travel duration from Tawau airport to Semporna is approximately 90 minutes by taxi or around 2 hours by public transport. While local minivans are available at the airport, they typically head to Tawau town first, which is in the opposite direction from Semporna. From there, you would then need to catch another minivan to reach Semporna town.
For a more convenient option, consider informing us in advance about your arrival, and we can arrange our private shuttle to pick you up. Our shuttle not only provides direct transportation from the airport to Semporna but also allows you to share the costs with fellow passengers, as the shuttle operates daily. Simply reach out to us via email or phone to notify us of your arrival, and our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals area with a sign bearing your name.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur serves as the capital of Malaysia and is a significant international transportation hub for the country, typically the arrival point for overseas flights. It is crucial to check with your consulate for the latest visa and passport requirements, as most international travelers need to ensure their documents have at least 6 months or more before expiry.
For your journey to Uncle Chang's in Semporna town, you'll need to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau (refer to the Tawau section for details on reaching Semporna from Tawau).
Air Asia, Malaysian Airlines, and Bakitair offer daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, and there are also connecting options through Kota Kinabalu. The flight duration from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau is just under 3 hours. If your plan involves traveling to Uncle Chang's in Semporna town on the same day, consider checking these flights for convenient options.
Singapore or Johor Baru
Guests coming from Singapore have several options for reaching us. They can fly directly to either Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu and follow the advice on how to reach us from those locations. Additionally, there is a direct flight from Johor Bahru to Tawau available four days a week (MON-WED-FRI-SUN). However, please note that this flight arrives too late for same-day transfer. We can assist you in finding suggested hotels in Semporna, near our office, for an overnight stay. This way, you can continue your journey the next day according to your plans.
Kota Kinabalu
You have two transportation options to reach Semporna from Kota Kinabalu: flying or taking a bus. Buses depart daily from the Kota Kinabalu bus terminal at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM. The bus journey takes approximately 10 hours, with a fare of around RM67. It's worth noting that the overnight bus can get quite cold, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing on board.
Alternatively, Firefly and Air Asia provide multiple daily flights to Tawau, offering convenient travel options.
Sandakan
Public buses depart daily at 7:30 am and typically take around 5 to 6 hours to reach Semporna. If you are coming from the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary, buses can also pick you up from the Sepilok junction. Tickets to Semporna from either location cost around RM50. The bus is scheduled to reach Semporna promptly.
For a faster option, Malaysian Airlines operates daily flights from Sandakan to Tawau airport. This allows you to arrive in time for your planned activities or onward travel.