SEMPORNA

Semporna is a town located in the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Its population was estimated to be around 133,000.
The name Semporna means place of rest and was given after the British quelled resistance from the local Bajaus in the mid-1880s, changing it from Tong Talun. Another story is that Semporna was called place to settle or meeting place.
The majority of the population is Bajau, many of whom live in sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of town and is visited by tourists as a base for scuba diving or snorkeling trips to some of the country’s finest diving sites including the world knowned Sipadan Island and Mabul Island.
Marine products are still the mainstay of the local economy. Pearl culturing is a major component of this industry.
Semporna is also known for the Regatta Lepa traditional boat races which occur annually in April. Their unique Lepa Boat resembles the modern day’s catamaran vessels, with two adjoining legs for added stability when roughing the wild Celebes Sea.
Semporna was also the location of the finish line of Eco-Challenge: Borneo, held in 2000. Off the coast is a marine park called Tun Sakaran Marine Park also known as Semporna Islands Park. It was gazetted by Sabah Parks in 2004.