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Pelancongan di
Semporna.
Daerah Semporna
merupakan daerah yang sibuk menerima kemasukan pelancong setiap hari.
Sebab utama mereka ke mari adalah kerana kejernihan air laut
yang tiada bandingannya. Atas sebab ini, banyak aktiviti dapat
dilaksanakan seperti menyelam, 'snorkeling', berenang, memancing dan
sebagainya. Pengunjung boleh menikmati keindahan laut dan menyelam
di pulau-pulau seperti
Sipadan,
Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking dan Sibuan.
Terdapat lebih 20
operator pelancongan wujud di Semporna untuk menguruskan percutian
anda. Operator ini menganjur dari hotel/resort, kursus menyelam (PADI
Diving Courses) bertaraf dunia, khidmat penyewaan bot untuk
tujuan 'island hopping' dan memancing hingga ke restoran-restoran
yang menyediakan makanan laut yang lazat. Untuk keselamatan penyelam,
TLDM Semporna (KD Sri Semporna) menyediakan khidmat rawatan
kecemasan khas bagi menangani kes-kes kecederaan menyelam.
Untuk tujuan menyelam,
'snorkeling', berkelah, berbulan-madu, 'island-hopping' dan menginap
di 'resort' rumah-rumah air, anda boleh memilih untuk melaksanakan
aktiviti-aktiviti ini samada di Pulau Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai,
Mataking, Pom-pom, Sibuan, dan di Taman Marin Tun Sakaran. Bagi yang
gemar memancing, anda boleh memilih untuk memancing di laut atau di
tepi pantai bahagian tanah besar Semporna. Perkhidmatan 'sewa bot'
ada disediakan di sepanjang kawasan pantai Pekan Semporna manakala
peralatan memancing seperti joran, 'rapala', kail, tangsi dan
lain-lain boleh anda dapatkan dengan mudah di kawasan pasar,
supermarket Milimewa dan Bandar Baru Pekan Semporna (berhampiran dengan
'Resort floating Dragon-Inn'). Lain-lain keperluan penjagaan
diri (seperti sunblock/sunscreen) boleh didapati di 'Guardian',
Semporna.
Bagi yang suka
mengkaji 'kehidupan lampau' anda boleh mencubanya di
Tapak
Arkeologi Bukit Tengkorak di kawasan Tampi-tampi.
Selain dari 10 sebab
yang tertera di atas, ada juga usahawan yang datang ke Semporna
untuk tujuan pelaburan industri rumpai-laut (seaweed).
Pengarah-pengarah filem terkenal juga mengeksploitasi Semporna untuk
filem komersil dan dokumentari. Antara filem yang pernah di arahkan
disini ialah 'Duyong' terbitan KRU Films. Filem ini di
lakonkan oleh Saiful Apek, Yassin, Yasmin Hani dan Maya Karin.
Kebanyakan aksi filem Duyong diarah dan dilakonkan di kawasan
Tampi-tampi, Semporna. Pihak
National Geographic juga membuka pejabat kecilnya di sini.
Hotel dan resort yang
beroperasi di Semporna menyediakan pakej-pakej percutian yang
memenuhi bajet anda. Selain dari pakej berbulan madu, pakej
perkahwinan dasar laut & ala Bajau tempatan juga semakin
mendapat perhatian dari dalam dan luar negeri. Untuk 'pencinta-alam'
dan 'rombongan', terdapat juga operator yang menyediakan 'bed and
breakfast', 'homestay' dan dorm (dormitory-room) disini.
Makanan dan minuman disini disediakan pelbagai jenis dari masakan
melayu, cina, bajau tempatan hingga ke selera barat. Yang paling
mendapat perhatian adalah makanan laut sehingga pihak 'Jalan-jalan
Cari Makan - TV3' pun pernah memberi pengiktirafan kepada
restoran-restoran di Semporna.
Jika anda sudah biasa
dengan ikan, sotong, udang dan ketam, mungkin anda boleh mencuba
makanan laut lain seperti kamun (udang-mantis), ikan 'bolong',
ikan 'belawis', ikan buntal, sotong kurita, isi ketam, udang
'lobster', ikan tuna, kerapu, 'sunuk' dan ikan 'ogos' yang mudah
didapati disini. Jangan terkejut jika saiz ikan disini besar-besar
atau bersaiz 'XL' kerana sejak dari dahulu lagi makanan laut disini
sememangnya 'sempurna'. Mungkin namanya agak ganjil bagi sesetengah
kita, namun rasanya enak sekali. Jika makanan laut bukan pilihan
anda, anda boleh mencuba 'nasi payau' (payau - rusa dalam
bahasa tempatan), sup isi ketam atau 'kueh teow
basah' yang menjadi 'trademark' daerah ini. Kepada anda yang
suka mencuba 'hawker's food', 'sayap-ayam', gado-gado dan soto
boleh dinikmati dengan harga yang sangat berpatutan.
The Natural
Wonders.
The
vast richness of the sea flaunts fishes of all kind, seaweed, sea
cucumbers, shells and pearls. All these have attracted tourist,
seafarers and fisher-folks alike to Semporna and its islands.
Mangroves to reef flats, sea grass beds to sandy coasts and
underwater caves. Each is home to its individualized inhabitants, a
true myriad of science discoveries. Time and time again, new
discoveries are made. Scientists have since involved themselves in
searching for novel chemicals in many of these creatures that can be
used in medical or material science. Tunicates, a sea animal,
was discovered to have the high possibility of containing
anti-cancer compound.
The
biggest shellfish in the world, the giant clam is found in the
waters of Semporna. Splendid at sight, some are thought to be more
than 50 years old and exceeding 100 kilograms in weight. A new
species of the goby was discovered just off the house reef at
Sipadan Water Village. The beautiful spiral shellfish, a cousin of
the extinct Jurassic ammonites roam at night. Migratory whales,
white sharks and manta rays swim by ever so often.
This
isolated town off the coast of Sabah records as one of the sea
richest in marine life in the world till today. Indicated by the
corals that make up the living reef, an Australian marine biologist,
Dr Veron depicted the Semporna waters as rich in aquatic assortment.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Mercu-tanda Semporna -
Taman Marin Tun Sakaran.
Kompleks pulau 'Taman Marin Tun
Sakaran' merupakan 'mercu-tanda' daerah Semporna. Dari jauh, ia
kelihatan seperti seorang manusia yang sedang tidur. Dengan sebab
itu ia dikenali sebagai 'Sleeping-Budha' bagi sesetengah pelancong.
Taman Marin Tun Sakaran merupakan tempat untuk ladang-ladang
penanaman rumpai laut (seaweed) yang terbesar di Sabah. Ia juga
menjadi tempat kajian biologi marin bagi kebanyakan penyelam,
saintis dan sentiasa menjadi pilihan fakulti-fakulti sains marin
universiti luar dan antarabangsa. Taman Marin Tun Sakaran ditadbir
oleh
Lembaga Pemegang Amanah Taman-Taman Sabah (Sabah Parks)
yang mempunyai cawangannya di Semporna.
The Semporna Islands
Darwin Project (SIDP) is an initiative involving local communities
in coral reef conservation in the recently gazette Tun Sakaran
Marine Park, Sabah, Malaysia.
The project is managed
by the Marine Conservation Society in collaboration with Sabah
Parks, and the aim is to protect the outstanding features and
biodiversity of the site while promoting sustainable use of natural
resources, economic development and traditional culture.
Click HERE to browse The Website of Darwin
Initiative Project: Tun Sakaran Marine Park
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Hotel, Resort, Chalet dan
Penginapan di Semporna.
Berikut merupakan
senarai Hotel dan Resort yang beroperasi di Semporna.
| |
Tanah Besar
Semporna |
|
|
Pulau-Pulau
Semporna |
| 1 |
Hotel Seafest,
Jln Kastam, Semporna |
|
1 |
Uncle Chang Homestay,
Pulau Mabul |
|
2 |
Dragon Inn (Floating Chalet),
Jln Kastam |
|
2 |
Sipadan
Water Village - Mabul & Kappalai |
| 3 |
Arung Hayat
Resort, Jln Pinggir Bakau |
|
3 |
Abdillah Sipadan Paradise
- Mabul |
|
4 |
Sipadan Inn, Bandar
Baru Pekan Semporna |
|
4 |
The
Reef Dive Resort - Mataking |
| 5 |
City Inn,
Pekan Semporna |
|
5 |
Borneo Divers -
Mabul |
|
6 |
Lee Resthouse, Pekan
Semporna |
|
6 |
Seaventures - Mabul |
| 7 |
Scuba Junkie
Backpackers, Bandar Baru |
|
7 |
Explore Asia (SMART
Divers) -
Mabul |
|
8 |
Rumah Rehat Kerajaan,
Semporna |
|
8 |
Pom-Pom
Island Resort - Pom-Pom |
|
9 |
Seafest Inn - Jalan
Kastam |
|
9 |
Sipadan Kapalai Dive
Resort - Kapalai |
|
|
|
|
10 |
Singamata Adventure Water Chalet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MASA TERBAIK UNTUK MELANCONG
/ BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Pengunjung
boleh melawat Semporna sepanjang tahun. Jika anda bercadang ke Pulau
Sipadan untuk menyelam, masa terbaik untuk lawatan anda adalah sekitar
April hingga Jun. Ini kerana pada bulan-bulan ini jarak penglihatan
menyelam adalah sekitar 30m hingga 50m berbanding bulan-bulan lain hanya
sekitar 20m sahaja. Dari bulan May hingga Ogos, anda mungkin bertuah
untuk melihat sendiri penyu-penyu bertelor disepanjang pulau-pulau. Pada
pertengahan April setiap tahun, daerah ini menyambut 'Perayaan Pesta
Air' Regatta
Lepa.
Diving is possible throughout the year with visibility at 20m and
above most of the time. The best time is from April to June, with
visibility above 30m and up to 50m around Sipadan. From May to August,
you may also be lucky enough to spot turtles laying their eggs on the
beaches of Sipadan. In Mid April the district of Semporna will celebrate
its 'Annual Water Festival' called The
'Regatta Lepa'.
BAHASA
& AGAMA
/ LANGUAGE:
Bahasa Melayu Malaysia ditutur oleh
penduduk tempatan dalam dialek 'baku-sabah'. Selain itu terdapat juga Bahasa
Bajau dan Bahasa Suluk turut dipertuturkan oleh suku-suku kaum disini.
Bahasa Inggeris selaku bahasa kedua Malaysia boleh digunapakai di
Semporna dan difahami dengan meluas. Lebih 95% penduduk tempatan
Semporna beragama Islam.
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language but English is widely spoken
and understood. Over 95% of the population are muslim (Sunni).
CUACA /
CLIMATE:
Panas & lembab khatulistiwa sepanjang
tahun antara 21ºC (70ºF) ke 32ºC (90ºF). Kelembapan adalah tinggi
(85-95%). Musim tengkujuh bermula dari November hingga Februari.
Disebabkan oleh cuacanya yang panas
anda dinasihatkan mengunakan 'sunblock' sewaktu berada di laut atau
pulau-pulau.
Equatorial with fairly uniform temperatures year-round, ranging from
21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Humidity is high (85-95%). Annual rainfall
varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and most rain can be expected between
November and February.
PAKAIAN
/ CLOTHING:
Pakaian kasual. Tiada masalah jika
anda menggunakan seluar pendek dan tshirt. Sebaiknya anda menggunakan
pakaian berasaskan kain kapas atau yang mudah menyerap peluh. Gunakan
pakaian yang sesuai untuk berenang, snorking dan menyelam.
Very casual. There are no dress restrictions on the islands and light
cotton clothing, t-shirts and shorts would be suitable.
NILAI WANG DAN KAD KREDIT / CURRENCY CREDIT
CARDS:
Semua transaksi menggunakan 'RM' (Ringgit Malaysia). RM 1.00
bersamaan 100 sen. Nilai pertukaran semasa Ringgit ke US Dollar adalah
dalam anggaran USD1=RM3.20. Pertukaran wang asing boleh dibuat di
lapangan terbang Tawau atau di bank-bank komersil di Semporna. Ada 2
bank di Semporna iaitu Bank Simpanan Nasional dan Maybank. Kedua-duanya
dilengkapi dengan kemudahan ATM. Mesin CDM (Cash Deposit Machine) hanya
terdapat di Maybank. Tiada bank atau mesin ATM di pulau-pulau. Visa dan
Mastercard boleh digunapakai di Semporna.
The Malaysian currency unit is Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen
equals one Ringgit. US$ 1 is roughly RM 3.20. Foreign currency can be
converted at banks and money changers at the airport and in Semporna.
Visitors are not permitted to take more than RM 1000 in Malaysian
currency out of the country and no more in foreign currency than was
brought in. There are no banks or ATMs on the islands. VISA and
Mastercard are accepted at all resorts.
TELEFON DAN INTERNET
/ TELEPHONE AND INTERNET:
Kesemua hotel/resort mempunyai
kemudahan telefon dan faks (termasuk kemudahan IDD (International Direct
Dial). Kod Akses untuk membuat panggilan antarabangsa dari Malaysia
ialah 00. Untuk maklumat tambahan, sila dail 103. Operator
Telekomunikasi Selular (TELCO) seperti talian Digi, Maxis dan Celcom
menyediakan akses yang baik dengan kemudahan 3G dan 'Mobile Broadband'. Kebanyakkan
hotel/resort mempunyai akses internetnya tersendiri. Kemudahan WiFi dan
CyberCafe
boleh didapati dengan mudah. Kelajuan internet mencapai 'broadband'
dengan minimum 384kbps.
All resorts have telephone facilities, including facilities for
international phone calls. The access code for making international
calls from Malaysia is 00. For more information, dial 103. Most resorts
have a fairly stable Internet connection available for guests. WiFi
points are available throughout the town. Internet speed are good at the
minimum of 384kbps.
CENDERAMATA
/ SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS:
 Perhiasan peribadi berasaskan mutiara
dan kristal amat popular sekali dikalangan pelancong. Item seperti
butang baju melayu, keronsang, cincin, gelang dan rantai mutiara mudah
didapati di kedai-kedai di kawasan pekan, restoran dan hotel. Selain itu
baju 'T', rantai kunci, poskad dan cenderamata lain berasaskan 'Sipadan'
dan 'Semporna' juga ada di jual. Cenderamata 'khas' Semporna adalah
replika bot 'Lepa' yang diperbuat daripada kayu, 'barung', parang
dan 'pedang samurai' hasil pertukangan penduduk tempatan. Namun jika
anda berhajat untuk mendapatkan barangan 'senjata' ini, anda perlu
berhati-hati untuk membawanya ke dalam pesawat. Pelancong dinasihatkan
agar berwaspada dengan penjualan cenderamata 'jalanan' dan gunakan
kebijaksanaan anda untuk proses tawar-menawar.
Pearl products are available throughout the town, restaurant and resort.
There are many to choose from buttons, pendant, bracelet and necklace. 'Sipadan-theme'
t-shirts, keychain, postcards and other souvenirs are also on sale. The
'Semporna Exclusive Souvenir' are the 'Lepa-Boat Replica' crafted to
perfection via locals made from solid wood, others maybe consider metal
replicas of 'samurai-sword', 'barung' and 'parang' as gifts. But if you
purchase these 'weapon' items, please make sure that they are
'safe-enough' for airport clearance - carry them with your own
responsibility. All resorts have a small boutique offering t-shirts, sunscreen and
postcards, batteries and some other essential items.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Extra Information.
ELECTRICITY
& WATER:
Available 24 hours a day. 220V, 50 cycles using a plug with three
rectangular prongs similar to UK plugs. Adaptors for other plugs can be
purchased at airports and some stores elsewhere.
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia, provided that it is boiled
first. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.
Enough fresh water is available on the islands with no restrictions for
use and freshwater bins are provided for rinsing cameras and dive gear.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
SERVICES:
While still listed as a malaria-infected country, most literature states
that malaria has been widely eradicated from most parts of Malaysia.
Discuss your needs with an experienced travel doctor. Warning: divers
should never take Lariam because of common side-effects including nausea
and vertigo. Discuss alternatives with your doctor. The only vaccination
requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Resorts have basic
first-aid services while the closest hospitals and clinics are in
Semporna and Tawau on Malaysian Borneo.
UNDERWATER
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Photo processing and video editing facilities are available at most of
the resorts. A professional videographer is also on hand to make diving
videos for guests and the DVDs can be purchased.
TIME:
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT (GMT +8.00) and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific
Standard Time.
DRIVING, POLICE AND THE
LAW :
Visitors will need an international driving licence. Driving is
on the left-hand side of the road and it is advisable to observe the
speed limits, which are generally 50km/h in the city or residential
areas and 80km/h or 110km/h on the highway and expressway.
There are police and/or army bases on all the islands.
ANTI-DRUG LAW:
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in the
country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.
IMMIGRATION:
Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa to
visit Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's Republic of
China. Nationals other than those stated will receive a visa upon
arrival or are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not
exceeding one month. However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are
made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as
regulations are subject to change. Also check
http://www.imi.gov.my/ for updated
information.
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTERS
Please contact the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for tourist
information. (http://tourism.gov.my)
 1.
Penerbangan Harian / Daily Flights
MAS/ AIRASIA - from Kota
Kinabalu to Tawau
Fares: *check with the nearest travel agents
Duration: 45 mins
AIRASIA - from Kuala
Lumpur to Tawau
Fares: *check with airasia (www.airasia.com)
Duration: 2 Hours and 45 mins
2 Bas Ekspress / Express Bus
From Kota Kinabalu to Semporna
Fares: RM58 Duration: 9 hours
3. Teksi / Taxi
From Tawau to Semporna
Fares: RM80 - RM100 Duration: 1hr 45mins
4. Bas Mini / Mini Bus
From Tawau to Semporna
Fares: RM12 - RM20 Duration: 1hr 45mins
Peta Pekan Semporna / Semporna Town Map
Pautan / Links:
|
Tourism Malaysia |
Sabah Tourism Board | Semporna Tourism Comittee |
