Semporna A Hidden Gem On The Global Macro Diving Map

Text & Images by Adam Sokolski

Semporna – a small town on the eastern coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo – is, for many divers, just a transit point on the way to the famous islands of Mabul and Sipadan. But for an underwater photography geek obsessed with macro like me, Semporna itself was the destination.

I’m a full-on macro diving addict – I live for spotting, observing, and capturing the tiniest underwater creatures that most divers wouldn’t even notice. A few years ago, while scrolling through Instagram for inspiration, I stumbled upon the account of Semporna Macro Critters, run by the amazing An. From that moment, I knew: I had to dive with her one day.

An is not just a dive guide – she’s a true macro specialist and lives and breathes the underwater micro-world. This is not your typical dive centre. It's built entirely around underwater macro photographers. Every dive is slow, intentional, and focused. There’s no rush – only the details matter, and every creature hiding in the sand or among the corals becomes the star of the show.

What’s interesting about diving in Semporna is that you get two completely different dive environments. One is classic muck diving – seemingly barren sandy or silty bottoms that hide some of the ocean’s weirdest and most wonderful critters: nudibranchs, tiny shrimp, crabs, and more. The second area offers vibrant coral reefs colourful, full of life, and just as rewarding from a photographic perspective. And even here, macro life is everywhere – hiding among corals, sponges, and reef rubble, waiting to be discovered.

When I planned a trip with a group to dive Sipadan and Mabul, I knew I had to add a stop in Semporna just to finally dive with An. And it was worth every second.

From the first moment, it was clear that An is not only an incredible guide but also a genuinely kind, warm, and ultra-professional person – and completely obsessed with macro. She’s a walking encyclopaedia of critters and has a sixth sense for spotting things that others would completely miss. And not just “stuff,” but real treasures.

Thanks to her, I saw and photographed many creatures I've never seen before. Every dive felt like an expedition – with the excitement of a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.

Now, to be honest – the town of Semporna i self didn’t exactly charm me. It’s chaotic, crowded, and far from the idyllic island vibe many divers are used to. But since I spent almost the entire day out on the boat, it didn’t bother me that much. Diving in Semporna is a different kind of experience you're in a town, not on a remote beach. But once you're underwater… it all changes.

If you’re a macro enthusiast, a lover of tiny underwater wonders, or a serious underwater photographer – Semporna Macro Critters and An are absolutely for you. For me, it was a fantastic experience, and I’ll definitely be coming back.