Just got back from visa-free Semporna and the aftereffects are strong, so let me be honest

The sea in Semporna is the kind of blue that stays with you for a lifetime. The first time I set foot on this land, the salty sea breeze wrapped in the warmth of the sun hit me, and I instantly understood why some say this place is a "real-life ocean fairy tale." I've compiled my 6 days and 5 nights of personal experience, from itinerary to food and drink, hoping to help you make this journey solid and enjoyable. Day 1: Head to the sea — Departure → Kuala Lumpur → Tawau → Semporna Fly from your departure point to Kuala Lumpur for a transfer, then land at Tawau Airport, and finally take a 1-hour drive to Semporna town. Although the journey is a bit winding, when you see the colorful houses scattered in the town nestled by the turquoise sea, all the travel fatigue finds its home. - Staying in town is very convenient; you can walk to the seafood market, stroll in the evening to watch fishing boats return to port, the sunset dyes the sea honey-colored, and the aroma from the barbecue stalls on the shore fills the air, bringing the lively vibe of Southeast Asia instantly. - Upon arrival, try some satay skewers first. The local chicken skewers are brushed with peanut sauce, paired with a sip of chilled orange ice drink, sweet and sour to cut through the greasiness, just right to ease the travel weariness. Day 2: Island hopping — Mataking Island + Timbun Mata Island + Bohey Dulang Island These three islands form the best showcase of Semporna’s "marine palette." - Mataking Island: In the morning when you land, the receded tide reveals a golden sandbar connecting two small islands like a ribbon. Walking barefoot on the fine soft sand, the seawater barely covers your ankles, and the waves in the distance shift from blue to turquoise. Every photo looks like "a person in a painting." - Timbun Mata Island: Snorkeling must be done here! Looking into the water, the coral looks like a colorful carpet spread out, with fluorescent green and pale purple hues. Schools of small fish swim by, you can feel the coolness of the seawater with your hand, and sunlight filtering through the surface sparkles like scattered diamonds. - Bohey Dulang Island: Rest on the shore in the afternoon, you might encounter turtles slowly crawling across the beach. Their clumsy appearance is especially cute. The island’s wooden restaurant offers creamy tiger prawns; the shrimp meat is springy, coated with breadcrumbs in sauce, so fragrant you want to lick the shells clean. Day 3: Culture and tranquility — Mabul Island + Kapalai Island Take it slower today to feel another gentle side of Semporna. - Mabul Island: The island has a Bajau community, with wooden stilt houses lined along the coast. Children run and jump on the boardwalk, waving happily at visitors. You can chat with local guides and hear stories of generations living by the sea. At noon, have some coconut rice on the island; the rice is infused with coconut aroma, paired with small dried fish and cucumber, simple but very flavorful. - Kapalai Island: The water here is a clear jelly color. Standing on the terrace of the water villa and looking down, you can clearly see the coral and starfish on the seabed. At low tide in the afternoon, the beach under the villa is exposed. Walking barefoot on it, the sand is as fine as flour. The distant horizon blends the sea and sky into one, so quiet you can only hear the sound of the waves. Day 4: Semporna → Tawau → Kuala Lumpur Say goodbye to Semporna, take an early bus to Tawau Airport, and fly to Kuala Lumpur. - In the evening in Kuala Lumpur, you can visit Jalan Alor. No need to look for trendy restaurants; just pick a stall with many locals, order some char kway teow. The wok hei-infused noodles wrapped in soy sauce aroma, paired with a runny fried egg, and a cup of teh tarik, the tea fragrance mixed with milk is comforting and warms the stomach. - If you stay near the Petronas Twin Towers, take a walk at night to watch the light show. The two towers shine like crystals in the night, and the surrounding traffic forms light trails. The bustling city contrasts interestingly with the tranquility of Semporna. Day 5: Kuala Lumpur city walk — Petronas Twin Towers + Chinatown + National Mosque Walk around Kuala Lumpur city center to experience the collision of diverse cultures. - Petronas Twin Towers: In the morning, visit KLCC Park and take panoramic photos of the Twin Towers across the pond. The blue sky and white clouds make a perfect backdrop, the modern architecture’s sharpness and the greenery’s softness complement each other. When tired, rest on a park bench and watch locals jogging and walking their kids, very pleasant. - Chinatown: Come here at noon to try authentic local food. Stuffed tofu is a must-try; tofu puffs filled with fish meat, served with sour and spicy soup. Also buy some red bean ice; shaved ice topped with red beans and jelly, drizzled with coconut milk, one bite is refreshingly cool. - National Mosque: In the afternoon, appreciate the architectural beauty. The white dome and minarets look stunning under the sun. Take off your shoes and enter the main hall, so quiet you can hear your own breath. Light filters through stained glass, creating a sacred yet gentle atmosphere. Day 6: Wrap-up and reminisce — Kuala Lumpur → Departure If time allows, have a cup of white coffee at a nearby café in the morning. The local coffee beans have a nutty aroma, paired with toasted bread spread with kaya (coconut jam), sweet but not greasy. Eat slowly and replay the scenes of the past few days in your mind. - Before leaving, you can bring some meat jerky as a souvenir. Freshly roasted pork jerky has a charcoal aroma, vacuum-packed for easy carrying. It’s like packing the sunshine of Semporna and the lively atmosphere of Kuala Lumpur into your bag. The charm of Semporna lies in its "unpretentiousness" — the sea’s blue is natural, the island life is relaxed, and even the seafood’s freshness is pure, just caught from the sea. Six days is not long, but enough to make you remember: there really is a place where life flows like the waves, slowly but leaving deep marks.