• Distance from Semporna: ~45 minutes by speedboat.

• Sea conditions: Generally calm with very little surface chop.

• Typical visibility: 15m – 25m (often better than Mabul and Kapalai).

• Water temperature: 28°C – 30°C.

Located on the northeastern side of Semporna, Pom Pom Island sits on the edge of the continental shelf, allowing for a mix of shallow reef diving and deeper wall exploration.

Pom Pom Island is a core part of our Semporna diving itinerary because it delivers a true “triple threat” experience for divers.

• The Turtle Capital: Pom Pom is a major nesting site for Green and Hawksbill Turtles, with multiple turtle sightings on almost every dive.

• Pristine Reef Health: Compared to busier islands, Pom Pom’s coral gardens remain exceptionally healthy, colorful, and well preserved.

• Macro & Pelagic Mix: In addition to macro life such as Frogfish and Nudibranchs, the island’s offshore position allows for occasional pelagic encounters from the
  deep blue.

Pom Pom Island is accessible for diving year-round, but certain months offer specific highlights:

• April to November: This is the dry season, offering the calmest seas and the best underwater visibility, often exceeding 20 meters.

• May to August (Turtle Season): Pom Pom is a major nesting site. During these months, you have the highest chance of seeing female turtles coming ashore to lay eggs at night or witnessing hatchlings being released into the sea.

• December to February: While visibility may drop slightly due to monsoon winds, marine life remains active, and the island is quieter with fewer visitors.

Diving at Pom Pom Island is a visual feast for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts.

• The Turtle Residents: Pom Pom is famous for its resident turtles, often found resting on the reef or grazing on seagrass. The island also supports a turtle hatchery focused on conservation.

• The Giant Residents: Massive Giant Moray Eels and Giant Frogfish are commonly spotted along the deeper reef slopes.

• Schools of Fish: Expect to be surrounded by schools of Batfish and Yellow Snappers, with the occasional passing school of Barracuda or Bumphead Parrotfish.

• Rare Macro Life: Keep your eyes peeled for Orangutan Crabs, Blue-Ringed Octopus, and the incredibly rare Harlequin Shrimp hiding within reef crevices.

Pom Pom dive sites feature:

• Gentle slopes combined with dramatic vertical walls.

• Mild to moderate currents, ideal for effortless drift diving.

• Crystal-clear lagoons with excellent natural light.

These conditions make scuba diving at Pom Pom particularly suitable for:

• PADI Open Water & Advanced Courses: Excellent conditions for deep dives and underwater navigation in clear water.

• Night Diving: One of the best locations in Semporna to observe nocturnal hunters and crustaceans.

• Snorkelers: The house reef begins just meters from the beach, providing a safe and vibrant snorkeling experience.

• Underwater Photographers: High visibility and large turtle encounters make it easy to capture professional-quality images.

Pom Pom is the “All-Rounder” of Semporna diving. Unlike Sipadan (expert-focused) or Mabul (macro-focused), Pom Pom offers a balanced mix of shallow sandy bottoms and deeper reef walls, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.

• PADI Open Water Diver Course: The island’s gently sloping reefs and sandy seabed provide a safe, low-stress environment for new divers. High visibility (often 20m or more) helps build confidence, making Pom Pom one of the best locations for first-time ocean dives.

• PADI Advanced Open Water Course: Dive sites such as Cliffhanger and Magic Rocks descend beyond 30 meters, offering ideal conditions for the Deep Adventure Dive and underwater navigation practice in clear, controlled conditions.

• Refresher / Scuba Review: Gentle currents, easy entries, and calm water conditions make Pom Pom an excellent place for divers returning to the water to regain buoyancy control and overall confidence.

• Snorkeling & Skin Diving: Extensive house reefs begin just a few meters from the beach. Snorkelers regularly encounter Blue-Spotted Rays and sea turtles in water shallower than 5 meters.

✅The “Turtle Capital” of Semporna with one of the highest turtle sighting rates in the region.
✅Pristine, healthy coral gardens that remain in better condition than many busier dive sites.
✅Crystal clear visibility that often rivals Sipadan.
✅A relaxed, private island atmosphere ideal for unhurried diving.

Pom Pom is the definition of a “hidden gem.” If you want to escape the crowds of Mabul and enjoy a serene, premium diving experience with clear water and healthy reefs, Pom Pom is an excellent addition to your Semporna itinerary. It is especially well suited for couples and nature lovers seeking a quieter, more intimate underwater experience.