Semporna
Semporna has received a lot of press in the last few months and not for all the right reasons. The famous dive Island of Sipadan where the unfortunate guests and staff of one of the resorts were taken hostage by a group of armed rebels from neighboring Philippines.

This has definitely put Semporna on the map but unfortunately it has also resulted in a lot of cancellations for the major resorts as people believe the area to be unsafe.

This is not the case. As a matter of fact, the area is probably safer now than at any time that I have known. One thing to also remember is that this was a very organized attack by these rebels.

This incident hasn't helped the reputation of the Semporna area of course, but then I don't think in the long run it is going to hurt it either. I have noticed that it has not stopped the independent travelers from arriving. If anything, their numbers have increased. As they tell me, "Well, we were coming anyway, so anything short of a full scale war would not stop us!".

Well it would also appear that very few people know that the Eco-challenge is going to be starting here and from what I have observed around town not many of the locals have any idea of what is about to happen. This seems incredible since I thought eco-challenge would bring a lot to the community, but from what I have observed so far very few of the local business have been involved in any way. Leads me to question their motives and the use of the eco bit???

This will probably only get to press as the event starts so next month I will make an effort to give you all a post event report. At present I don't have an exact list of the competitors, who the favorites are, etc. As a matter of fact, I have very little info on it at all. One would think that a major international event like this they might give us a little hint!

One thing I do know is anyone who is planning on coming over here had better book now as Semporna has limited hotels and guest houses and after doing a rough count on what is required by officials, competitiors and official guests, that leaves approximately zero empty beds in all the accommodations in Semporna.

Well, as I have been so busy the last few months and not had time to do any articles (that's my excuse anyway), I will get back next month with all the juicy bits from the eco-spectacular.

So for now bye and who knows, maybe I'll see you here in two weeks!!!!

Happy travels

In the meantime, you can visit Peter's website at Seafest Inn and Setarawarni Tourism S/B Semporna.

Questions?
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