SEMPORNA: A travel content creator has sparked online discussion after posting a video comparing his visit to the coastal town to his previous travels in India.
In a TikTok clip that gathered over 88,000 views, the creator known as SammyB remarked that Semporna was "the closest I've felt to being back in India".
He cited issues such as rubbish, strong odours, and children asking for money as the basis for his comparison with places he had visited, including New Delhi, Cambodia, and Laos.
Stressing that he did not intend to disrespect the town, SammyB maintained that he wanted to share an honest personal account for prospective travellers to Borneo.
While critical of the town's cleanliness and coastal conditions, he acknowledged meeting friendly locals during his stay.
He also praised the offshore islands and marine activities accessible from Semporna, advising tourists to travel directly from the jetty to stay on the islands.
The video has since prompted broader discussions on social media regarding local cleanliness, the overall visitor experience, and the town's position as a gateway to Sabah’s marine attractions.
