Semporna: An Escape to a Blue Dream

In the spring of 2025, I escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and dove headfirst into the azure waters of Semporna. It was Thursday, February 27th. I remember it clearly because, from that day on, my life was repainted. As soon as I got off the plane, the humid sea breeze, carrying a salty scent, rushed towards me, like a welcoming gift from the sea. Walking along the narrow streets, I was surrounded by colorful low-rise buildings, their walls covered with unknown green plants. Occasionally, a few wildflowers peeked out, complementing the distant horizon where the sea met the sky. My homestay was right by the sea. Opening the window revealed the boundless ocean. In the morning, the sun gently sprinkled on the sea surface, shimmering like countless diamonds. I put on my diving suit and followed the instructor into the sea, instantly stunned by the sight before me. Corals stretched freely, like a garden blooming on the seabed; schools of fish shuttled through them, like lively musical notes, playing a blue symphony. At that moment, I felt like I had become a part of the ocean, dancing with these wonderful creatures, all my worries thrown to the wind. Leaving the seabed, I came to the Bajau water village. With dilapidated boats and simple wooden houses, the Bajau people live on this vast sea, with the sky as their quilt and the sea as their home. The children's dark faces were filled with innocent smiles as they played in the water, reaching out to tourists for candy, their clear eyes full of curiosity about the world. Here, life is simple and pure, without the hustle and bustle of the city, only the whispers of the sea and the crashing of waves against the shore. In the evening, I sat on the beach, watching the sun slowly sink into the sea, dyeing the sky and the sea orange-red. The sea breeze gently blew, and in the distance, I heard a melodious song, probably a fisherman humming their own tune. I just sat there quietly, looking at the beautiful scenery, my heart filled with emotion. In Semporna, time seemed to slow down, and every moment was worth savoring. When I left Semporna, I kept looking back. This small town, blessed by the sea, is like a paradise hidden in the world, bringing me an unforgettable time. I know that in the days to come, whenever I am exhausted, I will think of this dreamy blue place, the sea, the people, and that passionate embrace with freedom.