Semporna, Sabah Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROI Reviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI

Updated: 2026-04-09

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Semporna, Sabah? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $5,392 per year — at a $80 nightly rate, 24.0% occupancy, and a $21 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.

Semporna's 215 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply has held steady year over year while revenue and nightly rates climbed — a mature market where existing hosts capture more value per listing. Stable inventory paired with rising returns reflects healthy demand.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.

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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Semporna?

In Semporna, the headline Airbnb metrics are $5,392 in average annual revenue,24.0% occupancy, $80 ADR, and $21 in RevPAR, and guests book about 31 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)

$80

The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Semporna.

Occupancy Rate(?)

24.0%

Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.

Avg. Annual Revenue(?)

$5,392

Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Semporna. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.

RevPAR(?)

$21

Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.

Revenue Growth YoY(?)

7.5%

Positive growth (7.5%) vs. last year.

Active Airbnb Listings(?)

215

Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)

31 days

How far in advance guests typically book in Semporna. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.

STR Regulation Level(?)

Low

Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.

Peak Revenue Month(?)

July

The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Semporna.

Lowest Revenue Month(?)

January

The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Semporna.

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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Semporna?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Semporna is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Semporna is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Semporna across different performance tiers:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,909+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,019 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
Typical properties (Median) generate around $388 per month, representing the average market performance.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $158, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Semporna

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Semporna?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Semporna STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Semporna:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 57%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 39% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 21%.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 11% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Semporna

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Semporna?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Semporna involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Semporna typically peaks in March and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $166+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $88 or more.
Typical properties (Median) charge around $48 per night.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $33 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Semporna

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Semporna?

RevPAR in Semporna is currently $21. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $5 RevPAR.
Typical properties (Median) generate $11 RevPAR.
Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $29 RevPAR.
Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $56 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Semporna

RevPAR Insights for Semporna

The average RevPAR in Semporna is $21. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
The gap between the top 10% ($56) and bottom 25% ($5) is $50, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Semporna benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $11, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
Top-quartile listings achieve $29+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Semporna?

Semporna's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, September, while the softest stretch is January, March, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, August, September)

Revenue averages $1,081 per month
Occupancy rates average 36.7%
Daily rates average $74

Shoulder Season

Revenue averages $693 per month
Occupancy maintains around 26.1%
Daily rates hold near $74

Low Season (January, March, November)

Revenue drops to average $558 per month
Occupancy decreases to average 19.3%
Daily rates adjust to average $76

Seasonality Insights for Semporna

Airbnb seasonality in Semporna is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Semporna's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,247, occupancy reaching 41.9%, and ADRs peaking at $78.
Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $534, occupancy could drop to 18.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $72.
Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Semporna need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
In a highly seasonal market like Semporna, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Semporna?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Semporna to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Semporna?

Location within Semporna matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Semporna
Neighborhood / Area	Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)	Key Attractions & Landmarks
Sipadan Island	Famous for incredible diving spots and rich marine biodiversity. A top destination for divers worldwide, making it a prime location for Airbnb hosts targeting adventure-seekers.	Sipadan Island Dive Resort, Sipadan diving sites, Mabul Island, Kapalai Island, Pulau Sipadan, Turtle Cavern
Mabul Island	A beautiful island known for its stunning beaches and diving sites. Mabul attracts tourists looking for relaxation and diving experiences, perfect for Airbnb investments.	Mabul Island Beach, Mabul Water Bungalows, Diving centers, Eco-diving resorts, Water sports activities
Pom Pom Island	Known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear waters, Pom Pom Island is a hidden gem for tourists wanting a peaceful getaway with diving and snorkeling.	Pom Pom Island Resort, Snorkeling sites, Relaxing beaches, Diving spots, Eco-friendly resorts
Semporna Town	The gateway to the dive sites around Semporna, it offers local culture, food, and convenience, making it attractive for tourists looking for affordable stays.	Semporna Jetty, Local seafood restaurants, Semporna Night Market, Borneo Divers, Cultural experiences
Bohey Dulang	Famous for its breathtaking views and hiking, Bohey Dulang is popular with tourists who appreciate nature and outdoor activities, ideal for lodging options nearby.	Bohey Dulang Island, Hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints, Snorkeling spots, Marine life
Mataking Island	A serene island perfect for relaxation and diving, it attracts visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Ideal for high-end Airbnb listings targeting couples or groups.	Mataking Island Resort, Diving spots, Private beaches, Coral reefs, Marine life
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park	With several islands perfect for day trips, this area is excellent for short-term vacation rentals catering to tourists exploring multiple islands.	Island hopping tours, Diving and snorkeling, Beaches, Wildlife experiences, Water sports
Kapalai Island	Renowned for its picturesque over-water villas and crystal-clear waters, Kapalai Island draws honeymooners and luxury travelers, making it ideal for upscale Airbnb rentals.	Kapalai Resort, Snorkeling and diving, Sunset views, Private villas, Coral gardens

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Semporna offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Semporna?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Semporna

The Semporna Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Private Room listings, which make up 69.8% of the 215 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
Looking at the property type distribution in Semporna, Hotel/Boutique properties are the most common (39.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
Houses represent a significant 39.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
The presence of 39.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Smaller segments like unique stays, others, outdoor/unique (combined 9.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Semporna Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Semporna

The dominant room capacity in Semporna is 1 bedroom listings, making up 40% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
Together, 1 bedroom and 5+ bedrooms properties represent 50.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Semporna, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
A significant 26.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Semporna.

Semporna Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Semporna

The most common guest capacity trend in Semporna vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (32.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Semporna STR market, accounting for 48.8% of listings.
19.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Semporna.
On average, properties in Semporna are equipped to host 2.8 guests.

How Do Listings in Semporna Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Semporna can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)

22.3

More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.

Average Beds per Listing(?)

3.6

Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.

Exact Location Enabled(?)

15.3%

Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Semporna

At 22.3 photos per listing on average, Semporna hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
15.3% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Semporna averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Semporna?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Semporna

Essential amenities in Semporna that guests expect include: Air conditioning. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
Popular amenities like Wifi, Hair dryer, Hangers are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Semporna: Air conditioning.
Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning.
Consider adding popular differentiators like Wifi or Hair dryer to increase appeal.
Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
Regularly check competitor amenities in Semporna to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Semporna?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Semporna, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

Amenity	Prevalence	Revenue With	Revenue Without	Revenue Uplift
FreezerHigh opportunity	9.8%	$13,808	$4,481	208.1%
Dining table	21.9%	$11,335	$3,730	203.9%
Dishes and silverware	31.6%	$9,808	$3,349	192.8%
Cleaning products	14.4%	$12,308	$4,227	191.2%
Stove	22.3%	$10,899	$3,809	186.1%
Window guardsHigh opportunity	4.2%	$14,291	$5,003	185.6%
Rice maker	22.3%	$10,877	$3,816	185.1%
Shower gel	31.2%	$9,596	$3,489	175.0%
Toaster	11.6%	$11,007	$4,653	136.5%
Bed linens	33.0%	$8,774	$3,725	135.5%

Revenue Impact Insights for Semporna

Freezer tops the revenue impact list with a 208.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $13,808 vs. $4,481 without it.
High-opportunity amenities — Freezer, Window guards — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.

Recommendations for Hosts

Prioritize adding Freezer — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Semporna.
Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Semporna STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Semporna. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Semporna Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International

Top 5 Cities of Origin

Top 5 Countries of Origin

Top 5 Languages Spoken

Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Semporna

The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Semporna consists of predominantly international visitors (89%), with top international origins including Malaysia, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
Domestic travelers account for 11.0% of guests.
Key international markets include China (58.3%) and Malaysia (11%).
Top languages spoken are English (37.2%) followed by Chinese (28.8%).
A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Malaysia.
Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Semporna?

Listings in Semporna average 4.68 out of 5 overall, with about 25.6 reviews per active listing and 14.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Semporna

An average rating of 4.68 places Semporna in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.81), while Location (4.61) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
14.0% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
With only 14.0% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.

Semporna Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Semporna

The most common availability pattern in Semporna falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 76.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
Approximately 94.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Semporna (43.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
A notable 5.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Semporna?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Semporna

The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Semporna is 31 days.
Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 41 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 23 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
Seasonally, Fall (37 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (28 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

Use the overall average lead time (31 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Semporna.
Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 37 days) to capture early planners.
Monitor your own booking lead times against these Semporna averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Semporna?

Guests in Semporna stay about 2.9 nights on average, generating roughly 3,452 reservations and 16.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Semporna

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Semporna

Very short stays drive high turnover. Cleaning costs, consumable restocking, and check-in coordination become significant operational factors at this frequency.
16.2 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
Stay lengths peak in Jan (3 nights) and shorten in Oct (2.2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 2:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Semporna Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (92.6%)

1 Night

199 listings

92.6% of total

2 Nights (4.7%)

2 Nights

10 listings

4.7% of total

3 Nights (0.5%)

3 Nights

1 listings

0.5% of total

30+ Nights (2.3%)

30+ Nights

5 listings

2.3% of total

Key Insights

The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Semporna is 1 Night, adopted by 92.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
A strong majority (97.3%) of the Semporna Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Dedicated monthly rentals (30+ nights) represent a small niche (2.3%), possibly an untapped area for hosts.

Recommendations

Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 92.6% of Semporna hosts use this setting.
Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Semporna.

Semporna Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Flexible (16.7%)

Flexible

36 listings

16.7% of total

Moderate (10.2%)

Moderate

22 listings

10.2% of total

Firm (42.3%)

Firm

91 listings

42.3% of total

Strict (30.7%)

Strict

66 listings

30.7% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Semporna

The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Semporna is Firm, used by 42.3% of listings.
A majority (73.0%) of hosts in Semporna utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 42.3% market standard in Semporna.
With 30.7% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Semporna, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Semporna.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Semporna?

Cleaning fees in Semporna are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee

Median Cleaning Fee

Listings Charging a Fee

23.7%

Fee as Revenue Share

2.2%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Semporna

Only 23.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Semporna bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
The average cleaning fee of $7 is close to the median ($4), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
Cleaning fees represent 2.2% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Semporna median of $4. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

$160.45

Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Semporna?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Semporna based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Semporna by revenue
Host Name	Properties	Grossing Revenue	Stay Reviews	Avg Rating
婷婷	18	$231,640	784	4.93/5.0
Semporna Ocean Traveller	7	$169,050	753	4.78/5.0
Tingerbelle	17	$132,060	769	4.81/5.0
Connie	11	$66,919	369	4.82/5.0
敦雄	27	$47,498	547	4.87/5.0
Shen	3	$39,465	32	4.94/5.0
Pavalintang	3	$34,346	3	Not Rated
小小李	4	$31,842	291	4.79/5.0
Joe	3	$30,735	131	4.93/5.0
Yvonne	1	$30,046	26	5.00/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Semporna.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Semporna?

Semporna has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts

36.3%

Professional Management

0.0%

Cohosted Listings

7.4%

Instant Book Enabled

8.8%

Simplified Pricing

45.1%

Host Profile Insights for Semporna

A 36.3% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
8.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
45.1% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. Lower adoption suggests a market with more independent hosts managing listings directly through Airbnb.

Recommendations for Hosts

Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
Benchmark your host metrics against these Semporna averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

How Does Semporna's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Semporna Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Sandakan, Semporna has 0 percentage points higher occupancy and about $21 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Semporna — performance comparison
Market	Active Properties	Monthly Revenue	Daily Rate	Avg. Occupancy
Sandakan	152	$311	$58.39	24%
Tawau	77	$296	$62.27	23%
Lahad Datu	21	$227	$58.33	20%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Semporna

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Semporna.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Semporna?

Semporna hosts earn about $5,392 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $80 and RevPAR of $21. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Semporna, Sabah, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Semporna market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Semporna?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Semporna is 24.0%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Semporna?

Listings in Semporna average $80 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Semporna?

Semporna currently has about 215 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Semporna?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Semporna as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Semporna?

RevPAR in Semporna is about $21. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Semporna?

Occupancy of 24.0% means Semporna is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $5,392, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Semporna?

The average booking lead time in Semporna is about 31 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Semporna?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Semporna include Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Pom Pom Island. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Semporna?

private_room listings make up 69.8% of the active supply in Semporna. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Semporna compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Sandakan posts $3,732 in average annual revenue with 24.2% occupancy, compared to Semporna's $5,392 and 24.0%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Semporna?

The average Airbnb stay length in Semporna is about 2.9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Semporna?

Airbnb listings in Semporna average 4.68 out of 5 overall. About 14.0% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Semporna?

Freezer and Dining table are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Semporna. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Semporna?

Yes. About 23.7% of active Airbnb listings in Semporna charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $7. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Semporna?

At 36.3%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.