Semporna: Bohey 3 Islands Hike, Snorkel/Dive Tour with Lunch

Bohey Dulang is the star here: a 600-meter uphill trail leads to a broad view of green islands, the Celebes Sea, and the turquoise lagoon below. Then the day shifts from forest and rock to warm water, coral, and fish around Mantabuan and Sibuan.

I especially like the mix of land and sea. You get a real viewpoint, not just a boat ride, and the two water stops give snorkelers and first-time scuba participants a useful taste of the marine park. Guide Din has also been singled out for helping first-time scuba participants feel safe.

The main catch is time. The boat ride from Semporna takes about 80 minutes each way, and the schedule can change with weather, tides, park rules, and government approval. If the Bohey Dulang hike is canceled, you cannot simply add it later.

Key points to know before booking

• 600-meter Bohey Dulang hike: Expect a tiring climb, uneven ground, and a rewarding view over the lagoon and nearby islands.
• Three islands in one day: Mantabuan and Sibuan add swimming, coral viewing, and quiet beaches after the hike.
• Two water sessions: Choose two snorkeling stops or two 20-minute discover-scuba sessions with an instructor.
• Long boat transfers: The outward journey takes about 80 minutes, and the return takes roughly an hour.
• Extra park charges: The RM30 marine park fee is separate, and hiking adds RM50 for the permit and climb plus RM7 insurance.
• Lunch is simple: A boxed meal is served at an island stop, but bring snacks if you are selective about food.

Why Bohey Dulang makes this trip worthwhile

Many Semporna boat trips focus almost entirely on the sea. This one gives you a reason to step ashore. Bohey Dulang formed from old volcanic activity, and its high point gives you the sort of wide view that makes the long ride from town worthwhile.

The climb covers about 600 meters. That distance sounds modest, but the path rises steadily, and the heat can make it feel harder than the number suggests. Wear proper hiking shoes rather than flip-flops, bring water, and expect to sweat.

At the top, you look across the young green peak and the pale blue lagoon below. Nearby islands scatter across the Celebes Sea, giving you a clear sense of the marine park’s scale. This is the most memorable part of the day for many people, but it is not a casual stroll.

You can choose a no-hike ticket, but understand what that means. You wait at the jetty while the hiking group goes up and returns. Last-minute changes from no hike to hiking are not possible because the park needs permits in the names of the people climbing.

The 80-minute ride from Semporna

The day begins at Jeti Pelancong Semporna, the Semporna tourist jetty. You need to provide your full name and nationality for registration, then board the speedboat toward Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

The journey takes around 80 minutes. Sea conditions affect comfort, so motion sickness prevention is worth considering if you are sensitive on boats. Keep your waterproof bag close, as spray and wet gear are part of a boat day.

The boat ride is not just a transfer. It gives you your first look at the island chain and helps explain why the outing takes a full day. Still, you should be realistic: about three hours of the seven-hour outing can be spent moving between Semporna and the islands.

The crew provides a 1.5-liter bottle of water, a life jacket, and basic instructions in English, Chinese, or Malay. Communication is not identical on every trip. Some guides speak only a little English, while others handle English and Mandarin well, so short and clear questions work best.

Bohey Dulang: a climb with a real payoff

After reaching Bohey Dulang, you receive a safety briefing and begin the walk. The path includes scenic points along the way, but the main reward comes at the upper viewpoint.

The climb is tiring, particularly in humid weather, yet it is manageable for people who are reasonably active and prepared for an uphill trail. A family with children aged 7, 10, and 12 completed the day happily, but that does not mean every child will find the climb easy. Take your time and keep your water accessible.

The view is the sort that photographs well, but do not rush through it for pictures alone. The lagoon, islands, and sea show the unusual shape of this volcanic setting. You also get a welcome break from the confined space of the boat.

The park controls access to the trail. Bad weather, road conditions, government orders, or official park restrictions can cancel the hike for everyone. This is not something the operator can override. If the hike is canceled, the group continues with the snorkeling or scuba portion, and the hiking permit, park entry, and hiking insurance are not charged.

That rule makes the tour less predictable, but it is better to know it before paying. If the climb is the main reason you are booking, check conditions close to departure and keep your plans flexible.

Mantabuan: the first water stop

From Bohey Dulang, the speedboat takes about 15 minutes to Mantabuan. This island is linked with a small sea-based community whose former home is now represented by crumbling brick remains. The stop combines a little local context with time in the water.

You receive a basic safety briefing before entering the sea. Snorkelers use the supplied mask and snorkel, while people choosing discover scuba use the provided equipment and work with an instructor. No scuba certificate is required for the discover-scuba option.

The water stop is planned for around 35 minutes, so do not expect a long, relaxed reef session. It is enough time to swim, look for coral and tropical fish, and get a taste of the setting. Experienced snorkelers may wish for more time, while newer swimmers may appreciate the shorter format.

The crew supports people who are not fully comfortable in the water. Life jackets and safety rings are available, and the guides stay attentive during the water activities. This matters because the sea may look calm from the boat but still feel unfamiliar once you enter it.

If you choose the scuba option, the program includes two separate 20-minute sessions with an instructor. That time does not include the safety briefing or the full duration of each stop. You also pay the Tun Sakaran Marine Park scuba fee separately: RM150 for foreign nationals or RM100 for Malaysian citizens.

Lunch at a quiet island stop

The schedule includes about 1.5 hours for lunch and free time at an island stop. The exact island and order of activities can change because the crew works around tides, weather, and meal timing.

Lunch comes in a box and is served under shade. It is practical rather than a restaurant meal, so I would bring snacks if you have a limited diet or are particular about boxed food. One useful feature is the long pause: after the early boat ride and Bohey Dulang climb, you get time to eat, walk, and change clothes without rushing straight into another activity.

Bring a waterproof bag and a dry change of clothes. Your swimsuit, towel, and wet gear can make the return boat ride less comfortable if you have nowhere to separate them.

Sibuan: the quieter final stop

The boat then takes about 15 minutes to Sibuan Island, where you have roughly 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing. This is often the most relaxed water stop because the group has already completed the main climb and first session.

The crew chooses the exact spot based on the day’s weather and sea conditions. You might swim near a blue-sand beach, look for a stone arch along the coast, or view an underwater formation surrounded by schools of fish.

That flexibility is useful. Fixed schedules cannot guarantee the best water conditions, while a local captain can choose a safer and clearer area on the day. The tradeoff is that you cannot count on one exact site or formation before departure.

Sibuan is also where you may appreciate the difference between this trip and a simple beach excursion. The attraction is not only the sand. It is the combination of shoreline shapes, shallow water, and marine life close to the boat.

Snorkeling or discover scuba?

You need to decide which version fits you best. The snorkeling option includes two snorkeling sessions, mask and snorkel, a life jacket, multilingual instructions, and swim stops through the day.

This is the better choice if you want flexibility, do not have scuba experience, or prefer to spend your time moving between surface views and swimming. You may still wish for longer in-water periods, since each stop must accommodate the whole group.

The discover-scuba option includes two 20-minute underwater sessions with an instructor, plus a wetsuit, fins, BCD, regulator, gauge, oxygen tank or cylinder, and related equipment. No certificate is required, making it suitable for a first introduction under supervision.

Do not confuse this with a full certification course. The sessions are short, and safety instruction takes up part of the stop. You also pay the separate marine park scuba fee even if the Bohey Dulang climb is canceled.

People with respiratory issues should not book this experience. If you are unsure about your ability to snorkel or use scuba equipment, ask the operator before reserving rather than relying on the day’s briefing.

What the $58 price really covers

At $58 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want several activities in one day. The speedboat transfers, guide support, life jacket, water, lunch box, mask and snorkel, and either the hiking or water program are included in the base price.

The headline price is not the final cost for every participant. Foreign visitors pay RM30 for the Tun Sakaran Marine Park fee. Hikers also pay RM50 for the Bohey permit and climbing fee, plus RM7 for hiking insurance under the updated park regulation. Scuba participants pay the separate RM150 foreigner or RM100 local marine park scuba fee.

That matters when comparing this trip with another Semporna excursion. A snorkeling guest who completes the hike pays fewer extras than a foreign guest choosing both hiking and scuba. Check the selected option and add-on charges before deciding which tour is the better deal.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You receive a mountain viewpoint, three island settings, two water stops, lunch, and a full day on the marine park. If you want long, unhurried reef time, a more specialized snorkeling trip may suit you better.

Timing, comfort, and what to pack

Plan on about seven hours, though the official start and finish can move with weather, sea conditions, tides, and government approval. You meet at the Semporna tourist jetty, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Pack these items:

• Hiking shoes with a secure grip
• A change of clothes
• Waterproof bag
• Cash for park and permit fees
• Passport, or an accepted copy
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• Wetsuit if you prefer to use your own

The operator provides a 1.5-liter bottle of water, but extra snacks and water can still be useful, especially after the climb. Keep cash dry and separate from wet clothing.

The boat can be comfortable for a first-time visitor, but the combination of sun, spray, and long transfers is tiring. Pace yourself on Bohey Dulang so you still have energy for the water stops.

Who this Semporna tour suits best

I would choose this trip if you want a broad introduction to Semporna’s islands rather than one narrow activity. It suits solo visitors because the boat, guide, and shared stops provide structure. It also works for families with older children who can handle a 600-meter uphill walk and follow water-safety instructions.

It is a good fit for first-time scuba participants who want an instructor-led introduction without needing a certificate. Din has been praised for working carefully with beginners, and the crew uses life jackets and safety rings to support less confident swimmers.

Experienced snorkelers should consider the pace. Two short water stops may feel limited, especially if you already know the reef conditions you want to explore. The trip is built for a mixed group, so it balances beginners, hikers, snorkelers, and discover-scuba participants rather than giving experts maximum time in the water.

You should also be comfortable with uncertainty. The order of Mantabuan, Sibuan, lunch, and Bohey Dulang may change, and the final snorkeling location depends on the captain’s judgment. That flexibility protects the quality and safety of the day, but it means you should not expect a rigid timetable.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Bohey Dulang’s viewpoint and a taste of the marine park in the same day. The best parts are the panoramic summit, the three-island route, attentive water support, and the chance to choose snorkeling or two instructor-led scuba sessions.

Think twice if you want a slow beach day, a long reef session, or a guaranteed hike. Bring cash for the extra fees, prepare for a long boat ride, and accept that official park rules control the climb.

For most active visitors, the combination makes the $58 base price worthwhile. Just calculate the added charges first, wear real shoes for Bohey Dulang, and pack snacks for lunch insurance.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The planned duration is about seven hours, or 450 minutes. Weather, sea conditions, government approval, tides, and park rules can affect the start and finish time.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at Jeti Pelancong Semporna, also called the Semporna Tourist Jetty. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the Bohey Dulang hike included?

A hiking trip is included when conditions allow and when you select the hiking option. The trail is about 600 meters. A separate RM50 permit and climbing fee, plus RM7 hiking insurance, apply when hiking is available.

Can I join the scuba sessions without a certificate?

Yes. The activity offers discover scuba with an instructor, and no scuba certificate is required. The program includes two 20-minute sessions, not including the safety briefing or the full time spent at each stop.

What extra fees do I need to pay?

The Tun Sakaran Marine Park fee is RM30 per person. Scuba participants also pay a marine park scuba fee of RM150 for foreign nationals or RM100 for Malaysian citizens. Hiking adds the permit, climbing, and insurance charges.

What languages do the guides speak?

Instructions are available in Chinese, English, and Malay. The exact level of English communication can vary among crew members, so keep questions short and confirm safety instructions before entering the water.