A day spent on the water in Sabah’s turquoise seas is hard to beat. For around $53 per person, you get approximately 7 hours of island-hopping, visiting Timba-timba, Mataking, and Pandanan—each offering its own slice of underwater paradise. With speedboat rides, snorkeling, and optional diving, this tour promises a mix of adventure and relaxation.
What we love about this experience is the opportunity to snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and the convenient, well-organized itinerary that takes you from one stunning island to the next. The local homemade lunch, served amidst the islands’ natural beauty, is another highlight, giving you a taste of Sabah’s authentic flavors.
A potential drawback to consider is the time spent on the boat—some reviews mention waiting around while divers finish their activities, which can feel a bit like wasted time. The island stops are generally short, so if your aim is to truly explore each island in depth, this may feel limited.
This tour is best suited to travelers who enjoy marine life and a relaxed, scenic day on the water. It’s ideal if you’re not a strict diver but want to experience Sabah’s famous underwater world with snorkeling or introductory diving in shallow waters.
Key Points
- Three islands in one day: Timba-timba, Mataking, and Pandanan each offer unique scenery and marine life.
- Snorkeling & diving options: No certification needed; guides provide assistance, making the experience accessible for beginners and seniors.
- Authentic local cuisine: Enjoy a homemade, locally sourced lunch with ocean views.
- Well-structured itinerary: Includes multiple stops with free time for swimming, photo-taking, and relaxing.
- Potential waiting time: Some reviews note long waits at certain snorkeling sites, especially while divers finish their activities.
- Environmental considerations: Strict rules against touching or damaging coral reefs, with some entry fees for conservation.
Starting Off at Semporna Jetty
We begin our adventure at the Semporna jetty, a lively hub bustling with boats and travelers eager for a day on the water. The meeting process is straightforward; you’ll need to provide your full name and nationality for registration, which the operator uses to coordinate with local authorities. Be sure to arrive a little early, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the location, as Google Maps can be a helpful guide.
Once aboard the speedboat, the excitement builds. The ride to Timba-timba Island takes about 80 minutes, during which the scenery transitions from coastal town to open sea, dotted with small islands and floating boats. The boat is generally comfortable, and the crew is friendly and helpful, especially if you’re new to water activities.
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First Stop: Timba-timba Island
Timba-timba is a quick and picturesque introduction to your island-hopping day. It’s a sheltered island with a beautiful beach and calm waters, perfect for a short swim or a quick photo session. The guides typically provide a brief safety and activity orientation, making sure everyone, even absolute beginners, feels ready to get in the water.
We loved the tranquil seas here, which create a relaxed atmosphere, especially for those new to snorkeling or just looking to dip their toes in the water. The reviews mention that timing here could be longer — some wish they had more time to explore or relax on the sand.
A common complaint in reviews is that the stop at Timba-timba could be more generous, but the limited time is often due to the tight schedule and multiple island visits. Still, it’s a perfect snapshot of Sabah’s natural beauty.
Snorkeling & Marine Life at Timba-timba
Guides are multilingual and offer helpful tips on how to snorkel or even try a shallow discovery scuba diving experience if you’re interested. The underwater scenery boasts colorful coral formations and tropical fish—an experience that feels like swimming in an aquarium.
The review quotes: “Visit the 3 islands, starting with Timba Timba, but the stop there would have been longer.” This sentiment echoes the general desire for more time at each stop, but the guides’ assistance ensures even non-swimmers feel confident in the water.
Second Stop: Mataking Island
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Mataking Island, famous for its secluded beaches and vibrant reefs. After a short 15-minute boat ride, we arrive at what feels like a private paradise. The island’s crystal-clear waters invite you for more snorkeling or a gentle swim.
Here, you can explore more coral formations and marine species. The guides provide safety briefings and gear rental, including wetsuits, masks, and fins. Many travelers find this stop to be the most rewarding, especially given the diverse marine life.
One review notes that the snorkeling areas are full of fish and turtles, although seeing turtles is by luck, not guarantee. Still, the vivid corals and abundance of tropical fish make it worthwhile.
More Great Tours NearbyThird Stop: Pandanan Bay
The final island is Pandanan Bay, another buffered, peaceful spot ideal for relaxing and snorkeling. The seclusion here means fewer crowds, and the blue waters are perfect for lazy floats or underwater viewing.
The leisure time here varies depending on sea conditions and current, with some trips lasting around 40 minutes. This typically wraps up the island visits, giving a last chance to swim or snorkel before heading back to Semporna.
Lunch & Return Journey
After the island visits, a homemade lunch is served, usually with locally sourced ingredients. We appreciated the effort to provide authentic flavors in a scenic setting—nothing fancy, but hearty and satisfying.
The boat ride back is about 75 minutes, during which you can relax, chat, or just enjoy the views. Some travelers mention that the waiting time during the day, especially while divers finish their activities, can feel a bit prolonged. Still, it’s a small trade-off for the overall experience.
What’s Included & What’s Not
The price of $53 covers the full day of island-hopping, including snorkeling, two discovery scuba dives, gear rental, lunch, and entry fees for conservation. Guides speak English, Chinese, Malay, making communication smooth.
Extras like hotel pickup, wetsuits (if you want one), and personal expenses are not included. Also, keep in mind the entry fees for islands (MYR 10 for Timba-timba and MYR 15 for Mataking), payable in cash.
Authenticity & Practicality
This tour is clearly aimed at beginners and non-certified divers who want a safe, guided introduction to Sabah’s marine environment. The guides’ professionalism and multilingual assistance mean everyone is well supported.
However, some reviews suggest that more time at each island would improve the experience. The tight schedule means you see a lot in a short span, but it can also feel rushed, especially if you’re eager to explore leisurely or spend extra time snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a value-packed day of snorkeling with easy access to three beautiful islands, this tour offers a convenient way to see Sabah’s marine world without needing any certification. It’s particularly suitable for first-timers, families with kids, or those who prefer guided, organized trips.
While some mention waiting around, the stunning reefs and friendly guides make up for this. The authentic local lunch and scenic boat rides add to the appeal. Keep in mind that the short stops might not satisfy those craving long, unhurried exploration, but if you’re happy to sample the highlights, this trip delivers.
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including boat rides and island stops. Check specific departure times when booking.
Do I need a diving certification?
No certification is required for the discovery scuba dives included in the tour; guides will assist beginners and non-swimmers.
Are the snorkeling spots suitable for beginners?
Yes, the snorkeling is designed to be accessible, with safety briefings, shallow water practice, and guides’ assistance at every step.
What should I bring?
Bring change of clothes, cash for island fees and extras, passport or copy, a waterproof bag, and if you have one, a wetsuit.
Is lunch included?
Yes, the homemade lunch features local ingredients and is served amidst beautiful scenery.
Are there any additional fees?
Yes, island entry fees of MYR 10 for Timba-timba and MYR 15 for Mataking are payable in cash.
Can I see sea turtles?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed—they are wild creatures and sightings depend on luck.
What languages do guides speak?
Guides are available in English, Chinese, and Malay.
What if the weather is bad?
Weather and sea conditions can affect the schedule; the itinerary may be modified or canceled for safety reasons.
This Semporna island-hopping tour offers a balanced mix of marine adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic local cuisine. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one snorkeling experience that covers Sabah’s most celebrated islands without requiring formal certification. The well-organized day allows you to see exquisite corals, tropical fish, and even turtles, making it a worthwhile addition to any Sabah itinerary.
While the short stops and waiting times are minor drawbacks, the friendly guides, stunning underwater scenery, and delicious lunch make this tour a solid choice for first-timers and casual explorers. Whether you’re chasing vibrant coral reefs or simply want a relaxing day on the water, this trip captures the essence of Sabah’s marine charm.
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