Discover Sabah’s Natural Beauty with the Semporna Bohey 3 Islands Tour
If you’re craving a full day of adventure and relaxation in Sabah, this Semporna boat tour hits the mark. For around $90 per person, you’ll spend approximately 7 to 7.5 hours exploring three incredible islands—Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, and Sibuan—each boasting unique landscapes, vibrant reefs, and secluded beaches. Guided by friendly multilingual guides, this trip combines hiking, snorkeling, diving, and a delicious local lunch, making it a great choice for both adventure-seekers and those looking for a scenic escape.
What we love most about this experience is how it balances challenging hikes with relaxing swims, and the chance to witness breathtaking panoramic views that are difficult to access any other way. Plus, the inclusion of a local, home-cooked style lunch served on the island enhances the authentic feel of the trip. The only potential drawback? The weather and sea conditions can sometimes affect the plan—so flexibility is key—especially if you’re keen on the hike or diving.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a well-rounded day of exploring pristine islands, enjoy moderate physical activity, and appreciate local flavors. Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid snorkeler, or simply looking to soak up spectacular scenery, this adventure will likely deliver memorable moments.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Incredible Views: The hike up Bohey Dulang offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and the Celebes Sea.
- Diverse Activities: Combining hiking, snorkeling, and optional diving gives a full spectrum of marine and land adventures.
- Authentic Local Meal: Lunch is served onboard in a remote, peaceful setting, adding a taste of local hospitality.
- Flexible Experience: The itinerary adapts based on weather and sea conditions, ensuring the best possible experience.
- Authentic & Scenic: Visit islands rarely crowded, filled with natural beauty and vibrant coral reefs.
- Suitable for Various Travelers: Perfect for those who enjoy moderate physical activity and want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.
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A Deep Dive into the Semporna Bohey 3 Islands Experience
The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Do and See
Starting from Jetty Pelancong Semporna, you’ll board a boat that whisks you across the crystal-clear waters to the first highlight: Bohey Dulang Island. This volcanic remnant offers a short but steep hike along a 600-meter trail. The ascent can be tiring, but the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile. As Giorgia mentions in her review, “The mountain and the view are absolutely breathtaking,” and she notes that while the climb was tiring, it was “worth it.” The vista includes the young green peaks and the turquoise lagoon below, creating a scene that’s hard to beat.
The guides are knowledgeable and help with safety briefings, which is especially reassuring if you’re not familiar with hiking or marine activities. The scenic views along the way are a highlight, with many travelers describing the experience as unforgettable.
After descending, the tour continues to Mantabuan Island, a tiny spot with a fascinating history. Once home to sea gypsies who live mostly at sea, Mantabuan now features crumbling brick remains and a quiet, untouched atmosphere. Here, you’ll get a quick snorkeling or diving session—an opportunity to see vibrant reefs filled with colorful coral and schools of tropical fish. Rachana praises the guides, especially noting that “Din was a great dive master” who was attentive to first-timers, making the experience both safe and enjoyable.
Midday, everyone gathers for a gourmet-style lunch under shaded canopies. The food is described as decent and served amidst the peaceful island setting, allowing for a relaxing break before the afternoon’s activities.
Next, the trip takes you to Sibuan Island, a rarely visited gem with a secluded blue sand beach. The boat captain chooses the best snorkeling spots based on weather conditions, ensuring you see an abundance of marine life, from underwater formations to home to thousands of colorful fish. Visitors often find Sibuan to be the most off-the-beaten-path part of the tour, offering a quiet escape and pristine waters.
What to Expect During the Day
The tour’s transportation involves speedboats, which allow quick movement between islands but also require you to be comfortable with boat rides—something to consider if you’re prone to seasickness. The group size varies but generally remains manageable, with guides providing multilingual instructions in English, Malay, or Chinese, based on the group.
The hiking on Bohey Dulang usually lasts about 75 minutes and depends heavily on weather conditions—rain can make the trail slippery, and high winds might cancel the hike altogether. If the hike is canceled, the tour proceeds with snorkeling and marine activities, ensuring you still get a full day of exploration.
Snorkeling stops are typically about 20 minutes each, with options for Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) if you’re interested in more than just snorkel gear. The gear provided is good quality, including fins, masks, and snorkels, but you might want to bring your own wetsuit if you’re sensitive to cold. The depths are shallow but rich with marine life, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthenticity and Value for Money
The cost of $90 covers a lot: park and island entry fees, snorkeling gear, guides, lunch, and swim stops. Many reviews highlight the good value, especially considering the diversity of activities and the opportunity to see unspoiled islands.
The guides receive praise for their attentiveness and friendliness. One reviewer mentioned “the guides were very attentive, fun, and helpful every step of the way,” which is vital for an enjoyable, safe experience. The inclusion of safety briefings and multilingual instructions also helps ensure travelers feel comfortable, regardless of experience level.
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The Pros and Cons
Pros include the spectacular views, diverse activities, and authentic island visits away from crowded tourist spots. The lunch served onboard adds a personal touch, and the small group size makes the experience more intimate. The guides’ knowledge and the beautiful marine life are consistently praised.
Potential drawbacks involve weather dependency, which can affect the hike or diving plans. Also, the timing of stops sometimes leads to waiting around—particularly if others take longer to change or suit up, as one reviewer pointed out. If you’re not comfortable with boat rides or physical activity, this might be less ideal.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy moderate physical activity and want a balanced mix of land and sea. It suits those who value authentic island scenery and reliable guides. If you’re comfortable with hiking, snorkeling, and boat rides, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s less suitable for those with respiratory issues or travelers expecting a leisurely, non-physical day.
If you’re after spectacular viewpoints and diverse marine life, this trip delivers, especially with the unbeatable views from Bohey Dulang and the secluded beaches of Sibuan.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This tour offers a solid value for those looking to explore Sabah’s best islands, combining hiking, snorkeling, and local cuisine into one well-organized package. The scenery is undeniably stunning, and the chance to see rare islands with vibrant reefs makes it a worthwhile experience.
On the downside, the weather-dependent nature means you should be flexible with your plans. If you’re prepared for occasional waiting or potential cancellations, you’ll still walk away with incredible memories. The guides’ friendliness and expertise, coupled with the authenticity of the locations, make this a worthwhile adventure for the curious and active traveler.
For those seeking a full day in nature, with a touch of adventure and local flavor, this tour could be just the highlight you’re looking for on your Sabah journey.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the jetty is not included. The tour starts at Jetty Pelancong Semporna, and you’ll meet the guides there before boarding the boat.
How long is the boat ride?
The boat rides between islands last approximately 80 minutes total—an enjoyable journey across clear waters, but be prepared for some bouncing.
What activities are included?
The tour includes hiking on Bohey Dulang, snorkeling at the three islands, with optional diving for certified or first-timers, and a local lunch onboard.
Are the hikes difficult?
The hike up Bohey Dulang is about 75 minutes and involves some steep sections. It’s manageable for most active travelers, but weather can make the trail slippery.
Do I need a diving license?
No, scuba diving does not require a license for the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) option, which is safe for beginners with instructor guidance.
What should I bring?
Bring change of clothes, hiking shoes, waterproof bag, cash, passport or copies, motion sickness medication, and wetsuit if you prefer.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch box is served during the day, typically in the middle of the trip, in a shaded area on the island.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The itinerary may be modified if weather conditions are unsuitable.
What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, Malay, and Chinese, making it accessible for most travelers.
This Semporna Islands trip offers a thoroughly engaging and scenic experience, perfect for those wanting a taste of Sabah’s wild beauty. With stunning views, lively reefs, and authentic island visits, it’s an excursion that will leave you with plenty of stories—and perhaps a bit of salt in your hair.
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