Semporna is a small coastal city located on the island of Borneo. It is a major city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The city attracts thousands of tourists each year for the spectacular scuba diving that is less than an 1 hour boat ride from the Semporna Port. However, in addition to having spectacular Dive Sites, the Semporna Islands, which are part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, are magnificent.
For those of you looking to explore some beautiful islands, spend some time on the beach and or go snorkeling look no further. The Semporna Islands are a great destination for island hopping and water fun.
ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
The easiest way to see the most islands in the least amount of time is to choose an Island Hopping Tour. If you stay at TEMPO HOSTEL or Semporna Dream Villas, both recommended here: SEMPORNA DIVING: TUN SAKARAN MARINE PARK You can book directly with them.
Otherwise you can easily purchase a day tour by going to one of the many dive centers and snorkeling booking agencies located near the pier in downtown Semporna.
There are usually three main available tour options to choose from:
OPTION A
Option A includes three Islands including a small hike on Bohey Dulang Island for a spectacular view. This option includes:
- Bohey Dulang Island – small hike
- Mantabuan Island – snorkeling
- Sibuan Island – more snorkeling and beach time.
The day includes lunch and transport to all the islands and back. For the small hike portion you will also have a guide to help you up and down the mountain and answer any questions you may have. It also includes snorkeling gear and fresh drinking water.
The price of Option A should be around 200RM which is around $50 USD.
INSIDER TIP: I recommend OPTION A. The view is amazing and the islands are great. You can get the most out of your money if you choose this option.
OPTION B
This tour is also great but since the islands are farther away you will spend more time on the boat getting to the locations. This is also a snorkeling only option
- Pom Pom Island – snorkeling
- Mataking Island – snorkeling
- Timba Timba – snorkeling
Option 2 also includes lunch, snorkeling gear, unlimited drinking water and transportation. The price of this tour should be around 180 RM.
INSIDER TIPs: Mataking Island is a great place to stay overnight if that is something you are interested in. The island is actually two islands connected by a sand bar and is home to only one resort. It is a perfect location for a romantic getaway. You can book accommodation and learn more about what Mataking has to offer by CLICKING HERE.
POM POM is a beautiful island that has a couple of resorts and a marine conservation center. If you enjoy diving and want to give back on your vacation you can look into giving back through TRACC
OPTION C
The last option also spends more time getting to the islands. But like the other options you can’t really go wrong.
- Kapalai
- Mabul
- Gusungan
Like the other two tours snorkeling gear is included as well as lunch, drinking water and transportation. The cost of this tour should be around 190 RM
INSIDER TIP: If you are planning on going diving around Mabul Island don’t choose this tour. You will be able to see the same things and much more by going to Mabul staying the island.
Kapalai Island and Mabul Island both have wonderful accommodation options. Learn more about the islands by clicking here.
CONCLUSION
These are the main Island Tours that you can find around Semporna. Of course each dive center will have different schedules and locations but overall these are the ones you will want to see when visiting semporna.
Looking to scuba dive in Semporna? Be sure to check out SEMPORNA DIVING- TUN SAKARAN MARINE PARK only on Bold Destinations.
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Anita
Loved the vew point! It’s incrdible. However very crowded.