Some days start with a boat ride and end on a mountaintop. This one pairs a Bohey Dulang hike with big-water snorkeling and optional scuba, all in one long island loop. I like that the scenery changes fast, from jungle trails to a turquoise lagoon view, and then to coral and fish time in clear water. One thing to consider: the Bohey Dulang hike can be canceled under park rules and, if it is, you keep going with snorkeling/scuba only.

I also appreciate the small-group feel with a maximum of 12 people, plus guidance that matters when you’re new to mask-and-snorkel or scuba. The boat day is designed around tide and conditions, so the order of stops can shift. If you hate schedule uncertainty, plan your expectations around weather, sea state, and government access rules.

Key things to know before you go

• Bohey Dulang is the main event: a roughly 600 m hike to high viewpoints over the turquoise lagoon.
• Two different snorkeling-style stops: Mantabuan for reef time and Sibuan for an isolated-feeling swim and underwater structures.
• Order depends on tides: your skipper may swap the first/second snorkeling sequence based on sea conditions.
• Scuba is optional but structured: DSD includes equipment plus short 20-minute sessions if you select the scuba option.
• Park rules can shut off the hike: if the government cancels access, refunds or date changes for the hike aren’t allowed.

Entering Tun Sakaran Marine Park: volcanic islands and a long day at sea

Your day starts at Jeti Pelancong Semporna Jetty (Jalan Bangau Bangau, Pekan Semporna), with a set departure time of 8:20 am. Expect the whole experience to run about 8 hours, and you’ll end back where you began. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to get to the jetty on time using the nearby public transport option.

The tour is built around Tun Sakaran Marine Park. That matters because it helps explain why you’ll be visiting specific islands and not just drifting wherever the boat driver feels like going. The Bohey islands in this park are described as being formed from volcanic leftovers, which is a neat detail to keep in mind while you hike: you’re basically moving across the “bones” of old geology.

You’ll also be in a real island-hopping rhythm: sail time, swim/snorkel stops, then a hike, then back to the water again. If you’re the type of traveler who gets restless on long rides, this itinerary keeps breaking up the day so you’re never just sitting.

The Bohey Dulang hike: 600 meters of switchbacks and lagoon views

Bohey Dulang is the reason most people sign up. The highlight is a hike across about 600 meters through scenery on the way to the top. You’re moving through the park terrain toward viewpoints where you get a wide view of the turquoise-blue lagoon below and the surrounding islands out into the Celebes Sea.

This part isn’t presented as a casual stroll. It’s a climb to a summit viewpoint, and the tour description frames it as a trek through the national park area. That’s why the hike is listed as dependent on weather, road conditions, and government policy. If conditions don’t allow access to the island trail, you might not get the hiking portion.

What I like about this design is that even when the hike runs, it feels like it’s tied to the marine portion rather than being random sightseeing. The top-view payoff is what makes the day feel bigger than standard snorkeling-only trips.

Practical expectation setting: the order of island visits can change based on tide, so the day can feel a bit different from person to person depending on sea conditions that morning.

Mantabuan Island and its brick-ruin story under clear water

After the main Bohey area, you’ll visit Mantabuan Island. The tour description paints it as a crumbling brick remnant that once held a small community of sea gipsies. Whether or not you’re a history-spotter, this gives the stop more meaning than a generic beach break.

Then comes the water time. You’ll get a snorkeling or scuba option here, described as clear enough to see coral and tropical fish. If you’re snorkeling, you’ll be in for reef viewing from the surface; if you’re on the scuba option, you’re equipped with the scuba gear provided by the tour.

One detail I’d highlight: Mantabuan is framed as a reef-spot with visible marine life, not just “see some fish if you’re lucky.” That’s the type of stop that makes a full-day trip worth it, especially if you’re choosing this tour specifically for underwater time.

Sibuan Island: a more secluded swim stop with underwater formations

The second snorkeling stop is Sibuan Island, and the tour description points out that islanders seldom see it. That alone hints at why the stop can feel different: less “busy” energy, more isolated bay vibes.

Two different ways the stop is described:

• You can snorkel near a blue sand beach, with a stated underwater formation that’s home to large numbers of fish.
• Or you can take in a stone arch beneath the coastline if you’re on the beach rather than in the water.

The boat skipper chooses where to focus that day based on weather. So if you’re someone who likes to know what you’ll be doing the moment you arrive, this is one of the spots where you’ll need a bit of flexibility.

Also, because the itinerary depends on sea conditions, the best plan is to treat this as a stop for either snorkeling intensity or scenic beach time, not as a guaranteed single “must-do” moment.

Lunch under shade: what’s included and how to plan for it

Lunch is included, served in a lunch box after your snorkel/diving (scuba) portion. The tour description notes that it’s under canopy shade, which is exactly what you want after hours under sun.

You also get 1.5 litre bottled water as part of the package. That’s important in Semporna island weather, where you can feel dehydrated even if you’re not doing a full-on land hike all day.

What you should plan: you’re going to be in swimwear and wet gear for parts of the day, so having a simple way to stay comfortable between stops helps. The tour provides key gear like masks/snorkels and life jackets, but it doesn’t spell out extra comforts like towels or dry storage—so bring what you know keeps you happy for 8 hours.

Scuba option vs snorkeling-only: what the package actually covers

This experience can include scuba under the DSD format if you select the scuba option. Here’s what’s stated as included for diving:

• Scuba diving gear like fins, BCD, regulator, gauge, and oxygen tank/cylinder
• An instructor
• Life jacket
• The scuba sessions themselves: listed as 2 DSD diving for 20 minutes each

For snorkeling-only selection, the listing says you still get snorkelling for whole stop duration at the snorkeling islands. Masks and snorkels are included for both snorkeling and diving.

One more thing that trips people up: there’s a separate additional scuba fee. The description says diving fee to Tun Sakaran is RM150 per person for DSD scuba diving (and snorkeling is not required to pay that diving fee). That’s a real cost consideration because it sits on top of the tour price.

So if you’re comparing “snorkel-only” vs “snorkel + scuba,” make sure you’re pricing the full scuba day, not just the base tour number.

Price and value in Semporna: paying for access, instruction, and gear

The tour price is listed at $113, and that number matters because you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re also paying for:

• Entrance fees to Tun Sakaran Marine Park per foreigner
• Bohey National park hiker/guide fees per foreigner
• Dock taxes and taxes
• Instruction and gear support: multilingual instructors, mask/snorkel, and scuba equipment if you choose scuba
• A full day structure with swim stops and a lunch box

For value, the key question is: do you want both a land viewpoint day and serious marine time? If yes, the mix justifies the cost better than a snorkeling-only trip, because you’re getting both the hike admission and underwater access in one package.

If you only want one activity—either hiking or underwater time—then you might feel this tour includes more than you need. The hike being optional only in the sense that it depends on park rules adds to that calculation.

Boats, groups, and the human touch that makes it smooth

This is designed for a maximum of 12 travelers, which is the sweet spot if you want personal attention without a tiny private boat that costs more.

Instruction is included, and the tour listing emphasizes multilingual support for snorkel and scuba. In one of the best moments shared with the tour experience, Din is mentioned as a great instructor for first-time scuba participants—professional, friendly, and helpful step by step. That’s exactly the kind of “small detail” that turns snorkeling into something you can actually enjoy instead of just endure.

Even with that, keep one expectation realistic: you’re doing multiple water stops and one hike. The day runs on timing, and you’ll want to listen closely at each briefing.

Weather, tide, and the Bohey hike cancellation rule

This tour is frank about the reality of the sea and government access. The hike to Bohey Dulang depends on:

• weather
• road conditions
• government policy
• and compliance with official park restrictions

If the hike is canceled due to National park rules, the tour description says you won’t get a refund or a change of tour date for that hike portion. You’ll proceed with the snorkeling/diving excursion only.

That can be a dealbreaker for some people, so decide upfront what matters more to you:

• If the hike is your #1 priority, you should book with the mindset that nature and park rules can still control the outcome.
• If underwater time is your main goal, you may feel more comfortable with the contingency.

Also, the order of island visits can change based on tide, so don’t plan your day around a strict minute-by-minute schedule beyond the departure time from the jetty.

Who this Semporna hike-and-snorkel day fits best

This is a strong match if you want a day that’s not one-note. I’d point you toward it if you:

• like a mix of views + water time
• want structured instruction (snorkel or scuba)
• prefer small-group touring in the Semporna area
• are okay with a plan that flexes with tides and weather

It’s also a good fit for first-time scuba participants because the scuba portion is described with short DSD sessions and includes a scuba instructor plus equipment.

If you’re the kind of traveler who dislikes uncertainty—especially around whether a hike will happen—then you’ll want to think carefully, since the hike portion is not guaranteed and the terms for changes/refunds are strict when the park cancels.

Should you book the Semporna Bohey 3 Island Snorkel Dive Tour and Lunch?

Book it if you want one of the more complete all-in-one day formats out of Semporna: a viewpoint hike tied to Tun Sakaran Marine Park, plus multiple underwater/snorkel stops, plus lunch and gear support. The inclusion of park entrance and guide fees helps explain the price, and the small group size supports a smoother day.

Skip it or reconsider if Bohey Dulang hiking is the only reason you’re coming. When the hike can’t run due to park rules, there’s no promise of refund or date change for that specific component. Also, if you’re diving, factor in the extra Tun Sakaran diving fee (RM150 per person for scuba).

If your priority is enjoying the water—snorkeling at Mantabuan and Sibuan, with instruction and equipment support—this tour’s structure makes sense. You’ll still get a full day on the islands even when the hike can’t happen.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:20 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at JETI PELANCONG SEMPORNA JETTY, Jln Bangau Bangau, Pekan Semporna, 91308 Semporna, Malaysia.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a lunch box and 1.5 litre bottled water.

What activities are included?

The tour includes swim stops, snorkelling (for whole stop duration on the selected snorkeling option), and a hiking trip if the government park allows it. Scuba is included only if you select the diving option.

Is the Bohey Dulang hike guaranteed?

No. The hike is dependent on weather, road conditions, and government policy and park restrictions.

What happens if the hike is canceled by park rules?

If the hike is canceled due to National park rules, the tour description says there is no refund or change tour date, and the day proceeds with the snorkelling/diving excursion only.

What scuba diving is included if I choose the diving option?

The scuba option includes scuba gear and equipment, an instructor, and 2 DSD scuba sessions of 20 minutes each.

Is there an extra fee for scuba at Tun Sakaran?

Yes. The description states a Tun Sakaran diving fee (RM150 per person) for DSD scuba diving. Snorkelling is not required to pay that diving fee.