4D3N Island Hopping with Bohey Dulang Hike and Stay in Semporna

Bohey Dulang’s crater lagoon is the big draw here: you climb above the sea, then spend two days among Semporna’s islands and reefs. It is a neat way to pair a rewarding hill walk with time in the water, without arranging every transfer and boat trip yourself.

I like that three nights’ accommodation and round-trip airport transfers are included, and that the two boat days visit different island groups rather than repeating the same route. The catch is that breakfast and dinner cost extra, the Bohey Dulang park and guide fees are excluded, and the group shares its boat with other participants.

What to know before you book

• Bohey Dulang pairs a hike with a crater-lagoon view: Bring proper shoes and check whether the separate park and guide fees fit your budget.
• Two days on the water cover five named islands: Mantabuan and Sibuan feature on Day 2; Timba Timba, Mataking and Pandanan are planned for Day 3.
• Sibuan offers a possible cultural encounter: Ask the crew whether exploring the Bajau Laut village is possible that day.
• The package includes three nights, boat transfers and airport transfers: Breakfast, dinner and several practical extras are not included.
• This is a shared tour, not a private one: You’ll share the boat with people from different countries.
• Plans can change with conditions: Weather, traffic and other events beyond the operator’s control can alter routes and times.

A four-day base for Semporna’s islands

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This is a practical package for anyone who wants to see several islands without piecing together accommodation, boat trips and airport transport separately. You spend three nights in a Semporna guesthouse and two full days on the water, with a Bohey Dulang hike as the trip’s signature land-based outing.

The destination mix is the main reason to consider it. Bohey Dulang gives you a view from above, while Mantabuan, Sibuan and the Day 3 islands bring the focus back to the sea. The plan names Mataking and Pandanan, though routes can change, and one past trip included Pom Pom instead of Pandanan.

This is not a private, custom-paced holiday. The tour runs on a shared-coach basis, and the boat is shared with people from other countries. If you enjoy meeting fellow visitors and are comfortable following a group schedule, that can be an easy way to get out to several islands. If you need your own pace, a private arrangement may suit you better.

The operator is Seamaui Borneo. Communication is handled by WhatsApp or email, and a group chat with the driver and accommodation contact can make arrival and check-in easier to coordinate. The tour does not provide a named guide in advance, so think of this as an organized island package with a local crew, not a private guided tour.

Day 1: A transfer from Tawau to Semporna

Your first day is mainly about getting to Semporna and checking in. The operator’s driver meets you at Tawau Airport, then takes you by road to town. One past party reported a journey of about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but your pickup and arrival timing will depend on your flight and the day’s conditions.

The transfer is useful because Tawau is the airport named for this package, while your accommodation and boat departures are in Semporna. Give the operator your flight date and time in GMT+08 when booking, and tell them promptly if your flight is delayed. The pickup instructions warn that late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable if the operator has not been informed.

Your guesthouse is assigned on a run-of-house basis. That means the operator books from a group of accommodations of similar stated standard, depending on availability. You are not given a guesthouse name in advance or guaranteed a particular property type. The included room is for two people, based on the available arrangement.

That flexibility may be fine if you mainly need a place to sleep between boat days. It is less ideal if you want to choose a specific hotel or need a particular room setup. Contact the operator to check room availability before buying flights, as requested in the booking information.

Day 2: The Bohey Dulang climb, Mantabuan and Sibuan

The first island day begins early. The schedule asks you to be at the Infinity Scuba Dive shop by 8:00 a.m., while a past group met at the Semporna jetty around 8:30. Confirm the exact meeting place and time with the operator before the tour; the shop and jetty are described as being within a short walk of each other.

Bohey Dulang is the day’s most distinctive stop. Its high point looks over a crater lagoon, the remnant of an extinct volcano. The climb is the trade-off for that view: you need to be comfortable walking uphill in the heat, and you must bring proper footwear. Sneakers or hiking boots are required. Sandals, flip-flops and Crocs are not accepted, and Sabah Parks can refuse entry if your shoes are unsuitable.

The park and guide fees for the hike are not included. Tell the operator at least a day before the tour if you want to take part, and ask what the extra fees will be. The trail may close during heavy rain or for other unforeseen reasons; the tour information says there is no refund if that happens. If you would rather stay on the boat, know that the waiting period may feel long, and boat movement can cause dizziness.

After the hike, lunch is served before the boat continues to Mantabuan. The included packed lunch is simple, so bring snacks if you know you’ll want more food after a hot walk. At Mantabuan, you can put on the supplied mask and life jacket and snorkel in clear water, looking for fish and other marine life. Fins are not included, so bring your own if you prefer to use them.

Sibuan completes the day. The crew can advise whether you may explore the Bajau Laut village, an opportunity that adds a human dimension to a day otherwise centered on views and reefs. Follow the crew’s guidance, treat residents with respect and do not assume village access is guaranteed. The boat then returns to Semporna’s jetty.

Day 3: Timba Timba, Mataking and the route’s changing stops

The second boat day starts with another early meet-up at the operator’s shop. Timba Timba is the first planned stop, followed by Mataking, which is known in the package information for its snorkeling and underwater scenery. You get another chance to spend time in the water, this time after the uphill effort of the previous day is behind you.

A packed lunch is included, and the schedule places it after two water sessions. Once again, plan for a simple meal rather than a restaurant lunch, and bring water and any extra snacks you need. Pandanan is the final planned stop, with turquoise water and coral areas named as the main attraction.

Keep some room in your expectations for a route change. Weather and other conditions can affect timing and destinations. One past party visited Pom Pom rather than Pandanan, so check the route with the crew on the day instead of treating the island names as a promise that every stop will happen exactly as printed.

The two boat days are a strong part of the package’s value: you get several different island stops without booking a separate boat each day. But it is worth signing up only if you are happy spending much of the day on a shared boat, in the sun, and following the crew’s schedule. If you choose not to snorkel, you may have a long wait onboard, and the boat’s movement can make some people feel unwell.

Day 4: Check out and return to Tawau Airport

You check out of the guesthouse and travel by car back to Tawau Airport. The planned departure time is arranged around your flight, with the instructions asking you to allow about three hours before departure for the transfer. One past party described the road journey as taking roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, but do not use that estimate as a reason to book a tight flight connection.

The return transfer is included, which takes one more task off your plate. Confirm the pickup time with the operator in advance, since departure times can vary by accommodation and conditions. If your flight details change, contact the operator right away.

What the price covers, and what it leaves out

The package’s value comes from bundling three nights of accommodation, two days of island boat transfers, round-trip transport from Tawau Airport, terminal and boat fees, snorkeling masks, life jackets, island crew support and two packed lunches. Arranging those pieces separately takes time, and airport transport is especially useful when your trip starts and ends in Tawau.

The quoted rates vary by package and nationality. The information gives a headline starting price of US$309.85, with package options from US$269.45 for Malaysians and US$293.90 for non-Malaysians. Check the final rate and what applies to you at booking, as the displayed figures do not line up exactly.

Budget beyond the package price. Breakfast and dinner are not included, nor are the Bohey Dulang hiking and park guide fees, hiking shoes, fins, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses or alcoholic drinks. International visitors are also charged a tourism tax of MYR 10 per room per night. Prescription masks are not supplied, and dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free or allergy-related meals cannot be accommodated.

You can lower the chance of surprise costs by bringing your own hiking shoes, towel, water bottle, sun protection, swimwear, toiletries and dry bag. Cash is also on the suggested packing list. Leave valuables behind where possible, since the islands do not have lockers.

Who is likely to enjoy this trip

I would consider this package if you want an organized, active introduction to Semporna and are content with shared transport and a guesthouse assigned by availability. It combines a notable island hike with two days for snorkeling, plus airport transfers and accommodation. That mix is useful if you have four days and want the key logistics bundled together.

It is a better fit for people comfortable with boat rides, early starts and basic packed lunches than for anyone seeking luxury or a slow, flexible schedule. The operator does not recommend the activity for pregnant women, infants, older people, people with disabilities, or those with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart or lung conditions, asthma or other serious medical conditions. Boat travel may also be unsuitable for people with back or spinal problems, recent surgery, arthritis or osteoporosis. If you have a relevant condition, seek medical advice before booking.

Children aged 3 to 11 share an existing bed with their parents, and anyone under 3 cannot take part. Children must remain with a parent or guardian. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

In the water, follow the crew’s instructions and stay with the group. Do not touch, collect, step on or damage marine life. The crew can stop someone from taking part if their conduct or skill level could put other people or the marine environment at risk. These rules matter in a place where the reefs are part of the reason you came.

Is this Semporna package worth booking?

Book it if you value convenience and variety: three nights in town, airport transfers, a Bohey Dulang hike and two days of island stops are a lot to coordinate on your own. The strongest attractions are the crater-lagoon view and the chance to snorkel around several islands on separate days.

Think twice if you need a named hotel, meals included, a private boat, guaranteed access to every listed island or a low-effort holiday. Check the extra hike fees, confirm the guesthouse has room before booking flights, and make sure the shared schedule and required footwear work for you. With those details settled, this is a practical way to explore Semporna without trying to organize every moving part yourself.

FAQ

What is included in the package?

It includes three nights in a Semporna guesthouse in a two-person room, round-trip Tawau Airport transfers, round-trip boat transfers, Semporna terminal and boat fees, a mask, a life jacket, island crew support and two packed lunches.

Are breakfast and dinner included?

No. Breakfast and dinner are excluded, as are personal expenses, tips and alcoholic drinks.

Are the Bohey Dulang hike fees included?

No. The hiking and Sabah Parks guide fees are excluded. Tell the operator at least one day before the tour if you plan to hike, and bring compulsory sneakers or hiking boots.

What islands are planned for the two boat days?

Day 2 names Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan and Sibuan. Day 3 names Timba Timba, Mataking and Pandanan, though routes may change with conditions.

Is the boat trip private?

No. The trip runs on a shared basis, and you will share the snorkeling boat with other people.

How old must participants be?

Participants must be at least 3 years old. Children aged 3 to 11 stay in the same room as their parents and share an existing bed. A parent or guardian must accompany children at all times.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The stated cancellation terms offer a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the activity date, based on local time.