The main reason why many came to Semporna is to get themselves over to the idyllic and beautiful Semporna Archipelago, a short boat journey away. Sabah in particular, is the home to many of these picturesque islands. Popularly referred to as the 'Maldives of Asia', the Tun Sakaran Marine Park is every nature lover's dream vacation spot. The park is also home to the mysterious Bajau Laut people that live in lovely little stilt houses that sit above colourful coral reefs and turquoise blue waters. Whether it's kicking back and relaxing to the sound of nature while enjoying spectacular views or exploring the exotic marine life, the islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park will cater to pretty much all your getaway cravings. What's really amazing is that these islands remain largely untouched due to the fact that there are no developments in terms of resorts and hotels in most of these islands.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Bodgaya and have a peek into the daily lives of the Bajau Laut people
- Hike at Bohey Dulang (Ancient Volcano)
- Mantabuan Island
- Sibuan Island
- Mataking Island
- Timba-Timba Island
- Pom Pom Island
- Transparent kayak, snorkeling and photography opportunities at various islands
Bodgaya Island
Explore the terrains of the Bodgaya island to see rich flora and fauna set amidst crystal clear, emerald-blue waters. Bodgaya, along with the Bohey Dulang and Tetagan island make up the semi-circular group of islands that form part of the rim of a volcanic crater. The island is about 8km long and 1.5km wide, making it the largest island out of the eights islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. With its pristine, greenish-blue coloured waters and unique flora and fauna, the island serves as a perfect one stop center to satisfy the nature junkie in you. However, do note that there are no coral sand beaches in Bodgaya. What's really interesting is that the beaches on Bodgaya Island are formed from cobbles of volcanic rocks believed to be almost 2.58 million years old.
Explore the terrains of the Bodgaya island to see rich flora and fauna set amidst crystal clear, emerald-blue waters. Bodgaya, along with the Bohey Dulang and Tetagan island make up the semi-circular group of islands that form part of the rim of a volcanic crater. The island is about 8km long and 1.5km wide, making it the largest island out of the eights islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. With its pristine, greenish-blue coloured waters and unique flora and fauna, the island serves as a perfect one stop center to satisfy the nature junkie in you. However, do note that there are no coral sand beaches in Bodgaya. What's really interesting is that the beaches on Bodgaya Island are formed from cobbles of volcanic rocks believed to be almost 2.58 million years old.
Bohey Dulang
Hike up to the peak of the Bohey Dulang for one of the most staggeringly beautiful views in the world. To get there, you'll need to hike up a 600-meter nature trail, which is said to take about 40 minutes. The beauty of the island is further enhanced thanks to the crater surrounding the island that is now flooded with seawater and which has created a magnificent lagoon that is about 25m deep. The southern side of the lagoon is lined with a stretch of coral reef.
Hike up to the peak of the Bohey Dulang for one of the most staggeringly beautiful views in the world. To get there, you'll need to hike up a 600-meter nature trail, which is said to take about 40 minutes. The beauty of the island is further enhanced thanks to the crater surrounding the island that is now flooded with seawater and which has created a magnificent lagoon that is about 25m deep. The southern side of the lagoon is lined with a stretch of coral reef.
Mantabuan Island
Mantabuan is a volcanically formed and mostly submerged island that is paradise for many who want to see magnificent coral and with unsurpassed visibility. Located northeast from the ancient volcano of Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan is one of the best islands in the area for manta rays, especially when the currents pick up. Eagle rays and devil rays can often be found in the blue as well. The real star of Mantabuan though is the black coral. Usually found at much greater depths, this rare and precious coral can be found in just 22 meters depth. Black coral has long been valued by humans for purposes ranging from protection against curses to decoration in jewellery. Black coral is also Hawaii's official state gem, but divers in Hawaii must go well past 40 meters in order to see it. In addition to the black coral, pristine soft coral and large table coral can be found throughout the entirety of the island. Huge coral boulders in the shallows provide shelter to a large number of marine life, including myriad nudibranches, painted lobsters, blue-spotted ribbon rays, and thousands upon thousands of reef fish.
Mantabuan is a volcanically formed and mostly submerged island that is paradise for many who want to see magnificent coral and with unsurpassed visibility. Located northeast from the ancient volcano of Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan is one of the best islands in the area for manta rays, especially when the currents pick up. Eagle rays and devil rays can often be found in the blue as well. The real star of Mantabuan though is the black coral. Usually found at much greater depths, this rare and precious coral can be found in just 22 meters depth. Black coral has long been valued by humans for purposes ranging from protection against curses to decoration in jewellery. Black coral is also Hawaii's official state gem, but divers in Hawaii must go well past 40 meters in order to see it. In addition to the black coral, pristine soft coral and large table coral can be found throughout the entirety of the island. Huge coral boulders in the shallows provide shelter to a large number of marine life, including myriad nudibranches, painted lobsters, blue-spotted ribbon rays, and thousands upon thousands of reef fish.
Sibuan Island
Sibuan Island is said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park with sandy beaches and glorious coconut trees lining the sand cay. Despite the fact that it is the smallest island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sibuan is still highly popular thanks to its marine population, including its perfect combination of shallow plateaus and steep slopes which serves as a regular stopover for open water divers.
Sibuan Island is said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park with sandy beaches and glorious coconut trees lining the sand cay. Despite the fact that it is the smallest island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sibuan is still highly popular thanks to its marine population, including its perfect combination of shallow plateaus and steep slopes which serves as a regular stopover for open water divers.
Mataking
The water of the mataking island is amazingly high visibility, with many corals and well-protected ones. There are more than 1,000 kinds of fish, attracting many rare fish such as scorpion fish and green-tailed lip fish. In addition, turtles are also regulars here, even in shallows are likely to encounter.
The water of the mataking island is amazingly high visibility, with many corals and well-protected ones. There are more than 1,000 kinds of fish, attracting many rare fish such as scorpion fish and green-tailed lip fish. In addition, turtles are also regulars here, even in shallows are likely to encounter.
Timba-Timba Island
Timba-timba island is known for the wonderful beach great to look for rare marine life that includes large cuttlefish, frog fish, crab, sea snakes and sometimes nurse sharks hiding under table coral. While turtles can be seen in numbers other frequent sights include blue ribbon eels, moray eels, barracudas, lobster, large coral trout and snappers.
Timba-timba island is known for the wonderful beach great to look for rare marine life that includes large cuttlefish, frog fish, crab, sea snakes and sometimes nurse sharks hiding under table coral. While turtles can be seen in numbers other frequent sights include blue ribbon eels, moray eels, barracudas, lobster, large coral trout and snappers.
Pom Pom Island
Pom Pom island is surrounded by a coastline of 2.3 kilometers and the surrounding coral reefs are 4 kilometers long. The island is flat, the highest elevation of less than 2 meters. The reefs in the west are only 50-75 meters wide, while the islands around them are mostly islands hundreds of meters wide. The island has white sandy beaches, coral beaches, and is also a major habitat nesting location for greengrocer turtles with tortoiseshell. There is no village on the island, the smallest human impact, no pollution and is one of the popular diving destinations in the Semporna area.
Pom Pom island is surrounded by a coastline of 2.3 kilometers and the surrounding coral reefs are 4 kilometers long. The island is flat, the highest elevation of less than 2 meters. The reefs in the west are only 50-75 meters wide, while the islands around them are mostly islands hundreds of meters wide. The island has white sandy beaches, coral beaches, and is also a major habitat nesting location for greengrocer turtles with tortoiseshell. There is no village on the island, the smallest human impact, no pollution and is one of the popular diving destinations in the Semporna area.
If you are looking for an itinerary that incorporate the cultural, adventure and photography aspect, the ‘Island Hopping Adventure: Semporna 2019’ gives you the best of not just both but three worlds. We have customised the package in a way that you will get to experience the ruggedness of the trek and also get your fair share of ‘Instagram superstar moments’ while you island hop and row the transparent kayak.
WHY JOIN US?
- We customise the itinerary in a way that it is suitable for family trip. For those who can’t swim, they can choose to kayak or take a stroll along the beach of various islands. Moreover, the hike is pretty easy.
- We leave no man behind! Our event host will be hiking behind the last participant.
- 4-in-1 combo: Shopping (At Semporna town) + Hiking (At Bohey Dulang) + Photography (especially with transparent kayak) + Cultural Tour (Visit the Bajau Laut people)
- Privacy and comfort: Our package include 3* hotel stay instead of the usual 1* hotel or bunk room accommodation at Semporna.
Last but not least, what is even better than making new friends during the trip? You only live once, if not now, then when? Relive your youth and join us today!
THE ITINERARY
D1 – 29 Aug 2019 (Thursday)
D2 – 30 Aug 2019 (Friday)
D3 - 31 Aug 2019 (Saturday)
D4 – 1 Sep 2019 (Sunday)
The event host will endeavour as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
- Depart Singapore in the afternoon
- Arrive at Tawau Airport in the evening
- Airport transfer
- Free and easy
D2 – 30 Aug 2019 (Friday)
- Visit Bodgaya and have a peek into the daily lives of the Bajau Laut people
- Hike at Bohey Dulang (Ancient Volcano)
- Visit Mantabuan Island and Sibuan Island
D3 - 31 Aug 2019 (Saturday)
- Continue the island hopping adventure to
- Mataking Island
- Timba-Timba Island
- Pom Pom Island
D4 – 1 Sep 2019 (Sunday)
- Free and easy in the morning
- Depart via Tawau Airport in the afternoon
The event host will endeavour as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
Still not convinced? This aerial video of Semporna may change your mind.
LAND COST
Cost: SGD 580/person
1) Early Bird (Deposit made by 15 May 2019): SGD 480/person (SGD 100 discount)
2) Group Signup (3 participants and above): SGD 480/person (SGD 100 discount)
(Promotions above are non-stackable.)
Group Size: Min 15 to go (excluding host)
SGD 300 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Balance to be made latest by 15 June 2019.
What does your package include?
Package Excludes
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Semporna 2019")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 2 months before the trip.
Step 5: Balance payment to be made latest by 15 June 2019.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Note that this is a recce trip by Adventures Unlimited.
Cost: SGD 580/person
1) Early Bird (Deposit made by 15 May 2019): SGD 480/person (SGD 100 discount)
2) Group Signup (3 participants and above): SGD 480/person (SGD 100 discount)
(Promotions above are non-stackable.)
Group Size: Min 15 to go (excluding host)
SGD 300 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Balance to be made latest by 15 June 2019.
What does your package include?
- Airport transfer (For group arrival and departure)
- Return boat transfer from Semporna jetty (For group arrival and departure)
- Boat rides for island hopping
- Guide
- Mask snorkel and life jacket
- Transparent kayak (take turn)
- Double/twin/triple sharing 3 stars accommodation at Semporna town
- Breakfast for D2 to D4
- Packed lunch for D2 and D3
- Dinner for D1 and D3
Package Excludes
- Single supplement
- Return flight to Tawau
- Meals that are not stated above
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/Tips
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Visa entry if required
- Anything else not mentioned in inclusion list.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Semporna 2019")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 2 months before the trip.
Step 5: Balance payment to be made latest by 15 June 2019.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Note that this is a recce trip by Adventures Unlimited.
