Semporna: Bohey 3 Islands Hike, Snorkel/Dive Tour with Lunch

Sea views from 600 meters up. This Semporna day trip is built around the Bohey Dulang hike plus reef time, with two swim stops and a meal served out on the islands. You get that rare combo of “walk to the viewpoint” and “cool off in the crystal-clear water,” and the day moves fast without feeling rushed.

What I like most is the way the scenery changes every segment, from volcanic island top views to coral-filled shallows. The other standout is the help in the water, with multilingual staff and hands-on support during snorkeling or the DSD scuba intro. One thing to consider: the hike and even the order of islands can change with weather, sea conditions, and park rules, so you should be flexible.

Quick takeaways

• Bohey Dulang summit views: panoramic Celebes Sea water and island-to-island scenery
• 600 meter trek option: a real workout, with a payoff you can see from up high
• Two reef swim stops: structured time for snorkel or DSD scuba, plus open swim moments
• Mantabuan’s sea-gypsy relics: crumbled brick remains and a sense of history at water level
• Sibuan’s remote-feeling snorkeling: blue sand, a stone arch, and underwater formations
• Lunch on the islands: a basic onboard meal timed around the day’s tides and conditions

Getting There from Semporna: Fast Speedboat, Big Water, Real Timing

The day starts at Jeti Pelancong Semporna Jetty, and the crew will bring you to the boat after a quick registration. You’ll be asked for each person’s full name and nationality for the tour, so have those details ready.

Then it is straight into the “islands day” rhythm: a speedboat ride takes about 80 minutes before you reach Bohey Dulang. Expect that you’ll feel the movement on the water. If you are even slightly prone to motion sickness, take your prevention before you leave the dock, because the schedule is built around being on time and on the move.

One more practical note: the captain may adjust the sequence of islands depending on tide and lunchtime, so think of the itinerary as a plan, not a script.

Bohey Dulang: The 600 Meter Hike for Celebes Sea Panoramas

Bohey Dulang is the main event, and the tour is designed around getting you up high. Once you reach the island, you’ll get a guided experience that includes safety briefing and time to take photos. The walk is along trail sections that total about 600 meters, and the goal is reaching the higher viewpoint where the views open up.

From the top, you get a wide view over neighboring islands and the Celebes Sea, with crystal-clear water that makes the ocean feel closer than it usually does from the shore. The highlight is the “layers” of scenery: you can see multiple islands at once, and below you the lagoon takes on those bright turquoise tones.

This is also where the day feels most different from a standard boat tour. Yes, you spend time on the water, but the hike gives you a second set of angles, and that is what turns the trip into something more than island hopping.

The hike is conditional, so plan for Plan B

Bohey Dulang climbing is only offered when conditions allow and according to government park restrictions. If the hike is canceled due to park rules, weather, or sea state, you won’t be left with nothing. The tour proceeds with the snorkeling or scuba option only. That flexibility is a relief, but it also means you should not treat the hike like a guaranteed checkbox.

Also note the rules if you choose the no-hike option. If you book without the hike, you will need to wait at the jetty until the hikers finish. Last-minute swaps are not possible because the permit is issued by name.

Trail-to-Tops Details: Volcanic Setting, Lagoon Colors, and What to Watch For

Bohey Dulang is described as being formed from remnants of volcanic activity. That matters because the island’s shape is dramatic, and the trail leads you into viewpoints that feel like they were designed for photo-taking.

Along the way, you’ll have guided highlights on the sights, and you’ll get time to slow down and look back. The tour is built to show you more than one view: there are stops to look around during the trek, then another stretch of time at the top.

If you like “reading the landscape” with your eyes, this part is worth your attention. You are essentially seeing how the island’s geology shapes the way water sits around the coast and where the lagoon looks deepest and clearest.

The only drawback is effort. This is not a gentle stroll for everyone. You’ll want good grip on your feet, and the day plan assumes you are comfortable hiking with a light backpack or bag for essentials.

Mantabuan Island: Sea-Gypsy History and a Reef-Focused Swim Stop

After Bohey Dulang, the boat heads to Mantabuan, with a shorter ride of about 15 minutes. This stop lasts roughly 35 minutes, and it is structured around a mix of a quick photo moment, a visit on the island, and time in the water.

Mantabuan has an interesting human story. It was once home to a small sea-gypsy population who lived much of their lives on the sea and rarely came to land. Now, what remains is a relic of crumbled brick. Even if you just skim the surface and don’t know the full background, that detail makes the stop feel grounded and real, not just scenic.

In the water, you can choose snorkel or scuba (depending on what you selected). Either way, the focus is reef life, with coral and schools of tropical fish that keep you busy without needing to chase them too far.

Time here is limited, so if you want photos, do them quickly before you commit to the water. If you want fish spotting, wait a minute when you first enter. Your eyes adjust, and you’ll usually find the best action once you stop moving and let the scene settle.

Lunch on a Remote Stop: How the Meal Fits the Day

Between the swim segments, you get a longer break, about 1.5 hours, including lunch and free time. The lunch is served in a shaded, canopy-style setup on a secluded island stop, and it is included as a lunch box.

Is it fancy? The information you have suggests it is a simple onboard meal, and that matches the reality of a day tour where time is money and logistics matter. One review described lunch as okay and recommended bringing snacks if you want something extra. I agree with that approach.

Bring or buy small snacks if you have preferences. A meal that works for most people may still leave you hungry later, especially if you hiked first. Also keep a waterproof bag for any snacks you bring, since you will be handling wet gear and changing environments through the day.

Sibuan Island: The Secluded Blue Sand Snorkel Stop

Sibuan Island is the second swim anchor, and it is the one that feels the most “you are off the beaten path” during the snorkeling.

The boat ride here is short, around 15 minutes, and the stop lasts about 40 minutes. The crew brings you based on what the day allows, with weather and conditions determining the best spots.

What makes Sibuan special is the description of the snorkeling setting:

• a remote bay with a secluded blue sand beach
• a stone arch under the coastline
• underwater formations that act like a fish magnet, with thousands of colorful fish reported in the area

You likely will not see this from any normal shore viewpoint. That is the point of putting Sibuan as a stop rather than only doing the standard tourist beaches. It gives you that mix of shallow sand for relaxing and enough structure nearby to keep snorkeling interesting.

If you are a confident snorkeler, you’ll probably move through the stop quickly in search of your favorite angle. If you are newer, take your time and let the staff help you get set up. The day is set up for safety and support, not for showing off.

Scuba as an Option: DSD Sessions, Gear, and the Fees You Must Budget

If you choose the scuba option, this tour is set up for DSD, which means no scuba certificate is required. You get 2 DSD scuba sessions with an instructor, and each session is around 20 minutes. Safety briefing happens too, so your time in the water is more than just the 20-minute blocks, but those are the clearly defined scuba moments.

Gear is included when the scuba option is selected: fins, BCD, regulator, gauge, oxygen tank or cylinder, plus a wetsuit. You also get masks and snorkel, so even if you do scuba, you are covered for the snorkeling segments.

Now the money part, because it is easy to underestimate:

• The Tun Sakaran Marine Park fee RM30 per person is not included.
• The Tun Sakaran Marine Park scuba fee is RM150 per foreigner or RM100 per local, and it is for scuba only.
• The scuba fee is mandatory if you participate in scuba, even if the hike gets canceled.

So the value story is this: the $58 base price covers the day plan and the included gear and instruction. But the real “all-in” cost depends on whether you hike and whether you do scuba, because permits and marine fees stack on top.

On the people side, the best sign is the instructor support. In one of the accounts you have, Din was praised for guiding first-time participants through the scuba intro session. That matters, because a beginner-friendly instructor can turn a potentially stressful water moment into a confidence-building one.

What Changes on the Water: Tides, Permits, and Weather Flexibility

This tour is tightly linked to the sea. The schedule can shift due to bad weather, government policy, and sea conditions. The captain also decides on swim spots based on the weather.

That matters for two reasons:

1. You might see the islands in a different order depending on tides and lunchtime.
2. The hike is not guaranteed, because park rules apply equally to all operators and all participants.

If you were hoping for a precise “hike at 10:00, snorkel at 12:00” day, you’ll need to adjust your mindset. Think of it as a good-faith plan that aims to give you the best conditions possible that day.

What to Bring for a Comfortable, Fast 7 Hours

You are out for about 7 hours total. That is long enough to feel the sun, the movement on the boat, and the after-effects of hiking.

Bring:

• change of clothes (you will want dry clothes for the ride home)
• hiking shoes with grip
• cash (the tour data says to bring cash)
• passport or a copy (copy accepted)
• a waterproof bag (for phone, wallet, and anything you do not want soaked)
• motion sickness prevention (seriously worth it on speedboats)
• wetsuit (it is listed for what to bring, and scuba gear includes a wetsuit when scuba is selected)

Also, keep one practical rule: pack for wet conditions even if it looks dry when you leave the jetty. You will be moving between boat, sand, and water, and even well-managed tours get splashed.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great match for active travelers who want both the viewpoint and the reef. It also works for solo travelers, since the structure is guided and staff-supported.

It is especially worth it if you:

• enjoy hiking with a payoff view
• care about reef life and fish spotting
• want a guided day with instruction in multiple languages (Chinese, English, Malay)

The main caution is health. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with respiratory issues. If that applies to you, it is better to choose a different type of tour.

Families can sometimes do well, but the hiking part is the obvious wildcard. If your group has kids or less confident walkers, talk with the operator in advance, and plan around what is safe for everyone.

Should You Book Bohey 3 Islands With Hike, Snorkel, and Lunch?

I’d book this if you want a full day that mixes effort and payoff. Bohey Dulang gives you the elevated panorama, and the two swim stops give you the reef payoff. The best value is when you treat it as an active nature day, not a sit-on-the-boat tour.

I would think twice if:

• you need a guaranteed hike, because park rules and weather can cancel it
• you are sensitive to boat motion and you did not plan for it
• you want a long, slow snorkeling session, because the scuba segments are defined at 20 minutes each, and the snorkeling time is tied to short stops and setup

If you are flexible, pack smart, and go with the flow on tides and sea conditions, this is exactly the kind of Semporna day trip that turns a single day into real variety.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the Bohey 3 Islands tour?

You meet at Jetty Pelancong Semporna Jetty. Use Google Maps to find it, and the crew will bring you to the boat from there.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (450 minutes). Starting times depend on availability.

Is the Bohey Dulang hike included for everyone?

The hike is offered only when conditions allow and only if you select the hiking option. If it is canceled due to park rules, you can proceed with snorkeling or scuba instead.

Do I need a scuba certificate for the scuba option?

No. The tour uses a DSD (scuba intro) format, and a scuba certificate is not required.

How much time do you spend snorkeling or in the water?

You get two swim stops during the day. The scuba sessions are listed as 20 minutes each with an instructor, and that does not include the time for safety briefing or the full duration of each stop for snorkeling.

What is included in the price?

Included items include instructor support, life jacket, a 1.5 liter bottle of water, a lunch box, mask and snorkel, multilingual instructions, and scuba gear if you choose scuba (including fins, BCD regulator, wetsuit, gauge, and oxygen tank or cylinder). Dock taxes are also included.

What fees are not included?

Not included fees are Tun Sakaran Marine Park fee RM30 per person, Bohey permit and climbing fee RM50 per person if hiking is available, Bohey insurance RM7 per person if hiking is required by park regulation, and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park scuba fee (RM150 per foreigner or RM100 per local). The scuba fee is for scuba only and is mandatory if you participate in scuba.

What do I need to bring?

Bring change of clothes, hiking shoes, cash, passport (a copy is accepted), a waterproof bag, motion sickness prevention, and a wetsuit.

Can the schedule change on the day?

Yes. The itinerary may be modified due to bad weather, governments, and sea conditions, and the order of islands can change depending on tide and lunchtime. The captain chooses the best snorkel spots based on the day’s conditions.