Semporna island hopping
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna, Tun Sakaran is a 350-square-kilometre marine park famous for the Bohey Dulang viewpoint, recovering coral reefs and shallow snorkelling islands.
Geography
The Eight Islands
Tun Sakaran is a highly visual day out. The view from Bohey Dulang is one of the most photographed scenes in Sabah and the shallow water at Sibuan is exceptionally clear. The geography differs from oceanic Sipadan , with shallow fringing reefs closer to the mainland. Visitors staying at Mataking can reach the park easily for hiking and snorkelling.
Most days start with a steep 600-metre climb to the Bohey Dulang viewpoint before the mid-morning heat. After the descent you spend the afternoon snorkelling over the drop-offs at Sibuan or looking for juvenile fish returning to the artificial coral frames at Mantabuan.
Marine park highlights
Snorkelling And Hiking
- 8 islands spanning 350 square kilometres of sea and land.
- A steep 600-metre Bohey Dulang trail with views over the flooded caldera.
- Shallow drop-offs at Sibuan and coral recovery sites at Mantabuan for snorkelling.
- Artificial coral frames supporting reef recovery and the return of juvenile fish.
- A 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna for hiking and snorkelling.
The marine life of the Semporna archipelago
The park has 255 coral species and 528 reef fishes catalogued. Its reefs are recovering through active restoration, with artificial coral frames encouraging the return of juvenile reef fish.
Other islands
Nearby Dive Destinations
Tun Sakaran Marine Park covers 8 islands and 350 square kilometres of sea and land. A day trip focuses on 2 or 3 specific stops for the Bohey Dulang climb and shallow snorkelling. Ask about Mabul to extend your trip.
Getting there
Speedboat transits from the Semporna mainland jetty to Tun Sakaran take about 45 minutes. Most travellers reach Semporna by flying into Tawau and taking a private transfer or bus. Read the Getting There guide for journey details.
Next steps
Island Itineraries
Sipadan Island
An oceanic island rising from deep water in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is Sabah's flagship dive site. It is protected by a strict permit system with no accommodation on the island itself and offers exceptional encounters with schooling barracuda, reef sharks and turtles.
Mabul Island
An hour's boat ride from Semporna, Mabul Island combines some of the finest macro diving with the most reliable access to Sipadan.
Mataking Reef Dive Resort
40 minutes by boat from Semporna, Mataking is a 40-acre private island offering deep wall diving, sandy beaches and comfortable chalets for couples and families.
Pom Pom Island Resort
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna, Pom Pom Island Resort offers wooden villas, macro diving and a sea turtle hatchery on a private coral cay.
Geography
Plan your island days
Tell the team your dates to arrange speedboat transfers, Bohey Dulang hiking permits and shallow coral snorkelling in the Semporna archipelago.