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In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about island hopping trips in Semporna in 2026.
The islands near Semporna are very beautiful. East Sabah is often recognised as some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The waters in East Sabah are crystal clear and packed with a rich array of beautiful sea life.
In this article we will help you plan your own adventure island hopping Semporna. What do you do on an island hopping trip? How do you arrange a trip? How much does it cost? And what are the important things you need to know about island hopping Semporna?
Don’t miss these AMAZING things to do in Sabah
Island hopping Semporna – Getting to grips
If you are visiting Semporna you can arrange island hopping day trips. These trips tend to depart in the morning around 8am – 9am and return in the afternoon around 4pm – 5pm. These island hopping trips generally visit 3 – 5 islands or snorkeling spots. Most island hopping trips will include lunch, drinking water, life jackets and snorkeling equipment.
If you are in Semporna – consider staying on Mabul island. Mabul is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. It is also close to Sipadan island – which has some of the best diving in the world. You can also stay at the awesome Mabul Backpackers Hostel – they can arrange diving trips and snorkeling trips for a very competitive price.
Island hopping Semporna – what to expect
In Semporna you can arrange day trips which visit several islands and top snorkeling spots. The water is beautifully clear and there is some very impressive coral reef and ocean life to experience.
In the water you can see a vast array of ocean life including clown fish, barracuda, angel fish, star fish, turtles, reef shark and much more. If you visit Bohey Dulang island you can also trek up to an impressive viewpoint. The trek involves walking up a steep jungle path to the viewpoint.
Don’t miss our article on the Bohey Dulang viewpoint
TOP TIP: Bohey Dulang island has an amazing viewpoint but they don’t let kids under 12 years old hike (honestly this rule seems ridiculous – our 5 year old is seriously better at jungle trekking than many adults!). AND they don’t even let people swim near the island. SO, if you have young kids, organize a trip that does not include Bohey Dulang island. ALSO you must bring trainers if you want to trek. They will not let you trek in sandals or flip flops.
Island hopping Semporna
Here are some of the islands that you can visit for snorkeling near Semporna:
- Bohey Dulang island – hilly island with stunning viewpoint of curved bay and marine park. Not allowed to swim or snorkel at this site.
- Sibuan island – small island with beautiful sandbar and clear shallow waters. Small military base and a Bajau village are located on this island.
- Mantabuan island – small island, flat, lovely beach, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters
- Kapalai sandbar – Sandbar with a resort and some great coral reef and snorkeling
- Mataking island – Beautiful island out to the east. Long sand bar, clear waters and lots of marine life here.
- Pom Pom island – small beautiful island with a couple of resorts
- Timba Timba island – small thin island with long sandbar surrounded by clear shallow waters.
How much does it cost to do island hopping in Semporna?
For a shared boat trip: Island hopping Semporna normally costs in the range of RM120 – RM200 per person (roughly £24 – £40 or $30 – $50) and normally includes equipment rental (snorkel, mask, fins and a life jacket) and lunch.
For a private island hopping trip in Semporna expect to pay around RM600 – RM800 depending on the company and tour (roughly £120 – £160 or $150 – $180)
There are also jetty fees and national park fees. These may be included in the price or may be charged as an additional fee:
Sabah Park Fees: RM50 for hiking, RM30 for snorkeling, RM150 for diving
Jetty Fees: RM10
How do you arrange an island hopping trip in Semporna?
The cheapest way to arrange island hopping is to book your trip directly with a local company. Dive shops based in Semporna can arrange island hopping trips. Contact 52Hz Dive Shop for island hopping trips in Semporna.
What are THE BEST places to stay in Semporna?
Kuree Hut
Budget accommodation with private rooms – bunk beds. Clean, simple accommodation and well located. Rooms range between £10 – £20
Reserve Kuree Hut on Agoda OR Reserve Kuree Hut on booking.com
Ang Lee Holiday Stay
Simple, clean and nice accommodation. Includes a triple room for families. Rooms range from £20 – £30 per night. Well located in central Semporna town.
Reserve Ang Lee on Agoda OR Reserve Ang Lee on booking.com
Mabul Backpackers
If you want to stay on Mabul island (not too far from Sipadan) check out the Mabul Backpackers Hostel. This is the cheapest and best way to stay on the islands.
Reserve Mabul Backpackers on Agoda OR Reserve Mabul Backpackers on booking.com
ALSO don’t miss our FULL guide on THE BEST Mabul island resorts
Looking for more inspiration?
Don’t miss our guide on the best places to go snorkelling in Malaysia
