If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island escapes, the Semporna: Explore 3 Islands Tour might just be your ticket. This full-day adventure takes you to three of Sabah’s most beautiful islands—Timba-timba, Mataking, and Pandanan—where you can snorkel, dive, and relax in some of the region’s clearest waters. While not perfect, it offers a genuine taste of Malaysia’s rich marine environment and island life, especially if you’re eager to experience multiple spots in a single day.
Two things we really like about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who help beginners feel comfortable with snorkeling and diving, and the stunning views of coral reefs and marine creatures you’ll encounter. On the downside, some travelers mention that timing can feel a bit rushed, especially at Timba-timba Island, and waiting around for dives or snorkeling groups can cut into your exploration time.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one day trip that covers several islands and includes equipment, guides, and a local lunch. It’s ideal for those who aren’t necessarily certified divers but want to get a glimpse of Sabah’s underwater world, or for anyone eager to spend a relaxed day on tropical beaches with plenty of underwater sights.
Key Points
- All-In-One Experience: Combines island hopping, snorkeling, diving, and local cuisine in one day.
- Experienced Guides: Multilingual instructors who help first-timers and non-swimmers feel at ease.
- Stunning Marine Life: Expect to see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles—though sightings are not guaranteed.
- Suitable for Beginners: No certification needed; shallow waters mean safe, accessible snorkeling and introductory dives.
- Time Management: The itinerary packs a lot in, but some reviews mention long waits or feeling rushed at stops.
- Value for Money: For around $53, you get equipment, guided assistance, lunch, and multiple stops—making it a fair deal for an island day trip.
In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Semporna.
Starting Point and Transportation
The adventure kicks off at Semporna’s Jetty Pelancung, where the crew meets you for registration and a quick briefing. The tour’s logistics are straightforward—you’re on a speedboat for most of the day, traveling between the islands with comfort and speed. The boat rides are generally about 15 to 80 minutes, depending on the destination, so be prepared for some cruising.
The First Stop: Timba Timba Island
Your first island stop is Timba Timba, roughly a 35-minute boat ride away. This island is the most sheltered of the three, with tranquil seas perfect for a gentle introduction to the water. Here, you’ll get a chance for a photo break, explore the beach, and perhaps enjoy some free time.
One review notes, “Timba Timba, but the stop there would have deserved to be longer,” which rings true. The limited time might leave some feeling they didn’t get enough beach or snorkeling time on this initial stop, especially since it’s such a scenic and peaceful spot.
Snorkeling and Diving at Timba Timba
Next, you’ll participate in guided snorkeling or beginner diving sessions, with instructions provided beforehand. The guides are multilingual and help everyone feel confident, even if it’s your first time. The shallow waters, with an average depth of 2.5 meters (max 6 meters), are perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.
One traveler mentioned that “we weren’t allowed to swim in the places we were waiting for the divers to finish,” which highlights the importance of managing expectations—some areas can feel a bit crowded or restrictive when multiple activities happen simultaneously.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Second Stop: Mataking Island
After a 15-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at Mataking, another island packed with vibrant marine life and coral reefs. This is often the highlight for snorkelers and divers. You’ll have around 40 minutes for activities, enough to explore the reefs teeming with tropical fish and marine creatures, including turtles if luck is on your side.
A reviewer shared, “Some amazing snorkel locations with so many fish (and turtles!) to see and beautiful corals,” confirming that this stop offers genuine underwater spectacle. You can also choose to relax on the beach or take more photos of the stunning scenery.
The Final Island: Pandanan Bay
Your last stop is Pandanan Bay, about 75 minutes back by boat. This remote spot offers another chance to snorkel or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. The sea conditions here are more weather-dependent, and the review mentions that “depending on sea currents and weather,” the length of your leisure time may vary.
This last stop is often noted for its tranquility and pristine waters, perfect for a relaxed swim or just soaking up the sun. It’s a fitting end to the day, offering a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find in busy tourist spots.
Lunch and Relaxation
Midday, you’ll enjoy a locally sourced, homemade lunch on the boat or at a designated area—an appreciated touch that adds authentic flavor to the day. The meal helps you recharge before the final activities and is included in the cost, making it good value.
Return Journey
After a final 75-minute boat ride, you’ll head back to Semporna’s jetty, completing your island-hopping adventure. The closing part of the day is often a time to reflect on the day’s highlights and share photos with fellow travelers.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour’s price of $53 per person covers equipment for snorkeling and diving, guides, life jackets, lunch, dock and jetty fees, and taxes—making it a competitive deal for this type of experience.
What’s Included:
- Two DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) sessions (each 20 minutes), if you opt for diving
- Full snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel)
- Guided assistance in English, Chinese, or Malay
- Local lunch and bottled water
- All fees and taxes
What’s Not:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Semporna)
- Conservation and entry fees for Timba Timba (10 MYR) and Mataking (15 MYR), paid cash
- Wetsuits or swimsuits (though rentals are available)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, etc.
The Balance of Experience and Practicalities
While the tour offers a well-organized way to see multiple islands in a day, some travelers note long waits and limited time at each stop. As one review pointed out, “most of the day was spent sitting on the boat waiting for divers to finish,” which can feel frustrating if your main goal is snorkeling or relaxing on the beach.
The itinerary is quite packed, with several stops that include brief visits, free time, and activities. The boat rides add adventure but also mean you should be comfortable on water and prepared for potentially choppy seas.
Pricing is fair considering the inclusions, but the extra fees for conservation entry are cash-only and should be budgeted in advance. The absence of hotel transfers might be inconvenient for some, so planning your transport to Semporna is essential.
Is This Tour Right for You?
This trip is best suited for travelers who want to maximize island visits in a single day without the fuss of organizing their own transportation or gear. It’s especially good for beginners or those without diving certification who want to dip their toes into the underwater world, guided by friendly professionals.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic day with opportunities to snorkel, see marine life, and enjoy Malaysian cuisine, this is a solid choice. However, if you crave more time on each island or dislike boat rides, it might feel a little rushed.
The experience favors the natural beauty of Sabah’s waters and the expertise of guides, making it a worthwhile adventure for those eager to explore these stunning islands.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour offers a practical introduction to Sabah’s marine environment for travelers who want to see multiple islands in one day, with a focus on snorkeling and beginner diving. It’s a good value, especially with gear, lunch, and guides included, making it ideal for budget-minded travelers or those new to snorkeling and diving.
While it may not satisfy those seeking a leisurely, long experience at each location, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to combine adventure with authentic local cuisine and scenic boat rides. If you’re eager to visit some of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands, enjoy guided assistance, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour will give you plenty of memorable moments.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You will need to arrange your own transportation to Semporna’s jetty.
Are snorkeling and diving equipment provided?
Yes, the tour provides masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits (if you rent), and diving gear including BCDs, regulators, and tanks for divers.
Do I need a diving certification?
No, you don’t need a certification. For the DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) sessions, no advanced license is required, and guides will assist you.
Can non-swimmers join?
Absolutely. The shallow waters and guided assistance make it accessible for those who are not confident swimmers.
How long are the boat rides?
Boat rides range from about 15 minutes up to 80 minutes, depending on the stop, so be prepared for some time on the water.
Are the islands crowded?
Timba Timba can be busy, especially with groups and other water activities. The last two islands tend to be more secluded but depend on weather and sea conditions.
What should I bring?
Bring waterproof bags, cash for entry fees, a change of clothes, passport or copies, motion sickness prevention if needed, and your wetsuit if you own one.
This semi-structured, island-hopping adventure offers a well-rounded experience of Sabah’s marine beauty, perfect for those who want a guided, all-in-one day trip with authentic local touches.
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