Semporna, Sabah
⛰️ Bohey Dulang Island
The Majestic Volcanic Crater & Legendary Hike
Bohey Dulang is more than just an island—it is the dramatic rim of an ancient, extinct volcano. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions followed by collapse allowed the ocean to flood the crater, forming the island’s striking blue lagoon.
Today, Bohey Dulang stands as an iconic symbol of Semporna. It is renowned for its steep hiking trail to the 353-meter summit, where hikers are rewarded with a panoramic viewpoint often regarded as the “Best View in Malaysia.” From the top, layers of turquoise, emerald, and deep blue water shimmer within the volcanic crater, making the challenging climb entirely worthwhile.
Join TDB Semporna to explore Bohey Dulang Island through guided hiking, snorkeling, and diving — carefully planned
for safety, comfort, and unforgettable panoramic views.
📍 Location & Accessibility
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Distance from Semporna: Approximately 35–45 minutes by speedboat.
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Location: Situated within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, which consists of eight islands.
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Topography: A mountainous rainforest island surrounded by a fringing reef.
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Activity Mix: Approximately 40% Bohey Dulang hiking and 60% snorkeling and diving.
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Water Color: Distinctive emerald green to turquoise hues, reflecting nutrient-rich waters.
🧭 Why TDB Semporna Visits Bohey Dulang
We recommend this island for travelers who want variety. It is the only trip in our itinerary that combines physical activity on land with underwater exploration.
- The Iconic Panorama: The 600m hike to the summit offers the famous Bohey Dulang View — widely regarded as one of the most stunning landscapes in Sabah.
- The “Jurassic Park” Vibe: Towering jungle-covered cliffs create a dramatic, prehistoric atmosphere that feels like a lost world.
- Biodiversity: Home to the Marine Research Unit, with a strong focus on the conservation and breeding of endangered Giant Clams.
📅 Best Time to Dive Bohey Dulang Island
Timing is more critical at Bohey Dulang than at other islands due to the hiking component.
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April to September (Dry Season): This is the ideal period for Bohey Dulang hiking. The trail can become slippery when wet, and park rangers may close it during rain. Dry season conditions increase the likelihood of an
open trail and clear visibility at the Bohey Dulang View. -
Mid-Morning: Hikes are typically scheduled in the morning before the
afternoon heat peaks, followed by Bohey Dulang diving in the afternoon
to cool down and relax.
🐠 Marine Life & Underwater Highlights
The diving experience here is unique, as it takes place within a protected volcanic lagoon.
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Giant Clams: This is one of the best locations in Semporna to observe massive giant clams (Tridacna gigas) in the wild and near the conservation hatchery. Some specimens exceed one meter in width.
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Critters: The sandy, silty seabed provides ideal conditions for spotting crocodile fish, scorpionfish, and blue-spotted rays.
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Turtles: Although less common than at Pom Pom Island, green turtles are occasionally encountered along the outer reefs.
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Coral Gardens: Nearby islands such as Mantabuan and
Sibuan, often visited on the same trip, feature pristine soft coral gardens and large schools of fusiliers.
🤿 Diving Conditions at Bohey Dulang Island
Bohey Dulang diving is generally relaxed and well sheltered within the crater lagoon:
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Topography: Sloping reefs and sandy bottoms contained inside the volcanic lagoon.
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Depth: Most dives remain shallow, typically between 10 and 20 meters.
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Currents: Mild to moderate, with stronger flow occasionally encountered near channel openings.
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Visibility: Variable at around 10–15 meters. The nutrient-rich water supports abundant clams
and coral growth, though visibility is usually less “crystal clear” than at sites such as Sipadan.
🥾 Bohey Dulang Hiking
The Bohey Dulang Hiking experience is strictly regulated by Sabah Parks. Here is what you need to know before you go:
- Trail Height: 600 meters to the peak.
- Duration: 30–45 minutes (one way).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Steep. This is not a casual walk; the trail includes dirt paths and wooden stairs.
- Footwear Rule: Fully covered shoes are compulsory.
Flip-flops, sandals, and high heels are strictly prohibited. If you do not have sneakers, rubber shoes
(commonly known as “Adidas Kampung”) can be rented at the jetty for approximately RM5–RM10. - Opening Hours: The trail opens at 8:00 AM and last entry is usually at 2:00 PM.
- Weather Policy: For safety reasons, park rangers will close the trail immediately if it rains,
as the dirt path becomes slippery and hazardous. - Guide Requirement: Solo hiking is not allowed. All hikers must be accompanied by a guide or ranger (arranged by TDB).
🎓 Courses & Experience Level at Bohey Dulang
This location is a popular spot for surface intervals and specific training activities.
- Snorkeling: Shallow reefs around the jetty and nearby Mantabuan Island feature vibrant colors just below the surface, making them ideal for non-divers.
- PADI Open Water Diver: The calm, shallow sandbanks at nearby Sibuan Island serve as our preferred “natural swimming pool” for conducting confined water skill training.
- The Hike: Moderate in difficulty, with a 30–45 minute uphill trek along dirt and timber paths. Fully covered footwear is highly recommended.
✅ Summary: Is Bohey Dulang Island Worth Diving?
✅ The #1 Best View in Semporna (Hiking)
✅ See Endangered Giant Clams in the Wild
✅ Unique Volcanic Scenery & Jungle Trek
✅ Combine Hiking and Snorkeling in One Day
If you want a break from “just diving” and would like to experience the spectacular geography of Semporna from above, Bohey Dulang Island is a must-visit destination. Most TDB trips to this area are operated as a Three Island Hop (Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, and Sibuan), offering an ideal mix of hiking, snorkeling, and island exploration in a single day.
🌍 Famous Dive Sites at Bohey Dulang Island
You do not need a specialized Sipadan permit, but a valid Sabah Parks entrance fee and a climbing permit are required. When you book with TDB Semporna, these fees, along with the mandatory hiking guide, are typically arranged as part of your package for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
The island jetty and snorkeling areas are safe and suitable for families. However, the Bohey Dulang hiking trail is steep and may not be suitable for young children (under 6) or elderly guests with knee issues. Guests who prefer not to hike can relax at the jetty or enjoy snorkeling while others in the group complete the hike.
Yes, the Giant Clam Hatchery is located in shallow water near the jetty, allowing snorkelers to easily float above the cages and observe the massive clams. Scuba divers, however, enjoy a closer perspective, revealing the stunning iridescent colors of the clam mantles up close.
Bohey Dulang diving is a relaxed and shallow experience conducted inside a protected volcanic lagoon, with no strong currents or deep walls like those found at Sipadan. The focus here is on unique macro marine life, the Giant Clam Hatchery, and healthy coral gardens, rather than large pelagic species.
Absolutely. The Bohey Dulang viewpoint is the most iconic image of Semporna for good reason, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the multi-colored crater lagoon from the summit. It is widely regarded as the most Instagrammable spot in the entire Sabah region.
Safety is always the priority. In the event of rain, park rangers will close the hiking trail immediately as the dirt path becomes slippery and unsafe. If this happens, TDB Semporna will adjust the itinerary to focus on Bohey Dulang diving or switch to snorkeling activities at nearby Mantabuan or Sibuan Islands to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Yes, this is our standard itinerary. The hike is scheduled first, typically around 9:00 AM, to avoid the midday heat. After enjoying the Bohey Dulang viewpoint, guests descend and take a surface interval before proceeding to the diving or snorkeling sites. As the maximum altitude is only 300 meters, it does not pose a decompression risk before diving.
The Bohey Dulang hiking trail is rated as moderate, featuring a 600-meter ascent that typically takes 30–45 minutes. The route includes dirt paths and wooden stairs, and while no athletic training is required, a basic level of fitness is recommended. As the trail can be steep and humid, guests are advised to take their time and bring sufficient water.
Sabah Parks enforces a strict safety policy: no open-toed footwear is allowed on the trail. Guests must wear fully covered sneakers or hiking shoes; flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are strictly prohibited. If suitable footwear is forgotten, rubber “Adidas Kampung” shoes can be rented at the jetty for a small fee (approximately RM5–RM10).
The Bohey Dulang hiking trail is rated moderate, featuring a 600-meter ascent that typically takes 30–45 minutes. The route includes dirt paths and wooden stairs. While no athletic training is required, a basic level of fitness is recommended. As the trail can be steep and humid, guests are advised to pace themselves and bring sufficient water.
