If you've ever scrolled past a photo of a turquoise lagoon tucked inside a jungle-covered crater and wondered where on earth that is, chances are it was Bohey Dulang. Sitting quietly within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park off Semporna, Sabah, this little volcanic island punches well above its weight. A short, sweaty hike rewards you with one of the most photographed views in Malaysian Borneo.

Unlike its more famous diving neighbours Sipadan and Mabul, Bohey Dulang isn't about what's underwater (though the snorkelling is lovely too). It's about that view from the top: a horseshoe-shaped lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs, with speedboats looking like toys far below. 

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Bohey Dulang sits in the Celebes Sea, just off the coast of Semporna town in eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It's the second-largest island within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a protected archipelago that also includes Bodgaya, Selakan, Mantabuan, and Sibuan.

The island itself is essentially the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater, which is exactly why it has that dramatic lagoon in the middle. Historically, it hosted a pearl-cultivation station, hence the "Pearl Island" nickname you'll sometimes see it called, and was long uninhabited apart from a small Sabah Parks ranger post. 

A quick rundown of what makes Bohey Dulang worth the trip:

This is the main event and the reason most people make the trip in the first place. The steep but relatively short trail leads you up to a lookout point roughly 353 metres above sea level, opening up into sweeping views over the crater lagoon and the wider stretch of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park beyond. 

Formed inside the collapsed rim of what was once an active volcano, this calm, jade-green lagoon is the single most photographed feature on the island. Seeing it laid out beneath you from the viewpoint is genuinely worth every drop of sweat from the climb. 

Bohey Dulang has a surprisingly long history tied to pearl cultivation. While its native name actually translates to "pool of water on a tray," remnants of its 1960s pearl-farming trade linger today, which is exactly why it is affectionately nicknamed "Pearl Island" by travelers 

The shallow, sheltered waters that wrap around the base of the island make for an easy, low-effort snorkel either before you start the hike or once you've climbed back down and want to cool off. 

Keen-eyed hikers who slow down and stay quiet along the forested trail are often rewarded with sightings of hornbills and other native forest birds moving through the canopy overhead. This thing makes the walk up feel like more than just a means to an end. 

Getting here isn't complicated, but it does involve a few legs. Most travellers fly into Kota Kinabalu first, then connect onward.

From Kota Kinabalu, take a short domestic flight to Tawau (around an hour). From Tawau Airport, it's a further 1.5 to 2 hours by van or taxi to reach Semporna town. Once in Semporna, you'll join an island-hopping boat tour departing from the town jetty. Most operators run from Seafest Jetty, right beside Seafest Hotel. 

There's no way to visit Bohey Dulang independently. You need a Sabah Parks-registered guide and permit, so booking through a licensed tour operator in Semporna (or in advance online) is the way to go. Most full-day tours combine the Bohey Dulang hike with stops at Mantabuan and Sibuan islands for snorkelling and beach time, making for a well-rounded day out. 

You'll also need to sort out permits before hiking. As of 2026, the Sabah Parks hiking permit costs RM 20 for Malaysians and RM 50 for non-Malaysians, plus a marine park conservation fee of RM 8 for Malaysians and RM 20 for non-Malaysians. 

Most island-hopping packages from Semporna already bundle the permit and guide fee into the price, so double-check with your operator before assuming you need to pay separately.

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Semporna has a tropical climate year-round, but conditions do shift with the seasons. The best visibility and calmest seas run from April to September, with peak conditions typically in April and May. 

The monsoon season, roughly November to February, brings rougher seas and reduced visibility, and a handful of tours may be cancelled or scaled back during the worst weeks. 

If you're set on diving at Sipadan as well, book early. Daily diving permits there are capped at 120 and demand is highest from April to September, so 3–6 months' advance booking is recommended for peak season. The hiking slots at Bohey Dulang are similarly limited to protect the trail and lagoon, so don't leave your booking to the last minute either.

Beyond the headline hike, here's how to make the most of your visit:

Aim for the first available slot to beat the heat and the crowds. The climb takes about 30–45 minutes each way.

You can enjoy excellent snorkeling right near the island's jetty while your boat is anchored. Just note that operators will require you to complete the hike first. Sabah Parks strictly bans wet clothing or damp shoes on the trail to prevent slipping. 

Most tours pair Bohey Dulang with these two islands, giving you a full day of hiking, snorkelling, and sandbank lounging.

There is only one resort on the island. If you prefer to stay in Semporna town or on nearby resort islands and join the hike as a day trip, here are the options across different budgets. 

Pearl Island Resort is the premier luxury choice and the first-ever accommodation built directly on the island. This ultra-exclusive, eco-conscious sanctuary features spectacular overwater bungalows perched above the ancient volcanic crater lagoon, offering private access to the island's house reef and guided sunrise treks. Room rates typically run from around RM 3,850+ per night. 

Sea Star Resort Semporna is a 3 to 4-star water villa resort about five minutes' drive from Semporna town, with sea-facing balconies and full-board dining packages. It's a nice middle ground between the town hotels and the far-flung dive resorts. Nightly rates are typically around RM 1,170. 

Semporna's newest 5-star property, just a short stroll from the jetty most Bohey Dulang tours depart from. When you stay in Seafest Regency, expect a heated outdoor pool, an executive lounge, and a proper breakfast. Room rates typically run from around RM 663 to RM 840+ per night. 

A reliable budget-to-mid-range choice within a 10–15 minute walk of the jetty, with free breakfast and a rooftop café. Green World Hotel Semporna rooms are basic but clean, making it a favourite with backpackers and independent travellers. Expect rates from roughly RM 194 to RM 200+ per night.  

Read More: Bum Bum Island: The Neighbour Every Semporna Trip Overlooks

You won't find restaurants on Bohey Dulang itself, so pack a snack for the boat and save your appetite for Semporna town, which more than makes up for it:

1. Fresh seafood stalls along the seafront. Grilled fish, prawns, and squid bought straight off the boats.

2. Butter tiger prawns and typhoon shelter crab. Two local specialities worth seeking out, cheap and always fresh. 

3. Floating restaurants near the jetty. A mix of Chinese and Malay seafood dishes with water views.

4. Local kopitiams (coffee shops) for breakfast before an early boat departure.

5. Night market stalls for cheap, fast Malaysian street food if you're in town after dark.

One full day is enough to tick Bohey Dulang off your list, but most people combine it with at least one more day for diving or general Semporna exploring.

Day 1 – Arrive and settle in

Fly into Tawau, transfer to Semporna, check into your hotel, and spend the evening wandering the seafront and grabbing a seafood dinner.

Day 2 – Tun Sakaran Marine Park day trip

Early boat departure to Bohey Dulang for the hike and viewpoint, then on to Mantabuan for snorkelling and Sibuan Island for a beach break, before heading back to Semporna by late afternoon.

Day 3 (optional) – Sipadan or Mabul

If diving is on your list, use this day for a dive trip or a more relaxed snorkel session before departing.

1. Book your permit slot ahead of time. Hiking numbers are capped daily to protect the trail, so don't assume you can just turn up.

2. Bring cash in small notes. There are no ATMs or card machines on the island.

3. Wear closed, grippy shoes. The trail is rocky in places, and sandals won't cut it.

4. Pack reef-safe sunscreen. You'll be in and around the marine park's protected waters.

5. Check Malaysia's digital arrival requirements. Before you fly, entry procedures can be updated year to year.

6. Expect a 10% tourism tax on hotel stays in Semporna if you're a foreign visitor. It's usually collected at check-in.

7. Go early in the day. Both for cooler hiking conditions and calmer boat crossings.

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