Bohey Dulang at a glance
Bohey Dulang is one of the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a protected area off Semporna. It sits next to Bodgaya, and the two are the best-known stop on a marine park day. The main reason to land here is the forest and volcanic trail to a viewpoint above the lagoon, which is the view shown at the top of this page.
The park lists Bodgaya, Bohey Dulang, Tetagan, Sebangkat, Selakan, Maiga, Sibuan and Mantabuan as its islands. Mabul, Mataking, Kapalai, Pom Pom and Timba Timba are not on that list, and Sipadan has its own park and its own fee table. Do not mix up the fees of the two parks.
The viewpoint hike
What the trail is, and what you need before you start.
The trail
Sabah Parks describes the walk as a forest and volcanic trail and gives about 1 hour for the ascent. That is the climb only. It is not the length of a boat tour, which also includes the crossing, the descent, a snorkeling stop and a meal. The island is steep and the path is a hike, not a promenade.
Permit and guide
The hiking permit is charged in addition to the park fee. The park table also lists a guide at RM 50 per ascent for a group of 6 people. Most day tours arrange this for you, so ask your operator whether the permit and guide are already in the price.
What is not fixed
Opening and closing times, the last ascent and any footwear rule depend on the park and your operator. Ask your operator for the start time on the day, and wear shoes with grip and bring water. Start early if you want a calmer trail and softer light.
Giant clam nursery
Older write-ups describe a giant clam nursery near Bohey Dulang. Visitor access to display tanks and research rooms is not guaranteed, so do not plan the day around it. If it is open on your day, treat it as a bonus.
Safety first
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive areas off eastern Sabah between Sandakan and Tawau (changed 19 March 2026). The German Federal Foreign Office (as of 21 October 2026) advises strongly against non-essential travel to the islands and dive areas between Terusan and Tawau. The US State Department (22 February 2026) rates the islands and waters of east Sabah Level 2.
Read the details on the Semporna safety page, check your own government's advice and your travel insurance before you book.
Our picks: Bohey Dulang
A day trip with the hike and a two-day snorkeling trip around the Tun Sakaran islands.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day snorkeling trip around the Tun Sakaran islands
Snorkeling gear, a guide, the tourism jetty fee and lunch are included. The Bohey hiking fee is paid on top.
Check availability →
Bohey Dulang day trip: hike, snorkel or try diving
An instructor, gear, life jacket, water, lunchbox and port fees are included, with two snorkel stops or two 20-minute intro dives depending on the option. Marine park entry, the Bohey hiking permit and any extra dive fee are paid on top.
Check availability →Tun Sakaran day tours from Semporna
Snorkeling days, island hopping and boat trips that include the marine park, with live prices and availability.
Fees listed by Sabah Parks
Per person, in Malaysian ringgit, as published for the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in 2026.
| Fee | Malaysian, 18 and over | Malaysian, up to 17 | International, 18 and over | International, up to 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee per day | RM 8 | RM 5 | RM 20 | RM 12 |
| Hiking permit, Bohey Dulang | RM 20 | RM 10 | RM 50 | RM 30 |
| Scuba fee, listed separately | RM 100 | – | RM 150 | – |
A footnote exempts Malaysians up to 12, Malaysians from 60 and people with disabilities from the conservation fee and the hiking permit. No matching exemption is listed for international visitors. The park table does not state the unit of the scuba fee. Fees can change, so confirm the current amounts with your operator or Sabah Parks. Many tours include the fees in the price, but not all do.
Getting there and combining stops
Boats to the park leave from Semporna. Sabah Parks gives about 1 hour from Kg. Bangau-bangau. Route, boat and sea state change that, and no fixed timetable exists. Bohey Dulang is the documented hiking stop, usually paired with the reefs at Mantabuan and Sibuan for snorkeling. Snorkelers in the park must be reported to the park administration, which your operator normally handles.
As a price example, one operator listed a Tun Sakaran snorkeling day with the hike at RM 270 in October 2026, and a snorkeling day outside the marine parks at RM 220. Equipment, guide, lunch and fees were included in those examples. That is one operator and no promise that the price holds to the end of the year.
The park mentions a chalet for 6 people in its complex. Ask the park office before you count on it. Most visitors treat the island as a day trip. For comparison of other day routes, see island hopping from Semporna and the tours overview.
Respect the park and the people
The park is a protected marine area, and people live in and around its waters.
Protect the reef
Do not stand on corals, do not touch or feed animals and take your trash back to the boat. Use sunscreen sparingly, and ask your operator if a reef-safe product is required.
Stilt houses are homes
Wooden houses on stilts in the water, like the one near Bohey Dulang, belong to families. Do not step onto a jetty or a boat without being invited, and ask before you photograph people. Read more about the community on the Bajau Laut page.
Weather and sea
Wind and swell decide whether boats go out. Read about the seasons on the weather page.
Bohey Dulang: frequently asked questions
How long does the Bohey Dulang hike take?
Sabah Parks gives about 1 hour for the ascent on the forest and volcanic trail. The descent, the boat crossing and other stops come on top, so plan for most of a day.
Do I need a permit for Bohey Dulang?
Yes, a hiking permit is charged in addition to the park fee. For an international adult it is RM 50 in 2026, and RM 30 up to age 17. Tour operators often include it, so check what your tour price covers.
Is Bohey Dulang part of Sipadan?
No. Bohey Dulang belongs to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Sipadan is a separate park with its own permit system and fees.
Can I stay overnight on Bohey Dulang?
Most visitors come for the day from Semporna. Sabah Parks mentions a chalet for 6 people in its park complex, so ask the park office whether it can be booked before you plan around it.
Is the giant clam nursery open to visitors?
Access is not guaranteed. Older descriptions mention display tanks and research rooms that may not be open, so do not rely on it when you choose a tour.
Is it safe to go to the islands off Semporna?
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive areas off eastern Sabah (changed 19 March 2026), and the German and US governments also publish warnings. See the safety page and check your insurance.