Semporna marine-park day trip: permits, boat planning and responsible preparation

Use this preparation guide if you are considering a Semporna island or marine-park day trip. It does not confirm that a boat, island, trail, dive site, permit, fee or transfer will be available on your date.

Check the Tun Sakaran Marine Park visitor page before committing to a trip. Sabah Parks says access, visiting hours, activities and fees can vary by facility, activity and weather. For Tun Sakaran, Sabah Tourism says visitors need a Sabah Parks permit before visiting; treat an operator's itinerary as a separate confirmation, not a substitute for park access approval.

Sabah Tourism's transport guidance identifies Semporna Public Jetty and Seafest Jetty as booking points for island and diving trips. Some island resorts use their own jetties and do not accept walk-ins. Confirm your exact departure point, boat operator, return arrangement and whether a permit or resort transfer must be arranged in advance. Use a licensed operator and keep the contact route available on your phone.

• For Bohey Dulang, Sabah Tourism describes an uphill hike and says covered footwear is required; recheck the current entry and trail arrangement.
• For snorkelling or diving, bring only equipment appropriate to the booked activity and follow the operator, park staff and safety briefing.
• Do not assume a published fee applies to every visitor or activity. Reopen the Sabah Parks page for the current category and confirm it directly before paying or travelling.

Check current weather and sea conditions close to departure, keep a charged phone and avoid relying on an old timetable or social-media post. If conditions, access or instructions change, follow the park or operator's current direction rather than attempting to reach an island independently.

• Keep your permit, booking and boat-return details together.
• Use the latest official notice for access, fees and weather-sensitive changes.
• Stay in public-use areas and do not remove or disturb coral, wildlife, plants or other natural material; Sabah Parks' visitor rules explain that protected resources and areas have restrictions.
• Recheck the plan for children, non-swimmers, medication, mobility needs and any change to the departure weather.

This is a planning guide, not marine-safety, medical or emergency-dispatch advice. Current instructions from Sabah Parks, the licensed operator and on-site staff take priority.