Kota Kinabalu : Snorkeling at Ara Dinawan Private Island

Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant city in Malaysian Borneo, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning Ara Dinawan Private Island. This snorkeling adventure promises an up-close encounter with the region’s diverse marine life, set against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and lush tropical scenery. Visitors can embark on a scenic speedboat ride, safety briefing, and an hour of snorkeling amidst the vibrant coral reefs, all while indulging in a delectable local lunch. With flexible payment options and free cancellation, this experience caters to adventure-seekers seeking an unforgettable day in Kota Kinabalu. But the true allure of this excursion lies in the opportunity to uncover the island’s hidden wonders and take in the captivating undersea world.

Key Points

• The snorkeling activity at Ara Dinawan Private Island is priced at €82.74 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The experience includes a 15-minute speedboat transfer, 1-hour snorkeling session, 1-hour lunch, and 2 hours of free time for activities.
• Highlights of the experience include crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and scenic boat rides with views of the pristine shoreline.
• The package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, jetty fee, return boat transfer, set lunch, and necessary snorkeling equipment.
• Customer reviews indicate mixed satisfaction, with some citing dissatisfying snorkeling experience and island conditions, while others praise the scenic boat ride and peaceful beach atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The snorkeling activity at Ara Dinawan Private Island offers visitors an opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty of this exclusive destination.

Priced at €82.74 per person, the experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

The activity is valid for 1 day, and customers can check availability for starting times.

With an emphasis on preserving the island’s pristine environment, this snorkeling adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with the underwater wonderland of Ara Dinawan.

Experience and Itinerary

Visitors exploring Ara Dinawan Private Island can look forward to an immersive snorkeling experience amidst the island’s crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. The itinerary includes a 15-minute speedboat transfer from Kota Kinabalu, an optional tea ceremony, and a 1-hour snorkeling session with a safety briefing. After a 1-hour lunch, guests can enjoy 2 hours of free time for sightseeing, swimming, and kayaking. The trip concludes with a 15-minute return speedboat transfer, with drop-off locations at Beringgis Riverside Seafood Restaurant and Kota Kinabalu.

Itinerary	Duration
Pickup from Kota Kinabalu City hotel	7:30 AM
Speedboat transfer	15 minutes
Optional tea ceremony	10 minutes
Snorkeling and safety briefing	1 hour
Lunch	1 hour
Free time for sightseeing, swimming, kayaking	2 hours
Return speedboat transfer	15 minutes
Drop-off locations	Beringgis Riverside Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights and Features

Ara Dinawan Private Island offers a captivating escape for those seeking an immersive snorkeling experience.

The island’s crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, making it an underwater wonderland. Visitors can embark on a scenic boat ride to the best snorkeling spots, ensuring they get to explore the marine life up close.

The island also boasts spectacular sunset views from its sandy shores, where guests can indulge in a delicious beach picnic lunch amidst the natural splendor.

With access to various water sports equipment, such as paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, guests can further enjoy the island’s tranquil beauty.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the snorkeling experience, the package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off via shared transportation, the jetty fee and return boat transfer, a set lunch and local high tea, as well as the necessary snorkeling equipment like life jackets, masks, and snorkels.

Guests also have access to additional facilities such as paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, floats, the clubhouse, sunbeds, and hammocks.

However, the package excludes personal expenses like souvenirs and travel insurance.

It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years old.

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Important Information

Guests should bring a change of clothes, camera, and cash for personal expenses, as the package excludes souvenirs and travel insurance.

Safety measures are in place, and refunds are available for cancellations due to unsafe conditions.

While the itinerary is generally followed, changes may occur due to weather or other factors.

A customer review noted a 2/5 rating, expressing dissatisfaction with the snorkeling experience and island conditions, but highlighted the peaceful beach atmosphere.

Pregnant women, babies under 1 year, and individuals over 95 years aren’t recommended to participate in this activity.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on the Ara Dinawan Private Island snorkeling experience has been mixed. While some visitors praised the scenic boat ride and peaceful beach atmosphere, others expressed dissatisfaction with the overall snorkeling experience and island conditions.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Scenic boat ride	Dissatisfying snorkeling experience
Peaceful beach atmosphere	Unsatisfactory island conditions
–	Crowded and overpriced
–	Lack of marine life diversity
–	Poor snorkeling equipment and guidance

The 2 out of 5 rating reflects the range of customer experiences, with some highlighting the natural beauty of the location, while others felt the excursion did not meet their expectations.

Scenic Boat Ride

The scenic boat ride to Ara Dinawan Private Island transports visitors across the crystal-clear waters of the Sulu Sea.

The 15-minute speedboat journey offers a breathtaking glimpse of the island’s pristine shoreline and lush vegetation. As the boat glides across the waves, guests can gaze in awe at the vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish beneath the surface.

The scenic ride sets the stage for the day’s snorkeling adventure, whetting visitors’ appetites for the underwater wonders that await them on the private island.

This scenic voyage is a crucial part of the Ara Dinawan experience, seamlessly connecting travelers to the remote island paradise.

Delicious Beach Picnic

After the exhilarating speedboat ride, visitors can look forward to a delicious beach picnic amidst Ara Dinawan’s natural splendor. The set lunch features a variety of local delicacies, perfectly complementing the island’s serene atmosphere.

Course	Item
Main	Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)
	Grilled Seafood Skewers
Side	Vegetable Salad
	Tropical Fruit Platter
Beverage	Chilled Coconut Water

Guests can savor the flavorful dishes while enjoying the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and lush greenery surrounding the private island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for the Snorkeling Activity?

The snorkeling activity has an age limit, as it’s not suitable for people over 95 years old or babies under 1 year. However, there’s no specific minimum age mentioned, so the activity may be appropriate for children as long as they can swim.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Customers can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but it’s not required. The tour provides all necessary gear, including life jackets, masks, and snorkels. This helps ensure proper fit and safety for the snorkeling activity.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Participants?

The tour doesn’t mention any restrictions on the number of participants. However, it’s likely there are limited spots available, so it’s best to book early to secure your desired date and time.

Can I Request a Special Dietary Meal for the Lunch?

Yes, you can request a special dietary meal for the lunch. The tour provider offers this option and will accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions upon request.

Is There a Locker or Storage Facility Available at the Island?

Yes, the private island provides lockers and storage facilities for guests to securely store their belongings during the day’s activities. Visitors can leave their valuables in the lockers provided at the island’s facilities.

Recap

Ara Dinawan Private Island in Kota Kinabalu offers an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. The 15-minute speedboat ride, vibrant coral reefs, and delicious local lunch make this the perfect getaway for adventure seekers. With flexible booking options and glowing customer reviews, it’s an opportunity to explore crystal-clear waters and soak in the tranquil island atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here: