Semporna, a captivating destination in Malaysia, is home to the breathtaking Mataking Island. Visitors can now experience the island’s natural wonders through the Mataking Island Hopping With Snorkel Shared Tour. Priced at $63.41 per person, this full-day excursion takes adventurers to pristine islands like Timba Timba and Pom Pom, offering ample opportunities to snorkel and witness the vibrant marine life. With included amenities such as boat transfers and professional guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Semporna’s tropical paradise. As you explore the details, you’ll discover why this shared tour is a must-consider for your next Sempornean adventure.
Key Points
- This full-day island hopping tour offers snorkeling opportunities around Timba Timba Island, Pom Pom Island Resort, and Mataking Island near Semporna.
- The tour is priced at $63.41 per person and includes jetty fees, boat transfers, lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, and a guide.
- Highlights of the tour include witnessing diverse marine life, walking between islands during low tide, and participating in turtle conservation efforts.
- The tour is not suitable for certain groups, such as pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1, and people over 70, due to safety concerns.
- Travelers are advised to bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Tour Overview
The Semporna: Mataking Island Hopping with Snorkel Shared Tour offers a full-day excursion, priced from $63.41 per person.
The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and features a reserve now, pay later option. Lasting one day, the tour departs from Semporna and includes visits to Timba Timba Island, Pom Pom Island Resort, and Mataking Island, with opportunities to see diverse marine life, go snorkeling, and relax on beautiful beaches.
The tour package covers jetty fees, boat transfers, lunch, drinking water, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a friendly guide.
Excluded are flight tickets, visas, and personal expenses. The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, and participants are advised to bring appropriate attire and gear.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sabah.
Detailed Itinerary
According to the itinerary, the tour begins at 8:00 AM with a meeting at the Infinity Scuba Dive Centre in Semporna.
Participants then depart for Timba Timba Island, arriving at 9:30 AM for 2 hours of sightseeing.
Next, they’ll head to Pom Pom Island Resort, where they’ll have lunch and go snorkeling for 1 hour.
After some free time, the group will travel to Mataking Island for another 1-hour snorkeling session.
Highlights of the Tour
Diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs make this tour an ideal choice for divers, offering a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
The tour also includes the chance to walk between islands during low tide, providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
Visitors can get involved in turtle conservation efforts, learning about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
The tour culminates with time to relax and unwind on the beautiful white sandy beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun or simply taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Included and Excluded Features
The tour includes a variety of features to enhance the experience. Travelers will enjoy jetty fees, boat transfers, a lunch box, drinking water, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a friendly guide. Life jackets are also provided for safety. However, flights, visas, and personal expenses are excluded from the package.
| Includes | Excludes |
|---|---|
| Jetty fees | Flight ticket |
| Boat transfer | Visa |
| Lunch box | Self expenses |
| Drinking water | |
| Towel | |
| Snorkeling equipment | |
| Friendly guide | |
| Life jacket |
The tour caters to a wide range of travelers, though it is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1, or people over 70 years old.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySuitability and Restrictions
This tour isn’t suitable for certain groups of travelers.
Pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, and people over 70 years old aren’t allowed to participate. Participants should be able to climb in and out of boats and navigate uneven terrain.
Alcohol and drugs are also prohibited during the tour.
Travelers should come prepared with the necessary items, including sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, sandals, sunscreen, and waterproof cameras.
The tour operator emphasizes the importance of following these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Recommended Essentials
For a smooth and enjoyable island hopping experience, travelers should ensure they have the necessary essentials. These include sun protection like sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen; beachwear such as swimwear and towel; and practical items like sandals, change of clothes, and a waterproof bag. Plus, bringing a waterproof camera, quick-dry clothing, and toiletries can enhance the overall experience. It’s also important to avoid bringing alcohol and drugs, as they are not allowed. By packing the right gear, travelers can make the most of their Mataking Island hopping adventure.
| Essential Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sunglasses | Protect eyes from glare |
| Sun hat | Provide shade and protection |
| Sunscreen | Prevent sunburn |
| Swimwear | Comfortable for water activities |
| Towel | Dry off after snorkeling and swimming |
Important Policies
Alongside the essential items to pack, travelers should familiarize themselves with the important policies governing this Mataking Island hopping tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years old. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.
Travelers are advised to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour operator offers a flexible booking policy, allowing guests to reserve their spot and pay later.
Customer Feedback
Echoing the mixed experiences noted in the limited customer review, the tour’s overall rating of 1/5 based on a single review suggests room for significant improvements.
While the tour boasts diverse marine life, stunning coral reefs, and unique opportunities to explore the islands, the feedback indicates that the overall experience may not have met traveler expectations.
Further insights from a broader range of customer reviews would be helpful in identifying specific areas for enhancement, whether related to the tour’s organization, guide services, or amenities provided.
Addressing these concerns could help elevate the tour’s appeal and ensure a more consistently satisfactory experience for future participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?
The tour seems suitable for solo travelers as it includes a shared experience, with transportation and activities provided. However, the potential exclusions, such as flights and visas, may require additional planning for solo travelers.
Yes, you can typically request a private tour instead of a shared tour. Private tours often provide more flexibility, personalized attention, and a more exclusive experience, though they may come at a higher price point.
Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?
Yes, many tour operators offer discounts for group bookings. The exact discount percentage varies, but it’s common to see 10-20% off the per-person rate for groups of 4 or more. It’s worth inquiring about group discounts when booking.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
While the standard itinerary is pre-set, the tour operator may accommodate customization requests to suit individual preferences, subject to availability and additional fees. It’s best to discuss any desired changes directly with the tour provider.
Do I Need to Have Prior Snorkeling Experience?
You don’t need prior snorkeling experience to join this tour. The tour provider offers snorkeling equipment and guidance, making it suitable for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. However, some basic swimming skills are recommended for a comfortable experience.
Recap
The Mataking Island Hopping With Snorkel Shared Tour is an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Semporna’s tropical paradise. Featuring stunning islands, vibrant marine life, and ample snorkeling, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience at an affordable price. With convenient amenities and a knowledgeable guide, it’s the perfect way to take in the region’s natural splendor and create lasting memories.
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