Port information & tips for Pulau Bohey Dulang
Pulau Bohey Dulang is a pristine natural paradise in the Malaysian Tun Sakaran Marine Park off the coast of Sabah. The island impresses with its dramatic volcanic landscape and is framed by a crystal-clear, turquoise lagoon and a spectacular underwater world. Absolute highlights include the climb to the famous Bohey Dulang Viewpoint with its iconic panoramic view over the archipelago and the Giant Clam and Marine Life Hatchery, which is dedicated to the protection of rare giant clams. As the island is a protected reserve without an urban center, ships use the Bohey Dulang Jetty as a landing point for tender boats. Thanks to this location, the hiking trails and first-class snorkeling areas are located directly at the landing site, offering an exclusive nature experience.
Pulau Bohey Dulang, a picturesque island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Malaysia, is not a traditional cruise port, but rather a breathtaking destination for smaller ships and boat excursions. Arrival is primarily via the coastal town of Semporna on Borneo, from where the island is reached by boat.
Airplane
For travel from the DACH region, fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) on Borneo, which is closest to the starting point of Semporna. There are no direct flights to Tawau from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, so a connecting flight via international hubs such as Kuala Lumpur (KUL) is required. The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Tawau Airport (TWU), you can reach Semporna easily by minibus, taxi, or private transfer. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 57 to 90 kilometers. In Semporna, you then continue from the Semporna Jetty by speedboat to Pulau Bohey Dulang. The boat trip takes between 35 and 55 minutes depending on the provider and weather conditions. Many tours to the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park start in the morning at the Semporna Jetty.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and the typically morning departure times of the boats from Semporna, an overnight stay in Semporna on the day before embarkation or the excursion is recommended. In Semporna, you will find a selection of hotels and resorts, many of which also offer airport transfers. This ensures a relaxed start to your island adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Pulau Bohey Dulang, a picturesque island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Malaysia, is not a traditional cruise port, but rather a breathtaking destination for smaller ships and boat excursions. Arrival is primarily via the coastal town of Semporna on Borneo, from where the island is reached by boat.
Airplane
For travel from the DACH region, fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) on Borneo, which is closest to the starting point of Semporna. There are no direct flights to Tawau from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, so a connecting flight via international hubs such as Kuala Lumpur (KUL) is required. The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Tawau Airport (TWU), you can reach Semporna easily by minibus, taxi, or private transfer. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 57 to 90 kilometers. In Semporna, you then continue from the Semporna Jetty by speedboat to Pulau Bohey Dulang. The boat trip takes between 35 and 55 minutes depending on the provider and weather conditions. Many tours to the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park start in the morning at the Semporna Jetty.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and the typically morning departure times of the boats from Semporna, an overnight stay in Semporna on the day before embarkation or the excursion is recommended. In Semporna, you will find a selection of hotels and resorts, many of which also offer airport transfers. This ensures a relaxed start to your island adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to this paradise island is directly via the central wooden boat pier, allowing for a quick entry into the untouched nature of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
On Foot
The island can be explored exclusively on foot via well-marked nature trails. The popular hiking trail to the spectacular viewpoint begins directly at the end of the pier and leads visitors through the tropical rainforest in about 30 to 45 minutes to an impressive panorama over the lagoon.
Water Taxis and Speedboats
As the island has no roads, water taxis and speedboats provide the essential connection to the mainland at Semporna as well as to neighboring islands. The boats wait directly at the pier and, thanks to their maneuverability, offer a convenient way for individual island hopping in the region.
Tender Service
Due to the protected coral reefs in the lagoon, cruise ships anchor and bring guests directly to the landing pier using the ship's own tenders. This organized transfer is very comfortable and provides an initial glimpse of the crystal-clear water and the diverse underwater world of the national park.
To make the most of your stay on Pulau Bohey Dulang, it is recommended to focus on the island's impressive natural scenery and explore the marine diversity directly at the arrival point.
Bohey Dulang Peak Viewpoint
The climb to the island's highest point rewards you with a breathtaking panorama over the sunken volcanic crater and the turquoise lagoon, while the hiking trail through the dense jungle offers fascinating insights into the tropical flora and fauna.
Giant Clam & Marine Invertebrate Hatchery
Located directly on the pier, this research station is dedicated to the protection and breeding of rare giant clams and, thanks to its location, is the ideal place for an educational insight into efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem.
Sibuan Island
The nearby sister island, which can be reached in a short time, impresses with its striking, long sandbank and crystal-clear water; additionally, the idyllic surroundings are perfect for relaxing hours on the beach and offer first-class conditions for snorkeling in colorful coral gardens.
Bohey Dulang Viewpoint & Marine Research Center
The summit trail of Bohey Dulang begins directly at the island's wooden pier and rewards the climb with one of the most impressive panoramic views over the circular, sapphire-blue lagoon of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. This location is perfect for nature and photography enthusiasts and also offers the chance to observe rare giant clams up close in the attached research center. The island features a well-organized visitor center as well as paved wooden paths that provide safe access to the exotic flora and fauna. It is best to begin your hike early in the morning to make the most of the pleasant freshness of the rainforest, and plan your return to the pier for a relaxed departure approximately ninety minutes before casting off.
Returning to the pier on this picturesque island is straightforward thanks to the clear paths and leads you directly back to your ship. Allow enough time for the descent from the well-known viewpoint to reach the pier in a relaxed and safe manner.
Boats and Tenders
As the island is completely car-free, the transfer to the cruise ship is conveniently carried out by the ship's own tender boats directly from the main wooden pier. This central landing stage is located right at the Marine Park Information Centre and is the only assembly point for all guests for the return journey after their shore excursion.
On Foot
The marked hiking trail from the summit leads directly back to the harbor area and can be easily managed in about 20 to 30 minutes. Thanks to the permanently installed steps and the clear route, you will keep the landing site in view during the entire descent and reach the pier on time.
Local Speedboats
Local speedboats are also often available at the pier, coordinating transport between the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and the mainland. The friendly park rangers on site will be happy to assist you with orientation and, together with the ship's crew, ensure a smooth and safe boarding process.
