Malaysia grants visa-free entry to China!!! Enjoy a warm winter in Semporna.
👉【Recommended Itinerary】👈
D Nationwide - Kota Kinabalu
D Kota Kinabalu Mangrove Forest & River Exploration & Proboscis Monkeys & Fireflies
D Kota Kinabalu - Tawau Stay at Kapalai Water Village
D Enjoy Diving in Kapalai Meet the Bajau People in Mabul Island
D Kapalai - Semporna
D Mataking - Timba Timba - Pom Pom Island or Tun Sakaran Marine Park Three-Island Tour
D Semporna - Tawau - Kota Kinabalu - Domestic
▪️
👉【Attractions】👈
✅Kota Kinabalu Mangrove Forest
Enjoy Malaysian-style afternoon tea, search for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in the riverside forests, experience the sunset creating a mirror effect on the tidal flats, and be amazed by the fireflies.
✅Kapalai
Experience staying in a water villa, book a room with a good view in advance, very private as non-guests are not allowed on the island.
✅Mabul Island
Check out the popular Love Bridge and White Church, the island is filled with bougainvillea, and you don't need to specifically visit the Bajau village.
✅Mataking
A pristine island with few tourists, a sandbar appears between the two islands during low tide, perfect for photos, and features beautiful coconut beaches and colorful fish.
✅Timba Timba
Fine white sandbar, vibrant live corals, and occasional sea turtles.
✅Pom Pom Island
A lesser-known spot, great for snorkeling and diving. Glass boat photos.
✅Bohey Dulang
The island is filled with coconut trees, resembling a battleship from afar. It has a long white sandbar.
✅Pearl Island
Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire marine park, with gradient-colored waters.
✅Mantabuan
Rich in marine life, also great for snorkeling.
▪️
👉For those who want to dive, look here
【About Diving Certification】👈
1️⃣Types of Diving Certificates
OW (Entry-level)
Half-day theory class + 2 days of water courses, certified to dive <18 meters, age >10 years
AOW (Advanced)
2 days of underwater courses, certified to dive <30 meters, age >12 years
You must get OW before AOW. It's possible to get both at once if you're physically fit, but it's not recommended as diving is very exhausting.
Diving certificates are valid long-term and globally recognized, but AOW allows you to explore more dive sites.
.
2️⃣Certification Tips
Make sure to study the theory and watch the videos before entering the water, otherwise, you won't understand what the instructor is doing and can't communicate underwater, leading to confusion.
You don't need to know how to swim to get certified, but it helps.
You can't fly within 12 hours after one dive, and within 18 hours after two or more dives to avoid decompression sickness.
Prepare an electronic version of your ID photo; the instructor will issue the certificate the same night after passing.
.
3️⃣What to Bring for Your First Dive
✔️Rash guard (can be worn under the wetsuit for protection and sunblock)
✔️Prescription mask (wearing contact lenses underwater can be uncomfortable)
✔️Quick-dry towel (absorbs water quickly and dries fast)
✔️Dive socks (to prevent foot blisters), flip-flops
✔️Coral-friendly sunscreen, lip balm
————