Within the first hour of our arrival, we found ourselves having signed up for two days of island hopping/snorkeling tours from an outfitter a few doors down from our guesthouse. It didn't occur to me until I was in bed, we didn't even check out the outfitter online. We were in unfamiliar territory.
It turned out the outfitter we happened to pick has a 4.9 on Google and we had two wonderful days of snorkeling. We saw turtles half a dozen times, a Moray Eel, giant parrot fish, hundreds of different tropical fish (some quite large, e.g. >1 foot long or tall). The reefs seemed vibrant and alive. My love for snorkeling was rekindled. The last time we had good snorkeling was the early 90s! We had tried snorkeling various times since. I had been underwhelmed and depressed.
Another reason we are not so keen on visiting beachy places is the overwhelming amount of seafood makes it hard to get vegetarian food. In Semporna we ended up having lots of fun eating at a Malaysian-Indian joint, Bishmillah,run by a man from Chennai. The only negative part of our Semporna visit was sunburn, a small price to pay.
Note to fellow travelers: we highly recommend the outfitter Quality Diving Center. They have another tour of Mataking that we didn't choose, which turned out to be wise. Because Mataking is farther, we would have to ride the boat all day for only two hours of snorkeling.
On the bus to Semporna we pass an endless stream of Palm Plantations.
The bus stops for a passenger rest break and a bus wash. John buys a coffee with milk.
There was a bit of excitement when the rear left tires/wheels/brakes? overheated and the smell of smoke came in the bus. The driver pulled over and we all piled out fast. Then waited as the bus crew was busy, but not succesful. Eventually the bus company sent a van to take all the tourists, about 8 of us, to Semporna Harbour.
Our hotel in Semporna overlooked the port, and the view from our terrace was more than pretty good.
Some shots from our snorkeling excursions. The first day started with a hike on Bohey Dulang Island at Tun Sakaran Marine Park. The hike up to the lookout was tough with the steep slope, wet trail, and heat. But the view was worth it.
Then back in the boat to Pulau Sibuan
Into the water. The two videos provided by Quality Diving Centre.
Each night we ate at Bismillah. The first night we had noodles and roti. After that, only roti! First below is a masala dosa in a folded configuration that we have never seen before, with a very tasty cabbage filling. Second, the sweet "dessert" Roti Tisu.
More views from our terrace.
The second day was all snorkeling with 3 "dives". After a 30 minute boat ride, we "jumped" into the deep water just off the Timba Timba Island "cliff" and saw schools of large fish, a moray eel, colorful corals, and several turtles. All underwater photos provided by Quality Diving Centre.
Near Pandanan Island
A video from the final "swim" provided by Quality Diving Centre.
Around the Semporna Harbour.
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