Experience a fantastic underwater exploration where you meet Nemo and sea turtles while enjoying two boat snorkeling sessions on the pristine Mengalum Island, which features dazzling emerald waters reminiscent of the Maldives and well-preserved white sandy beaches.
In addition to snorkeling, you can use the transparent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) provided at the island's beach (Ria Beach) for free, capturing stunning, magazine-worthy photos that look like a photoshoot no matter how casually you snap them.
The day before the tour, a Korean manager will provide detailed 1:1 guidance on pickup and weather conditions via KakaoTalk, and on-site, a veteran local professional guide will provide close care, allowing you to fully focus on the tour without worrying about language barriers or safety.
1. Pickup / Drop-off and Outer Area Guide
The pickup time will be individually notified via KakaoTalk message the day before the tour.
If the pickup and drop-off locations are different, please specify the names of both the pickup and drop-off hotels when making a reservation.
You can store your suitcase in the vehicle on the day of the tour.
Notice on Surcharges for Outer Areas: An additional pickup fee applies to the 1 Borneo area (Tune, Grand Borneo) and outer areas (Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Nexus, Borneo Beach Villas), and is available for groups of 2 or more. (Payment of the 2-person rate is required for single occupancy.)
2. Prior Notice Regarding Local Reservations and Unilateral Cancellations
Due to the local operator's policy, Mengalum tours tend to prioritize Chinese group tourists.
Even if you have completed a reservation in advance, you may be notified of a unilateral tour cancellation the day before or on the morning of the day of use due to local circumstances.
Please be advised in advance that in the event of a unilateral cancellation by the local vendor, no additional compensation will be provided, and the entire amount paid will be refunded.
3. Safety and Other Guidelines
For safety reasons, pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this tour.
If boat operations are impossible due to adverse weather conditions (strong winds, waves, etc.), a date change or a full refund will be provided after prior notice.
It can only be used on the designated usage date and cannot be transferred to another person.
If you purchase drinks, alcohol, ramen, etc. on the island, you can use Wi-Fi by following the store guide.
Please present the mobile voucher issued by Travel Forest as a printed copy or an image saved on your mobile phone at the site.
Mengalum Island is typically accessed by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. Tours usually include round-trip boat transfers, which depart from a designated jetty in Kota Kinabalu. The journey by speedboat typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of the open sea before arriving at the pristine island.
Mengalum Island is primarily known for day trips and is generally not set up for extensive overnight stays for casual tourists. Most tours are structured as full-day excursions, returning to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon. Accommodation options on the island, if any, are very limited and not commonly offered as part of standard travel packages.
Visitors to Mengalum Island can enjoy a variety of water activities beyond just swimming. The premium marine tour typically includes two sessions of boat snorkeling in the clear, emerald waters, where you might encounter clownfish and sea turtles. Additionally, at Lia Beach on the island, transparent kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) are often available for complimentary use, providing opportunities for unique photos.
The best time to visit Mengalum Island for optimal snorkeling conditions and clear waters is generally during Kota Kinabalu's dry season, which typically runs from March to October. During these months, the weather is usually sunny with calm seas, offering excellent visibility for underwater exploration and comfortable conditions for all water activities.
For a full-day tour to Mengalum Island, essential items to pack include swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. It's also advisable to bring a change of clothes, a waterproof bag for electronics, a reusable water bottle, and personal medications if needed. Consider bringing a camera for photos of the beautiful scenery.
During snorkeling sessions around Mengalum Island, visitors can expect to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life. The clear, pristine waters are often home to colorful clownfish and various other reef fish. Lucky snorkelers may also have the opportunity to spot majestic sea turtles swimming gracefully in their natural habitat, offering a truly fantastic underwater adventure.
During a tour to Mengalum Island, visitors typically have access to basic facilities that enhance their experience. These often include areas for changing and showering after water activities. Lunch is usually provided as a local buffet on the island, allowing visitors to refuel. Facilities for transparent kayaking and SUP at Lia Beach are also typically available.
Yes, for international visitors on the Mengalum Island tour, comprehensive support is often provided. For example, a Korean manager might offer 1:1 guidance via KakaoTalk the day before the tour, covering pickup details and weather conditions. On-site, a veteran local professional guide typically offers close care and assistance, ensuring a smooth experience without language barriers or safety concerns.