Kota Kinabalu : Snorkeling at Ara Dinawan Private Island

Kota Kinabalu offers an exciting snorkeling adventure at Ara Dinawan Private Island. Visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life on this picturesque island. While the experience includes essential amenities, customer feedback suggests improvements are needed to enhance the overall snorkeling guidance. With its beautiful sandy shores and stunning sunsets, the island promises a memorable day in the heart of Sabah’s natural beauty.

Key Points

• Ara Dinawan Private Island in Kota Kinabalu offers snorkeling experiences starting from $97.35 per person with shared hotel pickup, boat transfers, and snorkeling equipment.
• The snorkeling itinerary includes a 15-minute speedboat transfer to the island, 1-hour snorkeling session, and 2 hours for other activities like sightseeing and swimming.
• Guests can enjoy exclusive access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse tropical fish, as well as relax on the sandy shores and witness spectacular sunsets.
• The experience includes a set lunch and local high tea, with access to amenities like kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, as well as shower and changing facilities.
• However, customer feedback indicates disappointment in snorkeling conditions and lack of guidance, leading to an overall rating of 2 out of 5, which travelers should consider when booking the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The Snorkeling at Ara Dinawan Private Island offers snorkeling experiences at Ara Dinawan Private Island, located in Kota Kinabalu.

The activity is priced from $97.35 per person and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The package includes a shared hotel pickup, land transportation, return boat transfer, set lunch, and snorkeling equipment.

Tours may be canceled or changed due to weather or sea conditions, with refunds provided. Booking is required at least two days in advance.

Customers should bring a change of clothes, camera, beachwear, and cash, as personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup at the designated jetty (Beringgis Riverside Seafood Restaurant) happens at 8:30 AM, followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer to the Ara Dinawan Island Resort. Once there, guests can optionally experience a 10-minute tea ceremony, a 15-minute guided tour, and a 1-hour snorkeling session with safety briefing. Lunch takes 1 hour, and 2 hours are allotted for sightseeing, swimming, and kayaking. The return speedboat transfer takes 15 minutes, with drop-off at two locations.

| Activity | Duration | Optional |

| — | — | — |

| Tea Ceremony | 10 minutes | Yes |

| Guided Tour | 15 minutes | Yes |

| Snorkeling | 1 hour | Yes |

| Lunch | 1 hour | Yes |

| Sightseeing, Swimming, Kayaking | 2 hours | Yes |

Experience Highlights

A private island escape awaits visitors at Ara Dinawan, offering exclusive snorkeling access to an underwater wonderland teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse tropical fish.

The scenic boat ride to the snorkeling spots promises an exciting excursion, while the opportunity to relax on the sandy shores and witness the spectacular sunset adds to the overall experience.

Visitors can also enjoy a delicious beach picnic amidst the natural surroundings.

The island’s facilities, including the clubhouse, sunbeds, and water equipment, enhance the overall experience for a memorable day on the private island.

Key Experience Highlights:

1. Private Island Escape: Exclusive snorkeling access

2. Underwater Wonderland: Coral reefs and diverse tropical fish

3. Scenic Boat Ride: Exciting excursion to snorkeling spots

4. Spectacular Sunset: Relax on sandy shores

Inclusions and Facilities

The snorkeling experience at Ara Dinawan Private Island includes shared hotel pick-up and drop-off, land transportation and jetty fees, as well as return boat transfers.

Includes shared hotel transport, land travel, jetty fees, and boat transfers for the snorkeling experience at Ara Dinawan Private Island.

Guests can enjoy a set lunch and local high tea. The package provides essential snorkeling equipment like life jackets, masks, and snorkels.

Visitors also have access to kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. The island’s facilities include a clubhouse, sunbeds, beach chairs, hammocks, showers, and changing rooms.

However, personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included. Safety is a priority, with tours potentially canceled or changed due to weather or sea conditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pickup and Boat Transfer

After pickup from the designated jetty, guests are transferred to Ara Dinawan Island Resort via a 15-minute speedboat ride. The boat trip offers an exciting excursion to the snorkeling spots, providing a scenic view of the surrounding waters.

The pickup and boat transfer process includes:

1. Guests depart from the Beringgis Riverside Seafood Restaurant jetty at 8:30 AM.

2. The speedboat ride to the private island takes approximately 15 minutes.

3. Guests are provided with life jackets for the boat transfer to ensure their safety.

4. Upon arrival, guests have the opportunity to explore the island’s facilities and prepare for the snorkeling activity.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

Once guests have settled on the island, they can participate in the snorkeling and water activities.

The snorkeling experience allows them to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marvel at the diverse tropical fish. After a safety briefing, they can venture into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the underwater wonderland.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, kayaking and paddleboarding are available. Guests can also enjoy a beachside lunch amidst the scenic surroundings.

While the snorkeling conditions may not always be ideal, the overall experience offers a chance to escape to a private island oasis.

Dining and Refreshments

While on the island, guests can indulge in a delectable beachside lunch.

The set lunch menu features:

1. Authentic Malay dishes, including nasi goreng and rendang.

2. Fresh seafood, such as grilled fish and steamed prawns.

3. Refreshing local desserts, like sago pudding and coconut jelly.

4. Complimentary tea and coffee to accompany the meal.

Lunch is served in a scenic setting, with stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscape.

Lunch is served in a scenic setting, with stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscape.

This culinary experience perfectly complements the island’s natural beauty and provides a moment of relaxation during the day’s activities.

Important Information and Customer Feedback

Safety is a top priority for the snorkeling tour at Ara Dinawan Private Island.

Tours may be canceled or changed due to inclement weather or sea conditions, with full refunds provided.

Booking requires advance notice of at least two days. Guests should bring a change of clothes, camera, beachwear, and cash for personal expenses.

Customer feedback highlights disappointment in snorkeling conditions and lack of guidance during activities, with an overall rating of 2 out of 5.

Travelers should carefully consider this feedback when booking the Ara Dinawan Island snorkeling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Safety Measures in Place on the Island?

The island has safety measures such as life jackets, safety briefings, and staff supervision during activities. Tours may be canceled due to weather concerns, with refunds provided to ensure guest safety.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling equipment, but the island provides masks, snorkels, and life jackets. Using the provided equipment ensures proper fit and safety during the snorkeling activity.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Guests Allowed?

There’s no mention of a restriction on the number of guests allowed. The experience can accommodate a variable group size, though it may be a private island setting with limited capacity.

Can I Book Additional Activities on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, guests can book additional activities on the day of the tour, such as the tea ceremony, guided tour, snorkeling, and lunch. However, advance booking is recommended to ensure availability and secure the desired activities.

Is There Any Medical Assistance Available on the Island?

There’s no mention of medical assistance being available on the island. The activity details focus on the island’s facilities and inclusions, but do not indicate the presence of any on-site medical personnel or emergency services.

The Sum Up

The snorkeling experience at Ara Dinawan Private Island in Kota Kinabalu offers a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. While the package includes essential amenities, feedback suggests the snorkeling guidance needs improvement. Guests can also enjoy additional activities like guided tours and kayaking on the island’s beautiful shores, though the overall customer rating is 2 out of 5.

You can check availability for your dates here: