XX – XX XXXXX 2024

US$4360 (double room)
US$5360 (single room)

Semporna is a town located on the island of Borneo, in the Sabah state of Malaysia. The enchanting coastal landscape, as people calls it the “Malaysian Maldives”, Semporna is the gateway to one of the best snorkeling and diving location in the world!

The majority of the population here is Bajau, also known as Bajau Laut, or Sea Gypsies, or Palau people. Most Bajau people are living in sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of Semporna. They are one of the few nomadic seaborne peoples in the world. For centuries, this ancient community of seafarers have lived on the sea and on the boat for most all their lives. The Bajau Laut community have mastered the art of free-diving, with some being able to dive for 20 meters deep while holding their breath for several minutes long!

Join the award-winning photographers, Danny Wong, William Yu and Kah-Wai Lin for the upcoming tour to Semporna. Immerse yourself into the amazing snorkeling experience (even if you never done it before!), and photograph the unique Bajau way of life!

For inquiry, please e-mail me at: kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com

If you wish to pay with bank transfer, Zelle, Chase QuickPay or check, please e-mail me at: kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com

If you wish to pay with credit card or PayPal, there will be 3% extra charge, please proceed with the following:


Workshop Payment (3% fee included)
Name & Date of Workshop



Day 1-2: Tawau – Semporna – Mataking

Upon arrival in Tawau Airport (TWU) in Sabah,  Malaysia, we will transfer you to Semporna town overland, and proceed to the paradise Mataking Island. After the long journey to Malaysia, all you have to do in the first two days is relax and enjoy the beautiful white sang beach. Other than photography, there’s also activities like glass boat ride and snorkeling.

Day 3: Timba Timba Island – Pandanan Island – Pom Pom Island – Semporna

Today we will proceed to Timba Timba island, Pandanan and Pom Pom Island for snorkeling, these are the world-class locations for snorkeling and photographing underwater world.

Day 4: Bodgaya Island – Bohey Dulang Island – Sipuan Island

First proceed to Bodgaya Island for shooting Sea Bajau, then trek up to the view point of Bohey Duland for the amazing panoramic view, then lunch on Sipuan Island and snorkeling, be experience close encounter with colorful fishes in the sea

Day 5: Maiga Island –Mantabuan Island

First proceed to Maiga Island by speed boat to visit Bajau settlement for photography, then lunch on Mantabuan Island and snorkeling.

Day 6: Blue Star – Ormadal Island

One full day excursion on Ormadal Island where the largest Bajau settlement, after lunch, walk on the island more photography.

Day 7: Tiga Island – Mabul Island – Kapalai

Another day to explore Bajau settlement on Tiga Island if the tide conditions allow, then relaxation on the beautiful Mabul Island, lastly snorkeling at Kapalai.

Day 8: Tawau

Check out and transfer to Tawau Airport to return to your home country.

Workshop Details

Total Price

US$4360 (double room)
US$5360 (single room)

Difficulty Level

Very easy, no long hiking

Group Size

Maximum 12 people

Registration

Deposit
US$1000

Full Payment

120 days prior to the workshop’s starting date

After you signup, we’ll send you a recommended camera gear and packing list. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.

Included

  • Ground transportation.
  • Sea transportation.
  • Hotels include 5 nights in 3-stars hotel and 2 nights in private island luxury chalet.
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • National park permits & marine park permits.
  • Snorkeling training and equipment.
  • Goodies for sea Bajaus.
  • Exclusive discounts on photo equipment in our camera store Stetinden Photo.

Not Included

  • International flights.
  • Visa (we will prepare documents for you).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Gratitude for guides, captains & drivers.

Disclaimer

The tour is always dependent on weather, as the Arctic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable. When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear on a given day. There is however always plenty to see and do if conditions do not favor any part of our original plan.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

By signing up the workshop, you agree to our cancellation policy. If you cancel and the workshop greater than 120 days from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, we will refund you the full amount you have paid, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the workshop within 120 days or less from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, the fee is non-refundable. Please see the detail at: https://kahwailin.com/terms-and-conditions/