Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a Malaysian State located on the Island of Borneo. One of the best things to do when visiting KK is to go island hopping. The islands located just a 20-30 minute boat ride off of Kota Kinabalu Jesselton Pier are filled with lots of activities for all ages.
HOW TO GO ISLAND HOPPING
To get to the Islands from Kota Kinabalu you have to go to Jesselton Pier. From the pier you can purchase a ticket in the ticket booking room for whichever island you would like to visit. You can choose from four main islands: Manukan, Gaya Island, Mamutik Island and or Sapi island.
TICKETING
If you want to see multiple islands you can purchase an island hopping ticket for 1-3 of the main islands or a ticket for all day. Once you reach the first island of the day you have to pay an additional amount for the National Park fee.This additional fee will cover the entire day regardless if you are going to 1 or 3 islands.The cost is 10rm for Gaya, Manukan, and Sapi and then 20rm for Mamutik.
INSIDER TIP: If you want to see multiple islands I recommend seeing them all in one day. Each day you visit you have to purchase a National Park Entrance Fee.
- 1 Island: cost is 23RM and 7RM tax. Total 30RM.
- 2 Islands: cost is 33RM and 7RM tax. Total: 40RM (approx. $10USD)
- 3 Islands: cost is 43RM and 7RM tax. Total: 50RM
Your ticket will include a boat ride to and from the island or islands of your choosing. When you purchase your ticket you will need to tell the employee working what time you would like to return. The last boats leaving the islands are at 4:00pm.
THE MAIN ISLANDS TO SEE
Gaya Island
Gaya Island is the largest island out of the 4 main islands near Kota Kinabalu. The island is large enough that it has multiple resorts to stay overnight if you wish to sleep on the island. Gaya Island is big enough to have their own shopping and food town as well as transportation on the island to and from the resorts and port. The main reason to visit is if you are going to spend more than one night on the island and or if you are with a Snorkeling or Diving Tour. This island is typically a resting point for diving and snorkeling expeditions of the day.
For example, DownBelow Divers has their own private beach on Gaya Island which they use as their island base center. The Dive teams and snorkeling groups take breaks and eat lunch on Gaya Island in between dives and snorkeling adventures.
Sapi Island
Sapi is a smaller island but is filled with water sports. This island is one of the more crowded islands among tourists as it provides tourists with attractions such as Ziplining, snorkeling, jet skiing and other things.
Sapi has a small shop for little items as well as some group spots for eating but not much. There is no transportation on the island as it is too small.
Manukan Island
Manukan is the second largest island and is known for its dive centers and relaxing beaches. There is one main resort on the island which you can stay overnight if you wish as well as two dive centers.
Food choices are limited but if you need to buy some snacks then there are multiple little shops where you can buy snacks, drinks, fruit and snorkel gear if you wish to snorkel. If you want to dive, DownBelow has their own dive center on the island and Scuba Junkie makes a lunch break on this island too.
INSIDER TIP: When you come off the boat/pier go to the left. The left side beach is more quiet and has more space to lay down and relax.
Mamutik Island
Mamutik Island is the smallest of the islands. The island is situated where you can watch tourists paragliding over the ocean from your relaxing spot on the each. There is some snorkeling off the beach and the water is both clear and warm.
Mamutik is home to Borneo Divers. The Dive Center uses this island as their island base, similar to what Scuba Junkie does on Manukan. Besides the Dive Center there are not a lot of options for food. The buffet for tourists is available but very expensive and it is easier to just bring some snacks of your own.
If you wish to camp this is the island to do so on. The camping area is on the left side of the dock facing the island. It is also located where I would suggest you set up shop for the day as the beach is more quiet and clean than the other side.
CONCLUSION
Overall the islands just off of Kota Kinabalu are not to be missed. The beaches are beautiful and while the diving isn’t the best, due to lack of visibility, the water is still warm, clean and very inviting for snorkelers, swimmers and beach goers.
If you are interested in learning more about Kota Kinabalu CLICK HERE for Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide.
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