ISLAND HOPPING · KOTA KINABALU ISLAND HOPPING
The 7 best kota kinabalu island hopping tours you can put a deposit on today, with the price a head, how long the boat is out and who each one suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sapi Island by boat, enjoy beach time and lunch, then continue to Manukan by speedboat for swimming and snorkeling. The tour starts at 8:30 am, includes shared hotel transfers, a guide, lunch, and snorkel equipment, but not fins. Guides such as Jean and Nural have been singled out for attentive care.
“The islands were beautiful. I especially enjoyed Sapan. Nural really took good care of me since I am handicapped.”
You’ll take a guided boat trip from Kota Kinabalu to Sapi and Manukan islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Expect snorkeling, beach time, a buffet lunch, and optional parasailing or banana boats at extra cost. Sapi is lively and compact, while Manukan offers more room, facilities, and time for a calmer beach stop.
Spend about seven hours traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Dinawan Island by speedboat. You get two guided snorkeling sessions, lunch, high tea, kayaking, standup paddling, and free time on the beach. Guides such as Fai, Hin, and Edward are noted for attentive service, though water-sports equipment can vary in condition.
“Very nice guide (Hin) and a very pleasant and relaxing day on a private island. The highlights include relaxing in the hammocks, a nice spot for pics in the water with swings and parasailing (not included in the price). As I’m vegan, they were very kind to provide a special meal for me.”
Spend about six hours island hopping from Kota Kinabalu, with a short boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, snorkeling at two island stops, time for a forest walk, and lunch. Guides such as Roy, Tan, and Hashim have helped make the day friendly and easygoing, though weather and ferry delays can affect the plan.
“Our guide Tan picked us up on time and was very professional. He was part of "Amazing Borneo" tours. It was just us on the boat over to the first island, Sapi. It was super to get there early as nobody was there yet and the water and conditionRead more”
Take a shared speedboat from Jesselton Point to Manukan and Sapi Islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. You get snorkeling equipment, island entrance, and a simple buffet lunch, but no fins or guided snorkeling. Expect beautiful beaches and clear water, along with busy beaches and shared jetties.
“A day full of fun on and in the water. Most recommended!”
Join a shared boat trip from Kota Kinabalu to Sapi and Manukan Islands. You get round-trip city-hotel transfers, island fees, snorkeling equipment except fins, and a BBQ lunch on Sapi. Expect about six hours, a group of up to 20 people, a fast 15-minute boat ride, and a route that may change with weather.
Leave Kota Kinabalu by boat for Manukan Island and one second island, either Mamutik or Sapi, chosen by the captain according to sea conditions. Your package includes hotel transfers, park admission, an English-speaking coordinator, and a BBQ lunch. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sandals, and dry clothes.
“I expected better snorkeling…the photograph presents something very different. Food was good. Loved seeing the six foot monitor lizard. Hated the speed boat going over…young kid driving it was showing off and the roughness was bad for those of us with older bodies. Guide did his job.”
Pick a coast, then pick a hull.
