Planning an island-hopping adventure during your Kota Kinabalu holiday? You do not need to travel far to discover beautiful tropical islands.
With crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, colourful marine life and exciting water activities, these islands are ideal for travellers looking for a combination of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable tropical scenery.
Here are the top five islands to include in your Kota Kinabalu island-hopping tours.
1. Manukan Island – Relax on Beautiful Beaches
Manukan Island is one of the most popular islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is known for its attractive sandy beach and clear surrounding waters.
Visitors can spend their time swimming, snorkelling, enjoying a beach picnic or simply relaxing under the tropical sun. The island also has visitor facilities, making it convenient for a day trip.
2. Sapi Island – Snorkelling and Marine Adventure
If you are looking for clear water and exciting marine activities, Sapi Island is an excellent stop.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and shallow waters, making it suitable for snorkelling and other water activities. Sabah Tourism Board notes that the waters around Sapi have gentle currents that can be suitable for families and beginner snorkellers.
The combination of white sand, turquoise water and lush vegetation also makes Sapi a popular location for photography.
3. Mamutik Island – A Peaceful Tropical Escape
Mamutik Island is the smallest of the main visitor-friendly islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and offers a more compact island experience.
The surrounding waters feature coral reefs and tropical marine life, making it a good location for snorkelling and diving activities.
After enjoying the water, visitors can simply relax on the beach and take in the scenery.
4. Gaya Island – Nature, Forest and Marine Life
As the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island offers more than just beaches.
The island is covered by forest and provides opportunities for nature activities such as jungle trekking. It also has resort areas and marine environments where visitors can enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery.
For travellers who want to combine beach activities with a nature experience, Gaya Island offers something different from the smaller islands.
5. Sulug Island – Discover a More Natural Side of Sabah
For travellers looking for a more natural and undeveloped island environment, Sulug Island offers a different experience.
Unlike the more developed visitor islands, Sulug remains relatively quiet and undeveloped as part of efforts to protect its natural environment.
This makes it an interesting option for travellers who want to appreciate Sabah’s marine environment away from the busier beach areas.
Because facilities are limited, visitors should follow their tour operator’s instructions and prepare appropriately before visiting.
