Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park — Local services in Manukan Island

There aren't so many cities with such a convenient national park a short boat ride away, but luckily, Kota Kinabalu is.

• This is one of the easiest day trips from KK, as the departure point, Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, is minutes away from downtown

• Open daily (as long as the weather allows)

• No bookings in advance required, you just go and chose one company to join. They all charge the same

• There are 4 islands which can be explored 》Mamutik 》Manukan 》Sapi 》Gaya 》 Sulug (temporary closed)

• One can choose to hop on hop off and visit several islands in a day, from 1 to 4. I recommended 1-2 islands only. The boats don't move all the time, so you may be blocked for a few hours on an island without a choice. Ask your boat company in advance and plan accordingly

• The tours start at 8.30 am and the last boat comes back to the port at 4 pm. You can leave anytime in between, as normally there is a boat leaving every 30 minutes

• The rates for adults (children get a 5 RM discount) 》1 island: 35 RM (and add 10 RM more per island)

• There is an environmental tax you must pay once you reach the first island and it is valid for the entire day, for all other islands. The cost is 25 RM for adults, foreigners (15 RM for children)

• The corals are very nice in Mamutik. As I got to Manukan in the afternoon it was too wavy, so I couldn't go in. But I heard these 2 locations are the best for snorkelling and diving. Sapi has a nice beach. Gaya is a huge island so you can go trekking

• Mamutik has a short trail with no viewpoints and Manukan has a longer trail to a sunset point (use a lot of mosquito repellent before)

• Unfortunately, there is a lot of trash floating in the water. Government should take some actions

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THE DRAGONS OF PULAU SAPI

The Dragons, or Monitor Lizards, will be the most interesting animals you would have encountered at Pulau Sapi. This island chain is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

These reptiles look vicious, but I assure you they are harmless. They will come close to visitors asking for leftover foods. In the wild, these creatures are carnivorous and eat only carrions or other animals.

But here on this island, they will eat sandwiches, barbecued chicken wings, noodles, and hot dogs! They love hot dogs. They will come close to you, the visitor, and wait for your generosity to share them some food! 🤗🤗🤗

On many occasions, tourists to this island don’t understand them. So they try to chase the lizards away, sometimes causing unnecessary harm or stress to these creatures. It is so unfortunate that they are misunderstood. 😥😥😥

These Monitor Lizards look like a miniature Komodo Dragon, but unlike their giant cousin, Monitor Lizards do not have venom. They will avoid hurting people unless cornered or injured. If irritated, they gave out a hissing sound like a frightened house cat.🤣🤣🤣 As a final warning, they will slash your leg with their tail.

It takes about 20 minutes boat ride from Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu, to reach Pulau Sapi. It has a beautiful white beach and a clear underwater spot and is suitable for swimming and diving. It also has quite a dense forest for a...

Manukan Island is one of those places that keeps calling you back, and after a decade, I can confidently say it has only gotten better. The improvements over the years are evident, from better facilities to well-maintained beaches, but what remains unchanged is the island’s natural charm.

If you’re planning an island-hopping adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is a must-visit stop—and for good reason. It’s usually one of the longer stays on the tour, giving you a couple of hours to soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise. The beaches here are pristine, with powdery sand and crystal-clear waters that make for perfect swimming and snorkeling conditions.

One of the things I love most about Manukan is how it blends relaxation with a touch of adventure. Whether you want to lounge by the shore, take a dip, or explore the island’s vibrant marine life, there’s something for everyone. The wildlife here is also a treat—expect to spot colorful fish, playful monitor lizards, and even hornbills if you’re lucky.

Overall, Manukan Island isn’t just a stopover; it’s an experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it never fails to impress. If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, make sure to set aside time for this gem—you...