Five protected islands form Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the only island cluster reachable by public ferry from Kota Kinabalu. Each island maintains distinct reef systems, trails, and visitor facilities, and all share the same departure point and conservation fee structure.
Quick answer
The islands near Kota Kinabalu comprise five coral-fringed landmasses within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. All five lie three to eight kilometers offshore and are reached via scheduled ferry departures from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal between 08:00 and 17:00 daily. International visitors aged 18 and above pay a 25 MYR conservation fee per person upon entry.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park was gazetted in 1974 as Sabah's first marine protected area, enclosing 4,929 hectares of reef, seagrass meadow, and forested island. The five islands that form the park—Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug—rise from the continental shelf less than eight kilometers from the Kota Kinabalu waterfront, close enough that the city skyline remains visible from every beach. Gaya is the largest and most biodiverse, with 1,465 hectares of lowland dipterocarp forest and a network of boardwalk trails threading through the canopy. Sapi and Manukan host the majority of day visitors, each equipped with changing facilities, floating pontoons, and marked snorkeling zones where visibility reaches 10 meters on calm mornings. Mamutik, the smallest developed island, maintains a single jetty and a crescent beach favored by snorkelers seeking quieter reef access. Sulug remains undeveloped, with no public landing facilities and restricted access to protect nesting seabird colonies. Ferry operators run continuous loops from Jesselton Point throughout operating hours, with the final return departure leaving the islands at 16:30. Morning crossings encounter calmer seas and better underwater visibility, particularly during the southwest monsoon transition between March and May. Afternoon departures often coincide with peak visitor density and increased chop on the return crossing. The marine park's shallow fringing reefs support over 400 recorded coral species and dense schools of sergeant major fish, parrotfish, and juvenile barracuda. All five islands near Kota Kinabalu enforce a single-use plastics ban, and waste sorting stations are positioned at every jetty. Reef-safe sunscreen is recommended but not mandatory. Visitors intending to snorkel should bring or rent equipment before departure, as on-island rental availability fluctuates seasonally. The conservation fee collected at Jesselton Point funds reef monitoring, trail maintenance, and ranger patrols across the park's jurisdiction.
“The five islands that form the park rise from the continental shelf less than eight kilometers from the Kota Kinabalu waterfront, close enough that the city skyline remains visible from every beach.”
The best arrival window for visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is 08:00–10:00. Arriving during this period allows you to avoid mid-day boat congestion and provides calmer sea conditions for morning water activities.
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Ideal for snorkeling and quieter beach experiences.
Dry, 27°C to 32°C
Calm seas offer high visibility for underwater activities.
Warm and sunny, 27°C to 33°C
Peak tourism season with consistent water temperatures.
Occasional rain, 26°C to 31°C
The transition period brings humidity with frequent afternoon showers.
Verdict: Plan your visit for a weekday morning between 08:00–10:00 during the drier months of March or April for the optimal balance of calm waters and manageable crowd levels.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is open to visitors daily throughout the week. The facilities maintain a consistent schedule to accommodate island hopping activities.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. All public boat transfers to the islands depart exclusively from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Direct to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
Parking available at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
Speedboat from Jesselton Point to park islands
Plan to arrive at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal during the best arrival window of 08:00–10:00. This timing allows you to avoid mid-day crowds and ensures calmer sea conditions for your transit.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises five distinct islands, each offering unique coastal and marine environments for visitors. These islands range from developed recreational hubs to quieter, nature-focused retreats.
The largest island in the park, featuring extensive mangrove forests and a network of jungle trekking trails. It offers a more secluded environment compared to its neighboring islands.
Explore the coastal boardwalks during low tide for better visibility.
A popular destination for snorkeling due to its clear shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs located just off the beach. It is generally smaller and more compact than other islands in the park.
Visit the eastern beach area early to avoid peak afternoon crowds.
Known for its well-maintained facilities and long stretches of sandy beaches, making it a primary choice for swimming and water sports. The island provides a balanced mix of amenities and natural scenery.
Walk to the quieter western end of the beach for more space.
The smallest island in the park, providing a quiet atmosphere and a coral-rich shoreline suitable for those interested in snorkeling. It remains less crowded than Sapi or Manukan.
Observe the shoreline from the jetty for clear water views.
The most remote island in the park, offering a rugged, undeveloped landscape with a peaceful beach and limited facilities. It is ideal for visitors seeking a quieter experience away from tourist hubs.
Bring all necessary supplies as there are no on-site services.
Prepare these essentials before heading to the marine park.
Everything you need to know about islands near kota kinabalu
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five primary landmasses: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. Each of these islands near Kota Kinabalu offers unique beaches and coral reef environments for visitors to explore.
The entrance fee is 25 MYR per person, which serves as a conservation fee for international visitors aged 18 and above. This fee is standard for accessing these protected marine areas.
The park operates daily from 08:00 to 17:00. These hours apply throughout the week including weekends and public holidays.
The best arrival window is between 08:00 and 10:00. Arriving early helps you avoid mid-day crowds and ensures you experience calmer sea conditions for your morning water activities.
You can access these Kota Kinabalu landmarks by taking a speedboat from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Boat operators manage regular transfers to the various islands near Kota Kinabalu throughout the day.
Yes, families often visit these tropical destinations for snorkeling and beach relaxation. Please ensure children wear life jackets at all times when participating in water activities near the coral reefs.
It is advisable to bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and comfortable footwear for walking along the jetty or beach. Remember to keep your conservation fee receipt accessible during your island hopping trip.
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