✈️ For Visitors

Island Hopping Near Kota Kinabalu — Complete Guide

Last updated: 18 August 2026

TARP (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)

Five islands about 30 minutes by boat from KK — Sabah's most accessible island hopping destination. Great for snorkeling and water sports.

Getting There

The ferry terminal relocated on 1 March 2026 to South Jetty, inside Kota Kinabalu Port on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens. Terminal open 7.30am–5pm daily; first boat out 8am, last boat out 3pm, last return boat 4pm. Boat fares depend on how many islands you visit and are listed in full on the ferry page. The Sabah Parks conservation fee is charged separately, per person per day, and covers the whole marine park: Malaysians RM8 adult, RM5 aged 13–17, free 12 and under; international visitors RM25 adult, RM20 aged 17 and under.

The Islands

Gaya: Largest island, luxury resorts (Gaya Island Resort, 121 villas, RM80 transfer), forest hikes, excellent reefs at 5-30m depth. Manukan: Best snorkeling and most facilities (20 chalets, restaurants, pool) — top pick for families. Sapi: Best coral concentrations on the southern side, parasailing (RM100), adventure focus. Mamutik: Budget-friendly, quieter, healthy reefs, basic facilities. Sulug: NO facilities (no toilets), remote wilderness, day-trip only for the adventurous.

Water Sports

Prices published by the terminal operator, per person: jet ski RM250, fishing ride RM100, snorkeling tour RM90, donut ride RM70, banana boat RM45, snorkel gear rental RM10 per item per day. Island vendors may price differently — confirm before you get on.

Marine Life

Frogfish, scorpionfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, turtles, black tip reef sharks, and eagle rays. TARP's waters are a marine park — no fishing or coral collecting allowed.

Semporna Islands

The Semporna archipelago is home to world-class diving and some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful islands.

Sipadan

Malaysia's premier dive destination. Only 176 permits/day (156 divers + 20 snorkelers), distributed among 24 operators. Dive fee: MYR350/day non-Malaysian. Conservation fee: MYR100/day. Book 6 months ahead with 50% deposit. Closed every November. 3+ night minimum stay at nearby islands for permit guarantee.

Mabul

World-class macro diving — blue-spotted stingrays, whale sharks, frogfish. USD38/dive, RM50 entrance. Base island for Sipadan permit trips.

Kapalai

89 overwater chalets, 3 guided boat dives daily included. Equipment rental USD43/day. A stunning overwater resort built on a sandbar.

Other Semporna Islands

Mataking (non-diver RM1,235/night, diver RM1,415/night), Pom Pom (tiny 2.3km coral island, 45min from Semporna), Tun Sakaran Marine Park (day trip RM110-250/person), Bohey Dulang hike (RM10 entrance + RM10 guide, 700m uphill trail).

Getting to Semporna

Bus from KK: 10-11 hours, RM67 (Dyana Express). Or fly KK-Tawau (50 minutes) + 1.5 hour transfer. Boat fare to islands: RM53 one-way + RM10.60 jetty fee, 45-60 minutes.

Other Islands

Mantanani: Off Kota Belud, 90 minutes from KK + 60 minutes speedboat, dugongs in seagrass meadows, day trips or overnight. Lankayan: Sulu Sea north of Sandakan, turtle nesting June-September, 23 chalets (MYR2,725/2 nights), closed January-February. Tiga: Kimanis Bay, active mud volcanoes, adventure focus. Selingan: Turtle Islands Park, overnight stays mandatory to see nesting turtles year-round. Libaran: Northeast Sandakan, turtle hatchery since 2013.

⚠️ Conservation Rules (2026)

Single-use plastic bags are FULLY BANNED across all Sabah Parks effective January 1, 2026. Bring reusable bottles, containers, and bags — they're mandatory. Pack in/pack out all trash. No touching coral or marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen only (no oxybenzone or octinoxate).

Budget Summary

For a TARP day trip, budget the boat fare plus the Sabah Parks conservation fee set out above, plus anything you add on. Semporna 4D3N all-inclusive budget: RM864/person. Lankayan 2 nights: MYR2,725 twin-share. Mataking per night: RM1,235-1,415. Dry season (March-October) is best for all islands. Peak visibility: April-June. Sweet spot: April-May midweek.

Q Where do TARP ferries depart from now?

On 1 March 2026 the Jesselton Point ferry terminal relocated to South Jetty, inside Kota Kinabalu Port on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens. It kept its name — same operator, new address. The terminal is open 7.30am to 5pm daily. The first boat out is 8am and the last boat out to the islands is 3pm, with the last return boat at 4pm and no late service. Parking is at JQ Central levels 4 to 6; there is none at the terminal.

Q How much does a TARP day trip cost?

Two charges, paid at two different counters. The boat fare rises with the number of islands you visit and is listed in full on our ferry page. On top of that, Sabah Parks charges a conservation fee per person per day, which covers the whole marine park: Malaysians pay RM8 as an adult and RM5 aged 13 to 17, with under-13s free; international visitors pay RM25 as an adult and RM20 aged 17 and under. Snorkel gear, food and water sports are extra.

Q Which TARP island is best for snorkeling?

Manukan has the best snorkeling and most facilities (chalets, restaurants, pool) — ideal for families. Sapi has the best coral concentrations on its southern side. Mamutik is quieter and budget-friendly with healthy reefs. Sulug has NO facilities and is day-trip wilderness only.

Q When is the best time for island hopping?

March-October (dry season) is best. Peak visibility: April-June (20-30m+). Peak tourist season: July-August. Sweet spot: April-May midweek for good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid November-February when seas are rough, visibility poor, and some island resorts close.