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Island Hopping Near Kota Kinabalu — Complete Guide

Last updated: 2026-03-10

TARP (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)

Five islands just 15-30 minutes from KK — Sabah's most accessible island hopping destination. Great for snorkeling and water sports.

Getting There

Ferry terminal relocated March 1, 2026 to South Jetty behind Jesselton Quay. Terminal: 7am-5pm. Boats: 8am-5pm, last transfer 4:15pm, every 30 minutes during peak. Fares: RM35 (1 island), RM45 (2), RM55 (3), RM65 (4). Terminal fee: RM7.20 adult / RM3.60 child. Conservation fee: RM20 adult foreigner, RM15 child 6-17, RM10 under 6.

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

Parasailing: RM100. Banana boat: RM45-50. Jet ski: RM175-250. Snorkel equipment rental available on all islands except Sulug.

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

TARP day trip: RM147-552/person. 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?

As of March 1, 2026, the ferry terminal relocated from Jesselton Point to South Jetty behind Jesselton Quay. Terminal opens 7am-5pm, boats run 8am-5pm with last transfer at 4:15pm. Boats depart every 30 minutes during peak times.

Q How much does a TARP day trip cost?

Ferry: RM35 (1 island), RM45 (2), RM55 (3), RM65 (4 islands). Terminal fee: RM7.20 adult. Conservation fee: RM20 adult foreigner. Basic day trip total: RM147-152/person. With water sports activities: RM467-552/person.

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.