Islands Guide
Sabah has some of the best islands in Southeast Asia — from quick day trips off KK to world-class dive sites in Semporna. Here's what you need to know for each group, with real costs and logistics.
As of January 1, 2026, single-use plastic bags are fully banned across all Sabah Parks islands. Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP)
Five islands just 15–20 minutes by boat from KK. The easiest island experience in Sabah — you can visit in a half day.
The ferry terminal has relocated from Jesselton Point to South Jetty, behind Jesselton Quay. Don't go to the old location.
| Island | Best For | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Manukan | Best snorkeling, families | Chalets, restaurants, pool |
| Sapi | Water sports, coral | Parasailing (RM100), banana boat |
| Gaya | Luxury resort, forest hikes | Gaya Island Resort (121 villas) |
| Mamutik | Quiet, budget-friendly | Basic facilities, good reefs |
| Sulug | Remote wilderness | No facilities (no toilets) |
TARP Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry (1 island) | RM35 |
| Ferry (2 islands) | RM45 |
| Ferry (3 islands) | RM55 |
| Ferry (4 islands) | RM65 |
| Terminal fee (adult) | RM7.20 |
| Conservation fee (foreigner adult) | RM20 |
| Conservation fee (child 6–17) | RM15 |
Terminal operates 7am–5pm, boats run 8am–5pm. Last island transfer is 4:15pm. Budget RM147–152 per person for a basic day trip, or RM467–552 with water sports.
Semporna Islands
The Semporna archipelago off Sabah's east coast is where the world-class diving is. Sipadan consistently ranks among the top 5 dive sites globally.
Sipadan
Only 176 permits issued per day (156 divers + 20 snorkelers), distributed among 24 licensed operators. Book 6 months in advance.
| Item | Malaysian | Non-Malaysian |
|---|---|---|
| Dive fee (per day) | RM250 | RM350 |
| Conservation fee (per day) | RM50 | RM100 |
| Max dives per day | 2 per diver | |
Permits are guaranteed for guests staying 3+ nights at licensed resorts. Book with 50% deposit; full payment due 2 weeks before arrival. Non-refundable.
Other Semporna Islands
| Island | Highlight | From (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Mabul | Macro diving, blue-spotted rays | ~USD38/dive |
| Kapalai | 89 overwater chalets, 3 dives/day included | Premium |
| Mataking | House reefs, non-diver friendly | RM1,235 |
| Pom Pom | Tiny coral island, full amenities | Mid-range |
Getting to Semporna: Bus from KK takes 10–11 hours (RM67, Dyana Express), or fly KK to Tawau (50 min) then 1.5-hour transfer. Boat fare from Semporna jetty is RM53 one-way plus RM10.60 jetty fee.
Bohey Dulang
Part of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. The viewpoint hike is one of Sabah's most photographed spots. Entry RM10 plus RM10 guide fee, 700m uphill trail. Covered footwear required. Day trip packages run RM110–250 per person.
Other Islands
| Island | Region | Highlight | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mantanani | Off Kota Belud | Dugongs in seagrass beds | 90 min from KK + 60 min speedboat |
| Lankayan | Sulu Sea | Turtle nesting (Jun–Sep), 23 chalets | Boat from Sandakan, from RM2,725/2 nights |
| Tiga | Kimanis Bay | Active mud volcanoes | Boat from Kuala Penyu |
| Selingan | Turtle Islands | Overnight turtle watching (year-round) | 1h boat from Sandakan |
Costs at a Glance
| Experience | Budget Per Person |
|---|---|
| TARP day trip (basic) | RM147–152 |
| TARP day trip (with activities) | RM467–552 |
| Semporna 4D3N (budget all-inclusive) | ~RM864 |
| Lankayan 2 nights | From RM2,725 |
| Mataking per night | RM1,235–1,415 |
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Conditions |
|---|---|
| March–October | Dry season — best for all islands |
| April–June | Peak visibility (20–30m+) |
| July–August | Peak tourist season — book early |
| April–May midweek | Sweet spot: good weather, fewer crowds |
| November–February | Avoid: rough seas, poor visibility, some resorts close |
Conservation Rules
All Sabah Parks islands enforce strict environmental rules:
- Single-use plastic bags fully banned (from January 1, 2026)
- Pack in/pack out all trash
- Reusable bottles, containers, and bags mandatory
- No touching coral or marine life
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the best island for snorkeling in Sabah?
Q How hard is it to get a Sipadan dive permit?
Q Can you do a budget island trip to Semporna?
Q What is the best time to visit the islands?
Q Can you stay overnight on the islands?
Q Are there plastic bans on the islands?
Sources & References 5 sources
Last verified: March 2026