Islands of Sabah — Sipadan, Mantanani, Tiga & More

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 published costs where operators list them, and logistics.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP)

Five islands about 30 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu. The easiest island experience in Sabah — you can visit in a half day.

Island facilities from Sabah Parks; resorts, island list and snorkelling pick from the terminal (Jesselton Point FAQ, Jesselton Point — Islands), all checked 6 October 2026.

TARP Costs

The terminal is open 7.30am–5pm. The first departure is usually 8am to 8.30am and the last boat to the islands usually leaves between 1pm and 1.30pm, with the last return boat at 4pm (Jesselton Point FAQ, checked October 2026). The boat fare and the conservation fee are paid separately, at different counters. The conservation fee is a Sabah Parks charge, levied per person per day, and it covers the whole marine park however many islands you visit.

Semporna Islands

The Semporna archipelago off Sabah's east coast is where the world-class diving is. Sabah Parks says Sipadan has been rated by many dive journals as one of the top dive destinations in the world (Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026).

Sipadan

Only 252 permits are issued a day (Sabah Tourism Board), booked through the 42 operators registered with Sabah Parks, who can book up to six months ahead (Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026). The island is about 45 minutes from Semporna by speedboat in calm seas, and there is no accommodation on it (Sabah Parks).

Fees as listed by Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026: RM450 per person for non-Malaysians (RM350 scuba diving fee plus RM100 conservation fee) and RM300 for Malaysians, for a one-day visit (Sabah Tourism Board).

Other Semporna Islands

Prices checked 6 October 2026. Getting to Semporna: buses leave Kota Kinabalu daily at 7.30am and 7.30pm, take about 10 hours and cost about RM67; or fly to Tawau, then it is about a 90-minute drive to Semporna (Scuba Junkie, checked 6 October 2026). Boat fares from Semporna to the islands vary by operator, and resort packages often include the transfer. From 1 January 2026 a jetty fee applies when leaving Semporna for Mabul: RM10 for a non-Malaysian adult and RM2 for a Malaysian adult, by Scuba Junkie's report; Mataking says RM10 per person for all nationalities (Mataking), so carry small notes.

Bohey Dulang

Part of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, about 45 minutes by speedboat from Semporna. The Bohey Dulang trail is about an hour's climb up an old volcano, with views over the park's islands from the top. On top of the park's conservation fee (RM20 for international adults, RM8 for Malaysian adults), Sabah Parks charges a climbing fee of RM50 for international adults and RM20 for Malaysian adults (RM30 and RM10 aged 17 and under), plus RM50 per climb for a mountain guide for up to six people (Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026). Day trips vary by operator; Bigfin Divers lists RM270 for a snorkelling and hiking day trip in Tun Sakaran (Bigfin Divers, checked 6 October 2026) (confirm whether Sabah Parks fees are included).

Other Islands

Checked 6 October 2026.

Costs at a Glance

Published prices from Bigfin Divers, Sabah Parks and Mataking, checked 6 October 2026.

Best Time to Visit

Conservation Rules

Sabah Parks islands are protected areas. Follow these rules and good habits:

• Single-use plastic bags are banned at all Sabah Parks protected areas, since 1 January 2026 (Sabah Parks)
• Take all your rubbish back with you
• Bring reusable bottles, containers and bags
• Don't touch coral or marine life
• Use reef-safe sunscreen: we could not find this rule on Sabah Parks' own pages, but Scuba Junkie says Sabah Parks requires it at Sipadan (Scuba Junkie, checked 6 October 2026)