The islands around Kota Kinabalu, Sabah are pretty well-known and much visited. The islands are located in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and is made up of a group of 5 islands – Sapi island, Manukan island, Mamutik island, Gaya island and Sulug island. The most visited islands are Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik.
On your visit to Kota Kinabalu, try to add an island tour to your travel itinerary. Get some sun, beach, water sport, nature and an island BBQ. You can go island hopping, or a more leisurely 2 island tour. Of the available islands, I would go for Manukan and Sapi island. If you take one of the available tours from Kota Kinabalu, a 2 island tour will give you 7 hours on the islands of your choice.
- Jetty at Manukan island
The Adventure Starts
On one of the tours I have found, the itinerary looks like this:
- Pick up from hotel, transfer to KK jetty, register and proceed to Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan).
- Enjoy snorkeling, watersports, swimming or hiking, photography.
- Proceed to Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) by boat.
- Enjoy water sports, Jet Ski, Para-sailing, Banana Boat ride or a Flying Fish ride, chilling out by the beach.
- BBQ lunch on the island.
- Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu city and hotel in the afternoon.
- BBQ lunch on the island
- Island BBQ
Price Of Islands Tour
An Island Tour like this will cost: RM 180 per adult/ RM 135 per child.
- Manukan beach
What the price includes
- Land and sea transfers
- Jetty and Entrance fees
- BBQ Lunch
- English speaking Tour Guide
- It's so clear you can see the fishes
What’s NOT include
- Camera or video fees
- Snorkeling gear, fins
- Beach mats
- Water sports equipment
- Para-sailing at Manukan island
What else is there
The water sports aren’t included in the tour price, and the prices are …. well, see for yourself.
- Jet Ski: Rm 195 per unit for 15 minute rental.
- Para-Sailing: RM 120 per person for 10-15 minutes, minimum of 2 persons.
- Banana Boat: RM 40 per person for 15 minutes, minimum 3 persons.
- Flying Fish: RM 85 per person for 15 minutes, minimum 2 persons.
The Tour Company
The tour company that runs this tour operates out of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. They have been around for a few years now, and they run some interesting tours including climbing Mount Kinabalu and white water rafting. The prices are pretty much the same as charged by other tour companies in Kota Kinabalu. You can visit their website: www.aparuholiday.com.
Photo source: www.aparuholiday.com
One boat ride cost 180 – 200 per head. Anything cheaper than that. We are teachers and students. We’re on a tight budget. If we go on our own can we book in advance as we come in large group of 64
It is cheaper if you go to Jesselton Point and just book the boats. You can split up your group by teachers and buuy from different counters. The price will be the same, as well as the boat trip. You will have to bring your own food and drinks. The food prices on the island is on the high side.