Sapi & Manukan Islands Snorkelling with Lunch, Kota Kinabalu

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park was established in 1974 to protect the islands, reefs and sea grass beds just off Kota Kinabalu. Its islands are covered in tropical forest and fringed with sandy beaches, and the coral reefs around them shelter a rich variety of fish, giant clams and other sea life. Boats leave from the city's jetty and reach the islands in about 15 to 20 minutes.

How to get to Sapi Island and Manukan Island? This trip takes care of everything: the transfer from your pickup point to the jetty, the boat tickets and the marine park entry fees. The park is protected, so collecting coral or shells and feeding the fish are not allowed, and using reef-friendly sunscreen helps keep the water clean for future visitors.

Manukan Island

Manukan is one of the larger islands of the park, a crescent of forested hills with a long golden-white beach along its northern shore. It has the best facilities in the marine park, with changing rooms, showers, shaded picnic areas and a boardwalk, which makes it a comfortable stop for families with children.

The snorkelling is easy from the beach: just a few metres out you can float over coral heads and see parrotfish, damselfish, sergeant majors and other reef fish in clear, shallow water. Plan about two hours on Manukan for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the sand. The water is usually calmest in the morning, before the afternoon breeze picks up.

Sapi Island

Sapi is a small, pretty island at the western end of the park, separated from the much larger Gaya Island by a narrow channel; at low tide a sandbar sometimes almost joins them. Its beach is lined with tall trees for shade, and monitor lizards and long-tailed macaques are often seen around the forest edge, so keep food out of reach.

Lunch is served on Sapi, and the rocky points at either end of the beach are good spots for snorkelling, with small corals and shoals of fish. Optional water sports such as banana boat rides and parasailing can be arranged at your own expense. Is Sapi Island worth visiting? For an easy, picturesque beach close to the city, it is one of the favourites.

Snorkelling and practical tips

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are provided, so even beginners can enjoy the reefs safely while floating on the surface. Your guide gives a short briefing and points out the best areas at each island. Fins are not included, so bring your own if you prefer them, along with a rash guard or T-shirt for sun protection.

What is the best time to visit the islands of Kota Kinabalu? The calmest seas and clearest water are usually from about March to September; from November to January the sea can be rougher and showers more frequent. Small jellyfish or sea lice occasionally appear, so a long-sleeved swim top is useful. Halal food is widely available in Kota Kinabalu after the trip.