Besides white water rafting and climbing Mount Kinabalu, island hopping through Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park is another major activity in Sabah, especially if you’re at Kota Kinabalu. There are many tour boat companies providing return trips to the islands that depart from Jesselton Point, the ferry terminal at KK next to the royal custom department.
The boats leave at a half-hourly to hourly frequency, with the fare priced at RM20-30 per pax depending on the boat size as well as the number of islands you are going to visit. It is advised to start the island hopping as early as possible because there are quite many islands you can choose to visit like Manukan, Manutik (smallest), Sapi, Gaya (largest) and Sulug.
Our first stop was Manukan Island and the boat journey was only 15-20 minutes since the islands are not too far away from the mainland. You could still see the buildings at the mainland side from the island. A resort named Manukan Island Resort provides the accommodation and only one restaurant is serving food there.
Once you reach Manukan, a few Ringgit of entrance fee is collected from each tourist at the small office used to preserve the Marine Park. To be honest, although the view is great snorkeling would be the main activity here or you will get bored soon. The equipments could be rented at the island itself, or you could rent them from the tour boat companies at a cheaper price.
Manukan is highly recommended for snorkeling, as the island is blessed with plenty of marine life. Compared to Lang Tengah or Redang, Manukan’s seawater is definitely not as clear but its shore is more appealing because there are no dead corals washed up on the beach – good for your feet.
This is how clear the water was, even at 100m away from the shore as seen on the jetty. What else to do here other than feeding the fish and let them nibble at your feet?
It was an unforgettable trip alright. But it could’ve been perfect if not for the storm that happened later rendering the rest of our day taking shelter at the beach pavilions.
I wish I could travel there too, the beach, water and sky are so nice!!! Seeing all those photos remind me of Redang Island, they also have crystal clear water and blue sky :)
Hi, u lai KK ah? Syok boh? Hope u enjoy your KK trip. Next time should plan for Mt Kinabalu climb. ok?
The pics of the jetty is really nice.
This is a really nice place.
awesome sky pics taken. cant wait for my nxt holiday
Just went there last week. Nice trip and awesome sunset view. Lucky no storm hit us or else we might have the same fate as you.
Manukan is indeed lovely for snorkeling – be sure to get there early in the morning before the hordes of tourist groups show up.. Also, we went in mid- March and as the tide came up around 10am, the stinging jellyfish started to wash up so we had to abandon our snorkeling :( When we went in December a few years ago, we didn’t have any issues.
Very good pictures. 2nd last pic epic. Nice alternative from greasy yet tempting food.
I MISS Manukan Island!! I went there for the 1st time last year & fell in love with tht place + KK on the whole….! I’m thinking of going there again! How’ve u been, vkeong? It’s been awhile since we met…hope u’re doing good!
really nice place
thank for this
Great photos and description.. just luv it..
Thank you for your interesting article. I came here by chance.
Manukan is indeed llvoey for snorkeling be sure to get there early in the morning before the hordes of tourist groups show up.. Also, we went in mid- March and as the tide came up around 10am, the stinging jellyfish started to wash up so we had to abandon our snorkeling When we went in December a few years ago, we didn’t have any issues.