Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Other than being famous for the majestic Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is also a great destination to visit many beautiful islands. Being the second largest island in Sabah, Manukan Island has a unique dolphin shape if viewed from above. Located 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, the island has a long stretch of white sandy beaches and clear blue water with serene surroundings.
Either with your partner, friends or family, Manukan Island has exciting underwater activities for you to try. Many tour operators are located around the island where you can arrange for guided island hopping, snorkeling and diving trips. Try and visit the Mid Reef spot located near Manukan Island. Common sightings here including yellow-finned barracudas, scorpion fish, clown fish, leopard sharks, sea turtles, as well as rare marine creatures such as frog fish and moray eels. If you are here to dive, go 15 metres deep to witness a rare black coral garden. Other activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flying fish and jet ski are also available on the island.
If you are travelling to enjoy a peaceful retreat and some time away from the busy city life, staying in Manukan Island is a great option as it’s also nearby other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Take your chance and go for a 1.5km hiking trail up to Sunset Point if you stay here overnight. You will get to see a scenic sunset view facing the South China Sea. The trails are clear and along the way, you will also see rare species of Mangrove trees.
Either with your partner, friends or family, Manukan Island has exciting underwater activities for you to try. Many tour operators are located around the island where you can arrange for guided island hopping, snorkeling and diving trips. Try and visit the Mid Reef spot located near Manukan Island. Common sightings here including yellow-finned barracudas, scorpion fish, clown fish, leopard sharks, sea turtles, as well as rare marine creatures such as frog fish and moray eels. If you are here to dive, go 15 metres deep to witness a rare black coral garden. Other activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flying fish and jet ski are also available on the island.
If you are travelling to enjoy a peaceful retreat and some time away from the busy city life, staying in Manukan Island is a great option as it’s also nearby other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Take your chance and go for a 1.5km hiking trail up to Sunset Point if you stay here overnight. You will get to see a scenic sunset view facing the South China Sea. The trails are clear and along the way, you will also see rare species of Mangrove trees.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Aside from the many water activities, you can also indulge in a pure Sabahan food experience here on Manukan Island. There is a wide range of places to eat here, from high end restaurants to food stalls. Lunch and dinner buffet are also available at selected restaurants. Two of the famous places to eat here are Koktas Cafe and Arang Barbecue House.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Collect some seashells to bring home and remember your trip here in the beautiful Manukan Island!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Manukan Island is easily accessible by speed boats. Get to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and purchase boat tickets heading to Manukan Island. The earliest boat leaves at 8.00 am on weekdays and 7.30 am on weekends. The trip will only take about 15 minutes by speedboat.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Remember to bring your beach essentials: Towel, swimwear, change of clothes, beach mat, action camera, waterproof bag, and sunscreen.
- Since it’s a major tourist attraction, the island is usually crowded during Malaysian holidays and peak season.
- Avoid visiting here during monsoon season, from end of October to February as most boat schedules will be cancelled.
- Do not harm the corals and sea creatures during your photo session.
- Large monitor lizards and skunks have been spotted around the island so be careful.
- Camping is not allowed in Manukan Island.
- Plenty of accommodations are available around the island. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, chalets and homestays.
- If you are here for a day trip, it is best to leave the island before 4.00pm.
- The entrance tickets are including the conservation fee. To enter Manukan Island, it costs RM10 per adult and RM6 per child.
- The average price for two diving sessions here is from RM450 per pax.
- Return boat fare will cost RM25 per adult and RM18 per child.
One of the top tourist spots in Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is one of the islands located within the area of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Saturday | 07:30 am to 04:15 pm |
| Sunday | 07:30 am to 04:15 pm |
One of the top tourist spots in Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is one of the islands located within the area of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 04:15 pm |
| Saturday | 07:30 am to 04:15 pm |
| Sunday | 07:30 am to 04:15 pm |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Other than being famous for the majestic Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is also a great destination to visit many beautiful islands. Being the second largest island in Sabah, Manukan Island has a unique dolphin shape if viewed from above. Located 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, the island has a long stretch of white sandy beaches and clear blue water with serene surroundings.
Either with your partner, friends or family, Manukan Island has exciting underwater activities for you to try. Many tour operators are located around the island where you can arrange for guided island hopping, snorkeling and diving trips. Try and visit the Mid Reef spot located near Manukan Island. Common sightings here including yellow-finned barracudas, scorpion fish, clown fish, leopard sharks, sea turtles, as well as rare marine creatures such as frog fish and moray eels. If you are here to dive, go 15 metres deep to witness a rare black coral garden. Other activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flying fish and jet ski are also available on the island.
If you are travelling to enjoy a peaceful retreat and some time away from the busy city life, staying in Manukan Island is a great option as it’s also nearby other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Take your chance and go for a 1.5km hiking trail up to Sunset Point if you stay here overnight. You will get to see a scenic sunset view facing the South China Sea. The trails are clear and along the way, you will also see rare species of Mangrove trees.
Either with your partner, friends or family, Manukan Island has exciting underwater activities for you to try. Many tour operators are located around the island where you can arrange for guided island hopping, snorkeling and diving trips. Try and visit the Mid Reef spot located near Manukan Island. Common sightings here including yellow-finned barracudas, scorpion fish, clown fish, leopard sharks, sea turtles, as well as rare marine creatures such as frog fish and moray eels. If you are here to dive, go 15 metres deep to witness a rare black coral garden. Other activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flying fish and jet ski are also available on the island.
If you are travelling to enjoy a peaceful retreat and some time away from the busy city life, staying in Manukan Island is a great option as it’s also nearby other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Take your chance and go for a 1.5km hiking trail up to Sunset Point if you stay here overnight. You will get to see a scenic sunset view facing the South China Sea. The trails are clear and along the way, you will also see rare species of Mangrove trees.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Aside from the many water activities, you can also indulge in a pure Sabahan food experience here on Manukan Island. There is a wide range of places to eat here, from high end restaurants to food stalls. Lunch and dinner buffet are also available at selected restaurants. Two of the famous places to eat here are Koktas Cafe and Arang Barbecue House.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Collect some seashells to bring home and remember your trip here in the beautiful Manukan Island!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Manukan Island is easily accessible by speed boats. Get to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and purchase boat tickets heading to Manukan Island. The earliest boat leaves at 8.00 am on weekdays and 7.30 am on weekends. The trip will only take about 15 minutes by speedboat.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Remember to bring your beach essentials: Towel, swimwear, change of clothes, beach mat, action camera, waterproof bag, and sunscreen.
- Since it’s a major tourist attraction, the island is usually crowded during Malaysian holidays and peak season.
- Avoid visiting here during monsoon season, from end of October to February as most boat schedules will be cancelled.
- Do not harm the corals and sea creatures during your photo session.
- Large monitor lizards and skunks have been spotted around the island so be careful.
- Camping is not allowed in Manukan Island.
- Plenty of accommodations are available around the island. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, chalets and homestays.
- If you are here for a day trip, it is best to leave the island before 4.00pm.
- The entrance tickets are including the conservation fee. To enter Manukan Island, it costs RM10 per adult and RM6 per child.
- The average price for two diving sessions here is from RM450 per pax.
- Return boat fare will cost RM25 per adult and RM18 per child.
