Island Hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
A day on the islands of the marine park three kilometres off Kota Kinabalu.
Five islands off the city
Boats from Kota Kinabalu cross to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, three kilometres offshore in Gaya Bay, for a day on the islands. The park has five islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug.
It was gazetted in 1974 as Sabah's second national park and covers 50 square kilometres of islands, reefs and sea. Sabah Parks lists park hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Telling the five apart
Gaya is the largest, at 15 square kilometres, with 20 km of marked trails, including a plank-walk across a mangrove swamp.
Manukan is the second largest and the most developed. It is crescent-shaped and about 1.5 km long, and has nature trails and the Sabah Parks headquarters.
Mamutik is the smallest island and the nearest to the mainland, with sandy beaches on most sides.
Sapi is 200 metres wide and half a kilometre long, with 5 km of nature trails. A sand bank links it to Gaya.
Sulug is the furthest from the mainland, a rocky island less than 200 metres across. Sabah Tourism describes it as quiet and undeveloped.
Reef, beach and forest trail
The islands have shallow fringing reefs and clear bays. Sabah Tourism lists snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, parasailing and beach picnics, and Sabah Parks adds forest walks on the island trails.
Three jetties in Kota Kinabalu
Boat transfers and island-hopping trips run daily from three jetties in Kota Kinabalu: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, the DBKK Jetty and the Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty. Sabah Parks charges a conservation fee to enter the park.
Most visitors go for the day, but there are resorts on Gaya, Manukan and Mamutik. Overnight stays must be reserved in advance with the property.
Choosing islands for one day
For families and first-time snorkellers, Sabah Tourism points to Sapi and Mamutik, where the currents are gentle. Manukan is the choice for those who want the most facilities, and Gaya for those who want to walk. Sulug is not set up for a casual day visit.
With the park closing at 5pm, a morning start gives the most time, and two islands is a realistic day. This is an outing within a Kota Kinabalu stay and does not need a separate trip.