Sabah Island Hopping | Sapi Island + Manukan Island Day Trip

#September Good Places 2025
The surrounding area of Gaia Island in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is a high-scoring choice in the Southeast Asian sea islands for photography! This special day trip to the two islands of Sabi Island + Manukan Island is guaranteed to reap stunning sea views, coral fish, pleasant holiday atmosphere and convenience, whether you are a diving novice or an island paralyzed. Both islands are accessible by boat, easy transportation, all day on the island, really want to relax anytime!

🌊 Attraction Inventory Recommendation - Sabi Island + Manugan Island Highlights Full Collection!

1️⃣ Sapi Island
As a popular choice of Gaia Island Ocean Park, Sabi Island has ultra-transparent sea water + fine white sand, whether you are in check-in or paralyzing mode, you can reap the holiday atmosphere every minute. The snorkeling area is full of fish, occasionally encountering small coral reefs, the effect of photography is great! The sea island is fully equipped with beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, dining, and showers. There are also water paragliding, banana boats and other sea activities on the island.
📍 Address: K.K, Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: 08:00-22:00 year-round

2️⃣ Manukan Island
Manukan Island focuses on a natural ecological experience, the water is equally clear, almost to the bottom! The underwater world is super exciting, in addition to corals among the rocks, while you can see various colored fish schools, snorkeling is more primitive than Sabi Island. The island is more well-equipped with restaurants, simple shops and clean changing showers. Suitable for those who want to enjoy the beach in peace or family fun with small children.
📍Address: Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 year-round

📣 Practical travel tips ・ Real insights
Having experienced it firsthand, Sapi and Manukan are both excellent choices for getting close to nature and slow life! No need to bring your own snorkeling gear, the island is rentable and safety measures are done well. Transportation is efficient and easy to arrange by boat from the city of Kota Kinabalu, with a centralized pier, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes + sunscreen, because the day is really super fierce!

🏝️ Transportation & Lifestyle Information
- How to get there: Take a boat from Jesselton Point Pier in Kota Kinabalu city.
- Dining recommendations: Light meals are sold on Sapi and Manukan Islands, focusing on authentic delicacies such as Malay fried rice and coconut milk rice. If you want to eat authentically, you can bring some dry food to the island.
- Plenty of facilities: Both islands have shower changing rooms, restaurants, and lounge areas, which is very convenient even for families and children.

💡 Itinerary Tips
1. It is recommended to land on the island in the morning to avoid afternoon high temperatures + peak crowds.
2. Coral waters pay attention to environmental protection, do not grab fish, trample coral.
3. Sunscreen must be done, preferably wearing sunscreen instead of sunscreen spray, reduce marine pollution.
4. The return boat is earlier, remember to ask the last boat time in advance.

#Sabah Offshore Recommendation #Island Vacation Photo #Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide #Snorkeling Beginners Must Visit #Parent-Child Travel First Choice