Island Hopping from KK: The Honest Guide to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park sits fifteen minutes by boat from the Jesselton Point ferry terminal, and it contains five islands of varying size, character, and crowd level. It is, by most measures, a genuinely beautiful marine park.

The five islands

The park consists of Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug islands. The middle three — Sapi, Manukan, and Mamutik — are where most visitors end up.

Sapi Island

Sapi is the most popular island. The snorkelling on the eastern reef section is genuinely good. Arrive before 9am to get a beach chair before they’re all taken.

Manukan Island

Manukan has the most developed infrastructure — chalets, a restaurant, proper shower facilities. The resort food is overpriced. Bring your own lunch or buy from the ferry terminal before boarding.

Mamutik Island

The smallest of the three main islands and, if you’re lucky with timing, the most rewarding. Mamutik has the best preserved coral of the accessible islands.

Getting there

Boats depart from Jesselton Point terminal from 7:30am. The return ticket covers all three main islands. The park entrance fee is RM10 for Malaysians, RM20 for foreigners.

What to bring

Reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, cash, your own snorkel gear if you have it, water and snacks.