7 Best Islands in Kota Kinabalu

The best islands in Kota Kinabalu are dreamy, paradisical islands where you can dive into warm, turquoise waters, enjoy the sun on sandy beaches or discover their exciting wildlife. These versatile and stunning islands should be on every itinerary. They are perfect for sunny day trips from Kota Kinabalu, romantic weekend getaways or adrenaline-filled excursions for water sports enthusiasts.

The colourful sea life will charm every nature lover. You can snorkel among clown fish, sea cows and coral and let the gentle waves rock you as you explore the clear waters. Or take a leisurely walk in the tropical forests and discover their exotic flora and fauna. So, pack your sunscreen, snorkelling mask and flippers and let’s go.

1. Dinawan Island

Eco-friendly glamping paradise with a view of Mount Kinabalu

Ideal para: Foto, Casais

The secluded Dinawan Island is the perfect spot for escaping the Kota Kinabalu city life and unwinding on its spectacular beaches and tranquil waters. You can spend the day swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. If you prefer dry land, jungle walks in the lush rainforest are a great way to get to know the island.

Dinawan is privately owned and features a holiday resort which focuses on ecological sustainability. Here you can learn about the island’s diverse marine life and participate in cultivating seaweed and replanting coral. You can reach Dinawan in 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu by speed boat. If you want to stay overnight, why not book one of the luxury tents and sleep under the stars?

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2. Mantanani Islands

Three islands with turquoise waters, sandy beaches and coral reefs

Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Foto

The isolated Mantanani islands are a dream for day-trippers and nature lovers. Located about 20 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, the islands are home to the mermaid-like sea cows and thus also known as the Mermaid Islands. The biggest of the 3, Mantanani Besar, has the most amenities and its thriving marine life includes many species of rays such as the blue spotted ray and marbled sting ray. To learn about the local way of life, you can visit a resident fishing community.

The 2 smaller islands, Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan, offer no accommodation or shops, but are perfect for spending a day snorkelling or diving. Catch a boat from Mantanani Besar to both islands.

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3. Gaya Island

Adopting corals and hiking in pristine tropical forests

Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Foto

Located only a 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island is a welcoming paradise escape where you can discover exciting marine life and lush tropical forests. Gaya is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, and it has 20 km of amazing hiking trails. If you prefer water sports, hop in a kayak or pop on your flippers and mask and explore Gaya from the water.

This versatile island is home to the Marine Ecology Research Centre aiming to conserve native species of giant clams and coral. Book a visit for a chance to work as a marine biologist for a day or take a guided tour around the facilities. You can even adopt a coral here.

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4. Sapi Island

Popular island in a marine park with clear waters and panoramic zipline

Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Famílias

Locals and visitors alike flock to the beautiful Sapi Island to swim with colourful fish, enjoy a day at the beach or stroll around the island. The clear and warm waters are perfect for snorkelling and exploring the diverse Sapi sea life. From Coral Flyer, the long zipline between Sapi and Gaya, you’ll get a spectacular view of the island. To keep the adrenaline flowing, give jet skiing or parasailing a go.

Sapi is a nature lover’s heaven. It’s brimming with wildlife and home to majestic monitor lizards, turtles and macaques. It only takes about 20 minutes to reach Sapi from Kota Kinabalu by speed boat. The high-speed ride can feel choppy but equally refreshing on a hot day.

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5. Mamutik and Manukan Islands

Two utopian islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Foto

The neighbouring islands of Manukan and Mamutik offer spectacular beaches, clear waters for snorkelling and rich tropical forests for jungle walking just a 20-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu. Manukan is a favourite among the locals and attracts visitors with versatile water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing. Camping is allowed here, and for longer stays you can book a chalet.

The serene Mamutik welcomes you to spend a day sun lounging on its white sandy beaches, swimming in the warm waters and marvelling at the purple coral and colourful fish. There are some shops and amenities on both islands, but credit cards aren’t widely accepted, so do bring cash.

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6. Sepanggar Island

Remote island ambience

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Although it takes only 10 minutes to reach Sepanggar Island from Kota Kinabalu, it has a serene, desert island-like vibe. The coconut trees sway slowly in the balmy wind, the golden sand invites you to spread your towel and you can hear exotic birds calling from the surrounding rainforest. The calm waters are perfect for snorkelling, canoeing and scuba diving.

For a breathtaking view of Sepanggar Bay and Kota Kinabalu, stretch your legs and hike to the highest point of this gorgeous island. There are no shops here, so bring your essentials with you. For an overnight stay, you can book a tree house but look out for the monkeys as they might try to steal your breakfast.

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7. Mengalum Island

A remote haven for birdwatchers and sun lovers

Ideal para: Foto, Casais

Mengalum Island invites you to leave your cares behind and soak up the sun and dig your toes into the fine white sand of its spectacular beaches. The boat ride from Kota Kinabalu to Mengalum might take up to 90 minutes, but you’ll be rewarded with tranquil island atmosphere, incredible marine life and a chance to spot exotic migrating birds. Put on your snorkelling mask and discover the underwater wonders of Mengalum: corals, groupers, snappers and mackerels to name just a few.

To experience the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises here, book a room at the luxurious Mengalum Island Resort. If you want a quieter, more relaxed getaway, visit Mengalum outside of the local holidays

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