Snorkeling in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park from Kota Kinabalu

Two islands, two snorkel sites, and a BBQ lunch in the marine park

Snorkel two islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a marine reserve 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu. You'll spend the morning at Manukan Island, then move to either Mamutik or Sapi Island in the afternoon: the boat captain chooses based on weather and sea conditions. The day includes hotel pickup, lunch on the island, and time to swim, explore the forest or rest between snorkel sessions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park1h · entry included
2. Manukan Island1h · entry included
3. Sapi Islandpassing by

Island hopping and snorkeling tour

• Pick up from city hotel
• Transfer to jetty
• Boat ride to Manukan Island
• Snorkel and explore Manukan Island
• Boat ride to Mamutik or Sapi Island
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on island
• Return to mainland
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

The boat leaves Jesselton Point jetty after a 15- to 20-minute ride from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Manukan Island is your first stop, a snorkeling and diving site where you'll enter the water to see spotted turtles, tropical fish and the reef structure itself. The underwater life here is the draw: colorful and close enough to see without going deep.

Around 11:30 in the morning, you board again and head to either Mamutik or Sapi Island depending on what the captain reads in the weather and wave conditions that day. This second site gives you another chance to snorkel in different water, and the boat crew handles the decision so you don't have to guess. Lunch is a BBQ spread served on the island, with time to eat, swim again or walk into the forest if you want to move around.

Late afternoon, the boat returns to the mainland and drops you back at your hotel. An English-speaking coordinator travels with the group, and the van is air-conditioned for the ride to and from the jetty. The whole day runs about five hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off in Kota Kinabalu.
• English-speaking tour coordinator.
• lunch on the island.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.
• boat transport to both islands.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Asni Tours & Travel (M) Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?This is a shared snorkeling excursion with a fixed schedule and two set islands, so it suits travelers who want the logistics handled and don't mind a group. The boat captain's choice of the second island based on conditions means you get the best water that day rather than a predetermined site: useful if you're visiting during a season when weather shifts quickly.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How far is Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park from Kota Kinabalu?

The park is roughly 15 minutes by boat from Jesselton Point jetty. The boat ride from your hotel to the jetty takes 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Which islands will I snorkel at?

You'll visit Manukan Island first, then either Mamutik or Sapi Island. The boat captain decides between Mamutik and Sapi on the day based on weather and wave conditions, so the exact second site isn't fixed in advance.

What kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling?

Spotted turtles and tropical fish are common in the park's waters. The reef structure is visible from the surface, and the snorkeling sites are designed for swimmers of all levels to see the underwater life without deep diving.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Yes, lunch is a BBQ meal served on the island and is included in the price. You'll have time to eat, rest or swim again before the afternoon boat ride back.

What should I bring for this snorkeling excursion?

Bring sunblock, a towel, swimming attire, sandals and a change of clothes. Personal toiletries are your responsibility. Snorkeling gear and water sport equipment rentals are available at your own cost if you don't have your own.