With its long coastline and tropical waters, Sabah is home to a wide range of islands, each with its own character. Some are surrounded by coral reefs and marine life, while others offer quiet beaches, nature trails, and scenic coastal views. The best island in Sabah to visit will depend on whether you’re interested in snorkeling, diving, relaxing, or exploring nature.

Many of Sabah’s islands can be reached from Kota Kinabalu or Semporna. Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik are convenient options for a short island trip, while Mabul and Sipadan are better known for their diving experiences. Here’s a closer look at the islands worth visiting, what you can do there, and how to plan your trip.

Read More: 15 Things to Do in Sabah 

Sabah has several island destinations spread across its western and eastern coast. Here are some of the islands you can consider for your next trip.

Manukan Island is one of the most popular islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. The island has a sandy beach, clear water, snorkeling areas, and nature trails.

It is also one of the more developed islands in the park, making it convenient for visitors who want to enjoy a beach day without traveling too far from Kota Kinabalu.

You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the island. Manukan is a good option if you only have limited time in Sabah but still want to experience an island getaway.

Sapi Island is another popular choice in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The island is relatively small and is known for its sandy beaches and surrounding coral reefs.

Snorkeling is one of the main activities here, while the island also has nature trails for visitors who want to explore beyond the beach. Sapi is also located close to Gaya Island, and at low tide, a sandbar can connect parts of the two islands.

With its easy access from Kota Kinabalu, Sapi Island can be included in a convenient island-hopping itinerary.

If you prefer a smaller and easy-to-reach island, Mamutik is worth considering. It is the smallest of the five islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and is also one of the closest to mainland Kota Kinabalu.

The island has sandy beaches on several sides, while rocks line parts of the coastline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, and relaxing by the sea.

Gaya Island is the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and offers a different experience from the smaller islands.

The island is covered by tropical forest and has secluded bays, beaches, coral reefs, and marked nature trails. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, hiking, or simply spending time surrounded by nature.

Gaya Island is also home to several accommodation options, making it suitable if you want to stay overnight instead of returning to Kota Kinabalu after a day trip.

For travelers interested in diving and underwater photography, Mabul Island is one of the islands to consider.

Located near Semporna, Mabul is known for its rich macro marine life. The waters around the island are home to various small and unusual marine creatures, including flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, moray eels, and other species.

Unlike some of the islands around Kota Kinabalu, Mabul also offers accommodation options ranging from simple lodges to water bungalows. The island can be reached by boat from Semporna, with the journey taking around 45 minutes under normal conditions.

Sipadan is one of Sabah's most famous destinations for scuba diving. The island is located in the Celebes Sea near Semporna and is known for its rich marine ecosystem.

Divers can encounter coral reefs, schools of fish, sea turtles, barracudas, and other marine life. Sabah Parks states that more than 400 fish species and hundreds of coral species have been classified in the Sipadan ecosystem.

However, Sipadan is not a typical beach holiday destination. Accommodation facilities on the island were closed in 2004 as part of conservation efforts, so visitors stay on nearby islands or in Semporna. Diving also requires a permit, with daily visitor limits in place for conservation.

An island trip in Sabah can include much more than relaxing on the beach. Depending on the destination, you can enjoy different land and water activities.

Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to experience Sabah's marine environment. Islands around Kota Kinabalu, including Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik, offer opportunities to explore shallow waters and coral reefs.

Bring your own equipment or check whether your tour operator or resort provides snorkeling gear.

Sabah is particularly popular among divers because of destinations such as Sipadan and Mabul.

If you are an experienced diver, you can look into dive packages around Semporna. Beginners can also find diving courses and introductory experiences through licensed operators.

Always check certification requirements, weather conditions, and permit arrangements before booking.

If diving isn't your priority, you can simply enjoy the beaches. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, having a picnic, or taking photos of the coastline.

Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik are particularly convenient choices for a relaxed day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

Some Sabah islands offer more than beaches. Gaya Island, for example, has marked trails through its tropical environment.

A short hike can be a nice way to break up a day of swimming and snorkeling while giving you a different perspective of the island.

If you have limited time, consider visiting several islands in one trip. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park consists of five islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug.

Island-hopping tours from Kota Kinabalu can make it easier to visit multiple beaches and snorkeling spots in a single day.

Weather conditions are an important part of planning an island trip. Sabah has a tropical climate, but rainfall and sea conditions can vary throughout the year.

For beach activities and boat trips, check the latest weather forecast before traveling. Sea conditions can affect boat transfers and water activities, particularly when traveling to islands farther from the mainland.

If you are planning to dive at Sipadan, remember that access is regulated and permits are limited. It is best to arrange your diving plans well in advance through a licensed operator.

Your route depends on which island you choose.

For islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the journey is relatively simple. The marine park is located about 3 kilometers offshore from Kota Kinabalu, and boat transfers operate from several jetties in the city.

This makes Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Gaya convenient options if you're staying in Kota Kinabalu.

For Mabul and Sipadan, Semporna is one of the main gateways.

Mabul can be reached by boat from Semporna, while access to Sipadan is arranged through licensed operators and depends on the required permits.

If your main goal is diving, consider staying in Semporna or on a nearby island and arranging your boat transfers and diving activities in advance.

Your choice of accommodation depends on how much time you have and what kind of holiday you want.

Kota Kinabalu is convenient if you plan to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park as a day trip. You can stay in the city and take a boat to the islands in the morning.

Gaya Island is another option if you want to stay closer to nature. The island has accommodation options and allows you to enjoy a more relaxed island experience.

Mabul Island is suitable for travelers focusing on diving and marine activities. Accommodation ranges from simple lodges to water bungalows.

If you are planning to visit Sipadan, keep in mind that you cannot stay overnight on Sipadan itself. Visitors typically stay on nearby islands or in Semporna.

Read More: Things to Do in Sabah: 7 Unforgettable Adventures to Explore

Before heading to the islands, keep these practical tips in mind.

Boat schedules can vary depending on the destination, weather, and operator. Confirm your departure and return times before starting your trip.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and light clothing. You may spend several hours outdoors, especially during island-hopping trips.

A waterproof pouch or dry bag can help protect your phone, camera, and other valuables while traveling by boat or enjoying water activities.

Some smaller islands have fewer shops and facilities than mainland destinations. Bring drinking water, personal medication, and other essentials you may need throughout the day.

Avoid touching coral, collecting shells or marine life, and leaving rubbish behind. Protected areas such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Sipadan Island Park are managed to protect their marine ecosystems.

If you want to include an island experience in a short Sabah holiday, you can follow a simple itinerary.

Spend your first day exploring Kota Kinabalu. Visit local attractions, try Sabahan food, and prepare for your island trip the following day.

Take a boat from Kota Kinabalu and spend the day exploring islands such as Manukan, Sapi, or Mamutik.

Go snorkeling, swim, enjoy lunch by the beach, and take time to relax before returning to Kota Kinabalu.

For a more relaxed trip, spend another day around Kota Kinabalu or visit Gaya Island.

If diving is your main interest, consider extending your trip and traveling to Semporna for Mabul and Sipadan instead. These destinations require more planning but offer a very different marine experience.

Ready to explore the best island in Sabah? Start planning your trip with Traveloka.

Book your flight to Sabah and choose hotels and accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, or on one of the islands, depending on your itinerary.

You can also use Traveloka Car Rental to explore Sabah's mainland destinations before or after your island trip. For activities and attractions, check Traveloka Experiences to find experiences you can add to your itinerary.

With your flights, accommodation, and activities arranged in advance, you can spend more time enjoying Sabah's beaches, coral reefs, and tropical scenery.

Start planning your Malaysia holiday with Traveloka and experience the islands, beaches, and natural beauty of Sabah.