Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A great place to come for healing with family or friends — dining facilities are available, and the island itself is beautiful.

A lot of fun activities; paragliding, undersea walk, Island hopping, snorkelling, banana boat ride and etc.

Manukan Island is one of those places that keeps calling you back, and after a decade, I can confidently say it has only gotten better. The improvements over the years are evident, from better facilities to well-maintained beaches, but what remains unchanged is the island’s natural charm. If you’re planning an island-hopping adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is a must-visit stop—and for good reason. It’s usually one of the longer stays on the tour, giving you a couple of hours to soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise. The beaches here are pristine, with powdery sand and crystal-clear waters that make for perfect swimming and snorkeling conditions. One of the things I love most about Manukan is how it blends relaxation with a touch of adventure. Whether you want to lounge by the shore, take a dip, or explore the island’s vibrant marine life, there’s something for everyone. The wildlife here is also a treat—expect to spot colorful fish, playful monitor lizards, and even hornbills if you’re lucky. Overall, Manukan Island isn’t just a stopover; it’s an experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it never fails to impress. If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, make sure to set aside time for this gem—you won’t regret it.

Very clean and beautiful place. Just boat service needs to be more organized. Our experience: We visited Manukan (crystal clear water), Sapi (beautiful but not as much as Manukan) and Gaya (Patang Point). In this last island there are hiking trails. In Sapi we rent a Mask and snorkel for RM10 and enjoyed the corals and fish.

Amazing that they charge a conservation fee, when the water is dirty and full of rubbish. Not good for snorkelling as the coral is very shallow (and mostly dead) so cannot be accessed a lot of the time, although I respect them trying to restrict people, as I’m sure they would stand on and damage it further.

Great place to visit islands and these islands just located near to town. Great way to feel the breeze and nature scene. Recommended.

Unfortunately the hiking routes on the Manukan Island are impassable (overgrown vegetation). The southwest tip of the island is full of garbage. I think the conservation fee (25 RM/person) is unreasonably high.

Superb well maintained natural park with clean white sand beaches, lush forrest and excellent coral and crystal clear waters for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visited in January 2004 on a scuba diving trip with Boreno Divers