Island Hopping

Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu: An Honest Review

Exploring the islands near Kota Kinabalu is a popular activity, and this guided tour offers a structured way to experience them. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what makes this trip worth considering — or not — for your next Borneo adventure.

What we love about this tour: the convenience of hotel transfers, the opportunity to snorkel with provided gear, and the relaxing beach lunch on Sapi Island. It’s a straightforward way to see two beautiful islands without the hassle of organizing transport or activities yourself. But, a word of caution: some travelers have found the speedboat rides a bit reckless or the crowds overwhelming, especially during public holidays.

This tour suits those who want a well-organized day of sunshine, swimming, and island scenery. If you’re craving a hassle-free experience, guided insights, and to spend time floating among coral and fishes, it’s a good fit. However, if you’re seeking in-depth historical knowledge or a more private, tranquil escape, you might want to explore alternatives.

Key Points

• Convenient Transfers: Round-trip hotel pickup makes logistics easy.
• All-Inclusive: Snorkel gear, lunch, and guides are included, offering good value.
• Multiple Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on sandy beaches.
• Variable Experiences: Reviews highlight both positive moments and issues like overcrowding or reckless boat rides.
• Group Size: Small groups (max 12) ensure a more personal experience.
• Tour Duration: About 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What to Expect from the Tour

This seven-hour adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel, taking you to the Kota Kinabalu jetty. Once there, a quick 20-minute boat ride whisks you away to your first stop: Sapi Island. This spot is renowned for its warm sands and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking up the tranquil vibes. The tour includes a generous lunch by the beach, which reviewers have described as both abundant and tasty, allowing you to refuel before your next activities.

After lunch, you board a speedboat to Manukan Island. Here, you’ll find opportunities to snorkel, swim, or lounge in the sun. Snorkeling equipment, minus fins, is provided free of charge, so you can jump straight into the water to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Several reviewers have highlighted snorkeling as a favorite part of the trip, with one calling sea walking “phenomenal.”

The First Stop: Sapi Island

Many visitors love Sapi for its beautiful beaches and the ease of access. The island is perfect for those wanting a relaxing day on soft sands or a safe, shallow spot to swim. A few reviews mention the island being crowded, especially during public holidays, so managing expectations about space and noise is wise.

Reviewers also appreciate the personal touches like helpful guides watching over belongings and taking care of guests in the water. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Nural, took good care of her since she was handicapped, showcasing that the guides make an effort to accommodate special needs.

The Second Stop: Manukan Island

Compared to Sapi, Manukan offers a bit more activity and variety. The highlight for many is snorkeling amid colorful fish and coral, with some reviewers describing their sea walks as “phenomenal.” You can also sunbathe or go for a swim, making it an excellent place to unwind after lunch.

While the scenery remains stunning, some reviews note that the islands “do not present any specific interest,” which is true if you’re expecting a cultural or historical experience. Instead, these islands shine as picture-perfect spots for swimming, sunbathing, and underwater exploration.

The Real Deal with the Price

At $125 per person, many might wonder whether this tour is good value. The included amenities — snorkel equipment, lunch, transfers, and guides — do add up. For visitors who prefer a hassle-free experience and want to maximize their time, this package offers convenience and comfort.

However, some reviewers argue that the price is inflated. One pointed out that you could book a similar speedboat island-hopping trip for just $35, with gear included, directly at the pier. This suggests that the markup might be for the guided service and the group size rather than the activities themselves. If you’re comfortable planning your own day and navigating the boats, you could reduce costs significantly.

Still, the organized nature of this tour means you don’t need to worry about timing or transport logistics, and that peace of mind can be worth a premium. Plus, having a local guide to provide insights and ensure safety is valuable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

What Travelers Love

• Guides like Nural and Jean often go above and beyond, watching belongings and providing good service.
• The snorkeling opportunities are highly regarded, with many calling it “phenomenal.”
• The beach lunch is frequently praised for being tasty and plentiful.
• The small group size (maximum 12) ensures a more personalized experience.

What Travelers Find Challenging

• The speedboat rides can be rough and reckless, with some reviews warning that if you’re prone to sea sickness, it might be a tough outing.
• Overcrowding on the islands during public holidays can detract from the feeling of tranquility.
• Some guests felt the tour lacked historical or cultural insights, wishing for more background from guides.
• A few found the tour overpriced compared to what’s available independently.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup included for most locations within Kota Kinabalu. Outskirt hotel pickups incur an additional MYR30 charge. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey to the jetty.

Once on the boat, expect about 20 minutes of travel to Sapi Island, then a transfer to Manukan. The entire trip lasts around 7 hours, giving plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Group size is capped at 12 travelers, which helps foster a friendly atmosphere and allows guides to focus on individual needs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a convenient, guided day on the water, with opportunities to snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy a good meal, this tour offers solid value. The local guides and small group size make it a comfortable choice, especially if you’re not keen on organizing transport or activities yourself.

However, be aware that crowds, rough boat rides, and the price point might not suit everyone. If you’re budget-conscious or prefer a more independent approach, it’s worth exploring options that are less expensive or more flexible.

For travelers who want a relaxed day with minimal planning, this tour fits the bill. Those seeking a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience or culture might find it lacking. Overall, it’s a balanced choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of Sabah’s islands without too much fuss.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Snorkel equipment (excluding fins), lunch, round-trip shared transfers, a local guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately seven hours, from hotel pickup to return.

Are the island stops crowded?
Yes, especially during public holidays, some reviewers noted that islands can be quite busy, which might affect the tranquil vibe.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkel equipment is supplied free of charge, minus fins.

What should I bring?
Bring water shoes (recommended due to coral), sun protection, a towel, and your own seasickness remedies if needed.

Can I customize the activities?
Activities beyond swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing are at your own expense. Water sports are available if requested.

Is this suitable for families or handicapped travelers?
Yes, guides like Nural have been praised for their care for guests with special needs, making it suitable for a range of travelers.

In essence, if you want a hassle-free way to enjoy Sabah’s beautiful islands with good guidance, tasty lunch, and easy logistics, this tour ticks most boxes. Just be prepared for the potential crowds and boat ride roughness, and consider your budget carefully. Happy island hopping!