Kota Kinabalu | Snorkeling Sapi Island/Manukan Island

Kota Kinabalu’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers snorkelers a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world of Sapi and Manukan Islands. Just a quick boat ride from the city, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life. The tour provides all the essentials, from safety briefings to a delicious lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience in nature’s paradise.

Key Points

1. Sapi Island is a protected marine park located 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, offering crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling.

2. Sapi Island is accessible via a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, with a 15-minute car transfer to the terminal.

3. The snorkeling experience at Sapi Island includes a safety briefing, 2 hours of free time for activities, and a buffet lunch served on the island.

4. Along With snorkeling, Sapi Island offers various water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, as well as nature trails for bird watching.

5. The snorkeling tour package includes the Sapi Island fee, Sabah Park fee, boat transfers, life jackets, and snorkeling gear, with a flexible cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Location and Island Overview

The snorkeling activity takes place on Sapi Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park located just 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

This small island offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches, making it an ideal destination for marine exploration.

Sapi Island is part of a protected national park, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty.

The island is easily accessible, with a short speedboat ride from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.

Visitors can expect to find amenities like restrooms, changing rooms, picnic shelters, and lifeguards on the island.

Itinerary Details and Duration

Depending on the selected option, the snorkeling experience starts either at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or with a convenient hotel pickup in the Kota Kinabalu area.

A 15-minute car transfer takes visitors to the ferry terminal, where they board a speedboat for the 15-minute ride to Sapi Island.

Upon arrival, guests receive a safety briefing before enjoying 2 hours of free time for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Upon arrival, guests receive a safety briefing before exploring the island through sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling for 2 hours.

A buffet lunch is provided on the island.

The return journey follows the same route, with a drop-off at the designated locations in Kota Kinabalu.

Travel and Transportation

Visitors begin their Sapi Island snorkeling adventure with a 15-minute car transfer to the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. From there, a 15-minute speedboat ride transports them to the pristine Sapi Island. The travel details are as follows:

| Transportation Mode | Duration |

| — | — |

| Car Transfer | 15 minutes |

| Speedboat Transfer | 15 minutes |

| Total Travel Time | 30 minutes |

Upon arrival, participants receive a safety briefing before enjoying 2 hours of free time for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

Activities and Highlights

With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches, Sapi Island offers a stunning natural setting for a variety of activities.

Visitors can spend time swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters, discovering the diverse marine life. For the more adventurous, there are water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the well-maintained trails, spotting birds and wildlife.

The island’s amenities include restrooms, changing rooms, picnic shelters, and lifeguards, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Sapi Island caters to all kinds of travelers.

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Included and Excluded Services

The Sapi Island snorkeling tour includes the Sapi Island fee, Sabah Park fee, boat transfers, a buffet lunch, life jackets, and snorkeling gear. However, personal expenses, tips, and extra activities are excluded from the package. Here’s a breakdown of the inclusions and exclusions:

| Included | Excluded |

|———-|———-|

| Sapi Island Fee | Personal Expenses |

| Sabah Park Fee | Tips |

| Boat Transfers | Extra Activities |

| Buffet Lunch | |

| Life Jackets | |

| Snorkeling Gear | |

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour may change or cancel due to unsafe conditions, with refunds provided.

Cancellation Policy and Safety Considerations

Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tours may change or cancel due to unsafe weather or sea conditions, with refunds provided in such cases. Safety is the top priority, and guests can rest assured the tour operator will make decisions accordingly.

Participants should bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs aren’t permitted.

Additional fees apply for private guides in Mandarin, English, Japanese, or Korean.

With these policies and considerations in mind, guests can enjoy a worry-free snorkeling adventure at Sapi Island.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Guests should bring a change of comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and beachwear for the snorkeling adventure. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, there are also a few restrictions to keep in mind:

| What to Bring | What’s Not Allowed |

|—————|——————-|

| Swimsuit | Alcohol |

| Water shoes | Drugs |

| Beach towel | Jewelry |

| Cash/card | Valuables |

| Camera | Glass containers |

Following these guidelines will help make the trip smooth and memorable. With the right preparation, guests can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Sapi Island.

Private Guide Fees and Additional Options

For those seeking a more personalized experience, private guide fees are available for Mandarin, English, Japanese, or Korean-speaking guides.

These specialized guides provide in-depth insights and tailored commentary throughout the tour. Guests can opt for these add-ons to enrich their understanding of the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Beyond the guided experience, visitors can also explore additional water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

With these customizable options, the Sapi Island tour can be tailored to suit individual preferences and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for the Snorkeling Activity?

There is no age limit for the snorkeling activity, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to swim comfortably and follow the safety instructions provided during the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, snorkeling equipment is also provided as part of the tour package. Bringing personal gear is optional, with no additional fees.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Water Sports Activities?

The activity information does not mention any weight limits for the water sports activities. Participants should check with the tour operator for any specific requirements or restrictions prior to booking.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Lunch?

The buffet lunch provided includes a variety of local and international dishes. Guests with special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal options can be accommodated if requested in advance. Advance notice is recommended to ensure appropriate meal arrangements.

Can We Extend Our Stay on the Island After the Tour Ends?

Guests can extend their stay on Sapi Island after the tour ends, but they must arrange this directly with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for extended time on the island beyond the scheduled tour.

The Sum Up

The snorkeling tour to Sapi and Manukan Islands offers an immersive experience in Kota Kinabalu’s stunning marine ecosystem. With a short boat ride, visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters. The tour’s well-maintained amenities, safety considerations, and included services make it an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether seeking an exhilarating day or a relaxing escape, this snorkeling excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with Sabah’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: