Kota Kinabalu’s twin island day trip tour to Sapi and Manukan Islands promises an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can look forward to a thrilling speedboat ride and ample time to swim, snorkel, and indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch on the islands. With convenient hotel pickups and access to vibrant marine life, this six-hour excursion caters to beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. But the real question is, what other delights await on these idyllic tropical islands?
Key Points
- A day trip to Sapi and Manukan Islands off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, including round-trip transfers, boat transfers, snorkel equipment, and BBQ lunch.
- 3 hours on Sapi Island for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch, followed by 2 hours on Manukan Island for water activities.
- Highlights include a thrilling speedboat ride, exploration of crystal-clear waters with colorful marine life, and a delicious BBQ feast.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a full refund for cancellations due to severe weather.
- Mixed customer feedback regarding snorkeling spots and guidance, with positive remarks on the BBQ lunch and organization.
Tour Overview
This day trip tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the pristine islands of Sapi and Manukan off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Priced from $75.13 per person, the 6-hour tour includes round-trip transfers, boat transfers, snorkel equipment, a BBQ lunch, and all necessary fees.
Guests can expect to enjoy 3 hours on Sapi Island for swimming, snorkeling, and the BBQ feast, followed by 2 hours on Manukan Island for more water activities.
The tour is available in English and Malay, with pickup and drop-off at city hotels between 7:30-8:30 AM.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup from city hotel lobbies between 7:30-8:30 AM. From there, guests board a speedboat for a 15-minute ride across the South China Sea to the first destination, Sapi Island. Visitors have 3 hours to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the island. Next, the group travels to Manukan Island for 2 hours of additional snorkeling and swimming.
| Location | Duration |
|———|————|
| Sapi Island | 3 hours |
| Manukan Island | 2 hours |
The tour concludes with drop-off at the same locations as pickup.
Highlights
The tour highlights a thrilling speedboat ride across the South China Sea, allowing guests to take in the region’s stunning coastal scenery.
Once at the islands, visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life during the snorkeling excursions.
Relaxing on the soft, white sand of Sapi Island is another highlight, where guests can enjoy a delicious BBQ feast.
Important Information
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a full refund is provided if the tour is canceled due to severe weather or unsafe conditions.
Guests should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a change of clothes, sandals, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, beachwear, a towel, a camera, and cash.
Intoxication, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances aren’t allowed.
The tour doesn’t include hotel accommodations, personal insurance, personal expenses, tips, or outskirt hotel transfers, which cost MYR150 per way.
Guests should be aware of these policies and requirements when booking and preparing for the Twin Island Day Trip Tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
According to customer reviews, the Twin Island Day Trip Tour has received a mixed response, with an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
Customers had varying experiences, with some enjoying the snorkeling, lunch, and organization, while others felt misled about the snorkeling spots and lack of guidance.
Key customer feedback includes:
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Mixed experiences with the snorkeling spots and guidance
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Some enjoyed the delicious BBQ lunch and overall organization
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Others felt the snorkeling quality and guidance didn’t meet expectations
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Concerns about being misled about the snorkeling opportunities
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A desire for clearer communication and better snorkeling experiences
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Getting to the Islands
As part of the Twin Island Day Trip Tour, participants are transported via speedboat across the South China Sea to the islands of Sapi and Manukan.
The 15-minute boat ride provides a scenic journey over the clear turquoise waters. Pickup times vary depending on the location of the hotel, with guests gathered between 7:30-8:30 AM.
The tranquil 15-minute boat ride across the shimmering turquoise waters commences between 7:30-8:30 AM, depending on hotel location.
Once at the islands, travelers can look forward to 3 hours at Sapi Island and 2 hours at Manukan Island, where they can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.
At the end of the day, guests are dropped off back at their original pickup locations.
Exploring Sapi Island
After the short boat ride, guests arrive at the idyllic Sapi Island, where they’ll spend the majority of their day trip.
Here, travelers can look forward to:
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3 hours of swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, teeming with colorful marine life
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A delicious BBQ lunch served on the island
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Relaxation on the soft, white sand beaches
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Exploring the island’s lush, tropical landscapes
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Capturing stunning photos of the picturesque scenery
The combination of water activities, local cuisine, and natural beauty make Sapi Island a highlight of the twin island adventure.
Discovering Manukan Island
After exploring the idyllic Sapi Island, the tour moves on to discover the neighboring Manukan Island.
Guests get to spend 2 hours on Manukan, where they can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Manukan is known for its abundant marine life, and visitors may spot colorful fish and other sea creatures.
Following the snorkeling adventure, the tour makes its way back to the starting point, completing the day’s excursion to the twin islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
The speedboat ride back offers one last chance to take in the scenic views of the South China Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Based on the tour overview, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes a BBQ lunch, and outside food and drinks are not allowed. However, you can bring your own water or snacks.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?
According to the tour overview, the price includes round-trip transfers, boat transfers, snorkel equipment, BBQ lunch, terminal fee, and island entrance fee. However, the tour excludes hotel accommodations, personal insurance, personal expenses, tipping, and outskirt hotel transfers, which may incur additional charges.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s generally suitable for all ages, as it includes family-friendly activities like swimming and snorkeling. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration of the tour. The itinerary clearly states the tour is 6 hours long, with 3 hours at Sapi Island and 2 hours at Manukan Island.
Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?
Yes, you can request a private or customized tour experience. Many tour operators offer personalized options that allow you to tailor the itinerary, duration, and group size to your preferences for an additional fee.
The Sum Up
The Kota Kinabalu Twin Island Day Trip Tour is an exhilarating way to escape to paradise. With a thrilling speedboat ride, three hours on Sapi Island for swimming and snorkeling, and two hours of water activities on Manukan Island, it’s an unforgettable experience for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Convenient hotel pickups and access to vibrant marine life make this tour a must-do for visitors to Kota Kinabalu.
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