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How do you organize an independent budget island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu in 2026? In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to plan an island hopping trip and give you some top tips so you don’t make mistakes or miss out.
Island hopping trips in Kota Kinabalu are surprisingly cheap and this is a very convenient way to experience the some beautiful islands in Sabah. In this article we will share prices, booking details, what to expect and the best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu.
You may also be interested in our Kota Kinabalu Itinerary – all the BEST things to do in Kota Kinabalu and how to do them step by step
A quick and convenient way to book an island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu is to Book your island hopping trip on KLOOK. This tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, national park fees and a super tasty BBQ lunch…
FIND OUT MORE – The Best and Cheapest way to Book Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu
Island hopping Kota Kinabalu MAP
What is included on a Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip?
The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip includes boat transfers between the islands. They do not include snorkels, masks, food or anything else. They may even try to sell you a life jacket for an additional fee – BUT actually they have to give you one or they could get into trouble with the authorities. So just politely decline renting one and they should give you one on the boat.
There are 4 islands that you can visit. Once you are on a tour they will give you timings and provide a boat between the islands. Once you have booked your tickets you just kind of need to go with the flow.
- Gaya island – the biggest island
- Manukan island – busy and developed
- Mamutik island – nice small quiet island – nice snorkeling
- Sapi island – small and lovely island just next to Gaya
We recommend seeing 2-3 islands. If you try to visit all 4 islands you wont get long enough on each island to enjoy it properly. You also need to purchase a conservation permit for RM20 per person (you can buy this when you arrive at the first island – keep hold of your ticket for the next islands)
Island hopping trips tend to vary massively in terms of the price, quality and what is included. You can either arrange private island hopping trips, which tends to be more expensive or you can arrange group trips which will be cheaper. On a group trip you will be sharing the boat with other customers who have booked the same tour.
How do you book island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?
The SIMPLEST and most convenient way is to book a Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip on Klook. Alternatively you can book it yourself directly at the jetty. Here is the step by step guide…
BEFORE YOU READ ON: All prices are standardised making it very easy – no bartering. Just arrive and buy your tickets. The lovely staff will direct you from there. You can also rent snorkels, masks and fins – just ask about this when you buy your tickets.
- STEP 1 Get to the Jesselton Point Jetty. You can walk here (around 20 – 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu Promenade) Alternatively you can take a Grab taxi for around RM10 (you will need a phone with mobile data to use the Grab app). We recommend arriving between 8am – 10am.
- STEP 2 It is pretty easy, convenient and straightforward to book an island hopping trip to Kota Kinabalu. Just head into the ticket hall and buy your ticket from one of the ticket kiosks (you can do this on the same day – no need to pre-book).
- STEP 3 Head to the jetty area when you will be directed to your boat by the lovely local jetty staff (you may need to wait 20-30 minutes here). You can also rent snorkel and mask and you should be fitted with a life jacket (kid sizes are available). They may try to charge more for a life jacket – but since this is a requirement you can politely decline to pay and they will give you one anyway! 😉
TOP TIP: You can find some food places open as early as 7am in Kota Kinabalu – so you can grab some breakfast on your way to the Pier. Alternatively there is a row of tempting street food cafes situated at the Jetty (just past the ticket office) – we do recommend getting a good breakfast before your boat departs.
TOO COMPLICATED? Why not just Book Your Trip on KLOOK
How much does it cost to go island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?
An island hopping trip will range in price from RM35 (roughly £7 or $10) to RM65 (roughly £13 or $15) depending how many islands you wish to visit.
- 1 island: Adult RM35 Child RM30
- 2 islands: Adult RM45 Child RM40
- 3 islands: Adult RM55 Child RM50
- 4 islands: Adult RM65 Child RM60
Rental of snorkel and fins should cost around RM10 and can also be arranged at the jetty.
You also need to pay an island conservation fee (ONE fee per adult of RM20). Keep the ticket as this can be presented at each island.
What additional activities can you do on the island hopping trip?
In addition to visiting the islands you can also choose additional water-sports add ons (Check out the Beach Bums Borneo Desk).
You can either book these activities when you pay for your trip OR you can arrange it directly with your boat crew:
- banana boat – RM55 for 10 minutes (£10 or $12)
- parasailing – Single RM106 and Double RM190 (£20 – £40 or $25 – $50)
- snorkelling – RM10 Mask, RM10 Fins and RM10 Life Jacket (roughly £2 or $2.50)
- scuba diving – RM300 – RM400 (around £60 – £80 or $80 – $100)
- jet-skiing – RM280 (around £50 or $60)
The beach bums borneo desk is located in the ticket hall where you book your trip…
As ever prices are flexible in Malaysia so it’s always worth trying some friendly bartering to see if you can get these activities a little cheaper 🙂
What is good about the Kota Kinabalu trip?
Firstly, the water is pretty clear. The beaches are pretty clean and nice too. You can see some pretty cool stuff. We did see a small reef shark on Mamutik island and we saw a couple of sting rays on Sapi island. There are some sections of nice reef and a good number of fish in the water.
What is not so good about the Kota Kinabalu trip?
The water is clear, however this is not the best option for snorkeling if you are hoping to see beautiful coral reef and sea life. Sadly much of the coral is bleached and dead. The water can be pretty shallow and there are not lots of choices about where to snorkel. We found the snorkeling quite controlled and restricted. There are netted areas to stay in. Some areas also have lots of sea urchins. There is also a risk of toxic stone fish on the seabed. Avoid touching sea life and do not walk on the coral.
We don’t want to put you off – just help you picture what you can expect. Overall this trip is great value for money. Many island hopping trips in Southeast Asia will set you back at least $50 to $100. If you are hoping to take an island hopping trip in Sabah to experience beautiful coral reef and sea life, we recommend heading over to Semporna, Marbul or Sipadan (which is more expensive as it requires a permit)
Can you buy food and drinks on the island hopping trip?
The island hopping trip does not include any food or drinks in the cost of the trip. However, you can buy a limited range of food and drinks on some of the islands. The most developed Island is Manukan island and on this island you can buy local food for a reasonable price. We do recommend bringing a bottle of water and it is probably advisable to bring your own food as well.
Is it worth taking island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, it is worth taking an island hopping trip in Kota kinabalu. However, it is very important to keep your expectations in check. The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip is definitely not the most inspiring island hopping trip we have been on. Here are the pros and cons of the Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best places for Snorkelling in Malaysia
Can you stay on the islands?
Yes, you can stay on some of the islands. If an island hopping day trip is not enough time, you can find resorts on some of the islands. Check out the very beautiful Sutera Sancturary Lodges located on Manukan island, beautifully situated on the main beach.
This hotel is really impressive. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful lush tropical foliage. They also have an outdoor swimming pool at this hotel.
What facilities and amenities can you find on the islands?
The islands are reasonably developed and do have facilities such as toilets. Manukan island is the most developed Island and also has lockers, places to buy food and rent snorkeling equipment.
Looking for an even more amazing trip? Why not take an island hopping trip in Semporna
Where are the BEST places to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Don’t MISS these AMAZING hotels in Kota Kinabalu – ONE of these hotels in the best hotel we have come across in Malaysia…
1 H2 Backpacker (budget dorm accommodation)
H2 Backpacker offers the cheapest accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Get a dorm bed (shared bathrooms) for around £5. Dorm rooms separated into male and female dorms.
H2 Backpackers on Agoda OR H2 Backpackers on Booking.com
2 Escape Backpackers KK
Another great budget option in Kota Kinabalu. Again only dorms available and super cheap. One of the main differences is that Escape Backpackers have mixed dorms (where as H2 Backpackers are separated). Both properties enjoy a great location.
BOOK Escape Backpackers on Agoda OR BOOK Escape Backpackers on Booking.com
3 Signel Hostel
The Signel Hostel is a clean and nice hostel offering dorm accommodation. More expensive and trendy than the H2 and Escape backpackers. Dorm beds cost around £10 – £20 per night at the Signel hostel. This hostel is in a very good location in Kota Kinabalu.
Reserve Signel on Agoda OR Reserve Signel on Booking.com
4 The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
This mid-range hotel offers high quality and great value for money. This lovely hotel is surrounded by trees giving the area a nice natural ambiance. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. The Palace also has an outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant. All this for around £20 – £50 per night.
Book The Palace on Agoda OR The Palace on Booking.com
5 Horizon Hotel
If you are looking for a great mid range hotel check out the Horizon Hotel. They have a rooftop pool, fitness center and onsite restaurant. The Superior Double Room with a city view is great value for money – clean, comfortable, luxurious and you can get this room for under £50 per night.
Reserve the Horizon on Agoda OR Reserve the Horizon on Booking.com
6 Deco Home Imago
Deco Home offers clean, boutique, luxurious apartments with an outdoor swimming pool and sea views. This is a great option for families as the apartments offer lots of space and the capacity to sleep up to 10 people.
Book the Deco on Agoda OR Book the Deco on Booking.com
7 Hilton Kota Kinabalu
The Hilton Kota Kinabalu offers luxurious and decadent 5 star accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Loads of facilities and amenities including outdoor swimming pool, fitness suite and a wide range of rooms including a spacious family room.
Reserve the Hilton KK on Agoda OR Reserve the Hilton KK on Booking.com
8 Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
One of the most luxurious hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Lagre, spacious rooms, stylish and artistic interiors and plenty of natural light and sea views. This is a great option if you are looking to splash out in Kota Kinabalu. Not all rooms come with Club Lounge access so check when your booking if this is important to you.
Reserve Le Meridien on Agoda OR Reserve Le Meridien on Booking.com
Looking for more inspiration and ideas?
Don’t miss our ultimate 10 day itinerary for Sabah – you wont believe how much you can do in 10 short days!
