Everything You Need to Know About Manukan Island
Growing up, I’ve always loved beach vacations. There’s something about the salty air, sand between my toes, and the sound of waves that moves me. Now, as an adult, my love for island life hasn’t changed, so I was pumped when I had the chance to go to Manukan Island.
Manukan Island is a tropical paradise on the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Apart from its white-sand beaches and clear waters, it has a lot to offer, including snorkeling and diving spots and water sports.
So if you’re a traveller looking for a quick getaway or a family looking for a good mix of adventure and relaxation, then this guide is for you. Read this comprehensive guide on maximizing your trip to Manukan Island!
Where is Manukan Island?
Manukan Island, also known as Palau Manukan, is found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, west of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It’s one of the five islands in the park.
How to Get to Manukan Island
By airplane: If you’re coming from another country or part of Malaysia, the first step is to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
By car: From the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you can ride a taxi or book a car from a ride-hailing app like Grab to reach Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. This terminal is about 15 minutes away from the airport.
By speedboat: You can go to Manukan Island by speedboat from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. The first speedboat trip schedule starts at 8:30 AM. It will take around half an hour by speedboat to reach the island.
What to Do and See in Manukan Island
Go snorkeling to see the fish and corals
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Address: KK Times Square, Unit 33 Ground Floor
Operating Hours: Daily (9 AM – 5 PM)
Contact: +6 088 488 997
Manukan is famous for its beautiful aquatic wildlife. Snorkeling is a way to admire this beauty in all its glory that’s accessible price-wise. It’s a fascinating activity because you’ll be able to see corals, different kinds of fish, and even turtles sometimes!
You can book a Snorkel Safari day trip with agencies such as Adventures in Borneo. They will teach you mask clearing, kicking techniques, and snorkel use. Make sure to let the guides know your comfort and skill level so they can tailor the services to your needs.
Their package is inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off from Kota Kinabalu and scheduled boat transfers. Best of all, snorkeling sessions guided by professionals and equipment rental fees are included!
You’ll need to have basic swimming skills, though, and also the ability to climb in and out of a boat’s ladder.
Sign up for a course in scuba diving
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Address: Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
Operating Hours: Daily (8 AM – 5 PM)
Contact: +60 88-602 091
A handful of 5-star PADI IDC Centres offer different diving courses that cater to varying levels of experience in Manukan Island.
With learning providers like Scuba Junkie KK and Downbelow Adventures Borneo, you can take a PADI course. They also offer refresher courses, emergency first responder training, and so much more.
Whether you’re a complete beginner aiming to gain a new skill or an experienced diver wanting to get better, you’ll find something here. Additionally, the teachers in these centres are well-trained, friendly, and explain concepts in a clear and simple manner.
Relax with a nature hike at the Manukan Island Loop
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If you’re looking for something a little more laidback and chill, you can take a walk at the Manukan Island Loop. It’s a 3.1-kilometer jungle route where you can get a good view of the whole island.
The trail is mostly flat, and the elevation gain is 157 meters, making it a relatively easy and accessible trail. The hike takes approximately 90 minutes to finish.
You can even bring your trusty camera with you to capture the views. You might even spot some wildlife and exotic birds around the area!
Enjoy water activities like parasailing and sea walking
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If you like adrenaline-pumping water activities or are at least willing to try them, you’ll have loads of fun at Manukan Island. You can easily book these activities on Klook and Long Beach Watersports.
They have snorkeling, sea walking, and parasailing packages that you can mix and match, depending on your preference. They also have English and Chinese-speaking guides that you can hire who will guide you through the experience—convenient!
Where to Eat and Drink in Manukan Island
Arang Restaurant
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Pricing: $$$
Address: Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu
Business Hours: Daily (8 AM – 10 PM)
Contact: +60 17-833 2311
Part of the island experience is eating seaside, and that’s what we experienced at Arang Restaurant. The ambience is warm with colorful decor, plenty of seating, and ceiling fans. It’s the only restaurant on the island, and they serve delicious, authentic Malaysian dishes here.
If you’re planning an intimate beachside dinner, like a proposal or anniversary date, give them a heads up. They have a package where you can enjoy the chef’s specially-crafted menu served by your personal waiter for the evening!
Where to Stay in and near Manukan Island
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
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Address: B-G-9, Block B, Ground Floor, Sutera Avenue
Business Hours: Daily (9 AM – 5:30 PM)
Contact: +60 154-876 1800
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is the only accommodation in this list that’s actually on the island. They have three types of rooms available: the Hillside Villa, the Manukan Villa, and the Beach Suite.
The Hillside Villa and Beach suite are suitable for two people and feature a super king bed, en-suite bathroom, and a living area. The Manukan Villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pantry, a living area, and can accommodate up to six people.
The rooms are beautifully designed, clean, comfortable, and family-friendly.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
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Address: No. 20, Jalan Aru
Contact: +60 88-327 888
For those who plan to just go on a day trip to Manukan Island, you can stay in hotels in Kota Kinabalu, like Shangri-La. This is an option for those who don’t really mind spending more on accommodation for the amenities and comforts it offers,
Shangri-La is known worldwide for the quality of services it offers; it’s a 5-star hotel after all. This particular branch has themed rooms that you can enjoy with your family. Some rooms even have a private patio where you can lounge about and enjoy the view.
All rooms are inclusive of toiletries, a Nespresso machine, fast Wi-Fi, plush bathrobes, a flatscreen TV, in-house movie channels, satellite television, and a mini-bar.
Bungaraya Island Resort
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Address: Polish Bay, Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Contact: +60 88-380 390
Bungaraya Island Resort, while not on the island, is within the area of Gaya Island. Staying here is a staycation in itself.
It’s surrounded by a lush rainforest and offers luxurious experiences such as spa treatments and a tipple at an underground wine cellar, to name a few. They have 48 villas here that overlook the beach.
These villas are inclusive of an in-room espresso machine, television, air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and linens that are soft and clean. Some rooms have a private balcony, while some even have a plunge pool!
The Magellan Sutera Resort
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Address: 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour
Contact: +60 88-318 888
The Magellan Sutera Resort is a 5-star resort in KK that has fantastic rooms and suites with a good view of the sea. The rooms are family-friendly and luxurious, with a modern look.
The rooms are inclusive of fast Wi-Fi, toiletries, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, etc. They have a Magellan Club lounge with additional services and perks. They serve breakfasts, evening refreshments, and coffee. These are standard inclusions.
Gaya Island Resort
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Address: Malohom Bay Tunku Abdul Rahman
Contact: +60 18-939 1100
Gaya Island Resort is surrounded by the forest with breathtaking views of nature. Their villas are beautifully decorated, comfortable, and family-friendly. All villas include complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room climate control, and a flat screen TV.
They also offer other amenities, including access to the spa and pool. You can also book tours with them, like their PADI snorkelling and dive programs and fishing excursions.