[2025 Gaya Island Attraction] Travel Guide for Sapi Island (Updated Jul)

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 🇲🇾 Even though it's the rainy season, we managed to squeeze in a 1-day trip to Sapi Island during a sunny break 🏖️ Boats to Sapi Island and other nearby islands depart from the "Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal" 🛥️ You can choose between visiting 1 to 4 islands, and the price varies depending on your choice 🏖️🏝️🏖️🏝️ This time, we only visited Sapi Island, and the round-trip fare was 35 RM (approximately 1,200 yen) per person 🐥 Although we had booked the 11:00 AM boat, it ended up departing around 11:30 AM 😅 Be cautious—if you hesitate, you might never get on the boat 🙈 The ride to Sapi Island takes about 15–20 minutes‼︎ It's the perfect distance (haha). The water clarity was decent, and as you venture further out, you'll find more fish 🐠 Wearing a life jacket is mandatory when entering the water, and rentals cost 10 RM (approximately 340 yen)! Snorkel rentals are also available for 10 RM (approximately 340 yen) 🤿 I brought my GoPro, but unfortunately, water leaked into the case, and I lost all the data 😭 Luckily, the camera itself was fine... Showers are available for free 🚿 There are places to eat, so you can spend a relaxing day there 😌 Don't forget to bring a towel and sunscreen! 📍Sapi Island K.K, Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia

✨This is "where God spilled his palette of colors," with both the blues of the Maldives and the vibrant atmosphere of Southeast Asia. Visa-free for Chinese citizens, with friendly airfares✈️ and prices, Working professionals' weekends should be spent in Kota Kinabalu, doing nothing but feeling the summer sea breeze🌊 · 🌅Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset Coming to Kota Kinabalu without seeing the Tanjung Aru Beach sunset is like not coming at all! The world's Top 3 sunset truly lives up to its reputation🌇 Standing on the open beach, gazing at where the sea meets the sky, as the sun slowly sets, the sky turns orange-red, the sea surface ripples with golden light, the clouds are dyed in gradient pink and purple, and the sunset glow reflects on the sea like a spilled palette. Arrive 1 hour before sunset to avoid the crowds · 🚣‍♂️Island Hopping Take a taxi to Jesselton Port and choose two out of three islands - recommended are Manukan Island (Manutik) and Sapi Island. · Manukan Island (Manutik) offers various water activities, Banana boat🍌 is a must-try! The moment you're thrown into the sea is thrilling! For snorkeling, the underwater scene has a green tone, and you can see schools of clownfish! It's a clarity that phones simply can't capture · Sapi Island Absolutely jelly-like sea! Excellent water visibility! Recommend wearing non-slip shoes, and download offline maps as the signal is weak Lying on the beach listening to the soothing sound of waves is like natural ASMR · 🏖️Mantanani Island and Mermaid Island A bit further away, the boat ride to Mantanani Island takes about 1.5 hours one way. Both Mantanani Island and Mermaid Island are popular destinations near Kota Kinabalu, featuring blue seas and white sandy beaches, perfect for snorkeling. Mantanani Island has crystal-clear water where you can see various small fish and coral, making it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Mermaid Island is more pristine, with fine white sand and transparent water, where you can also spot sea turtles and other marine life · 🌴Mangrove Adventure Take a boat to search for proboscis monkeys - it's like opening a mystery box! Bring binoculars to see the monkeys clearly🐒 At night, the jungle lights up with tiny green dots, like entering the world of Avatar (recommend Kawa Mangrove, where fireflies are super dense) · PS. If you have extra time, visit Universiti Malaysia Sabah and check out the Pink Mosque · 💡Travel Tips 1. Arrival card: Fill it out in advance! Customs may check randomly! Filling it out incorrectly in a rush will get you stopped 2. Transportation: Use Grab! It's cheaper than taxis 3. Sun protection: Kota Kinabalu has strong sunlight, so be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. 4. Night market and morning market: Kota Kinabalu's night market only opens on Friday and Saturday nights, while the morning market is only on Sunday mornings 5. Accommodation: Stay near Gaya Street, which is in the city center, convenient for food, accommodation, and transportation, with excellent value for money 6. Charging: Bring UK standard adapters, and fully charge your phone before sunset photography

#Southeast Asia Travel Kota Kinabalu is considered one of the top 3 sunset spots in the world, and the moment you see the red sky at **Tanjung Aru Beach** is an unforgettable memory🌅🏖️ 🏄♂️If you want to enjoy surfing, try the gentle waves at Truman Beach or Sutera Harbour Resort. 🌊If you want to feel the ocean up close, we recommend heading to Manukan Island and Sapi Island to enjoy snorkeling and diving! 🍽️The local food you must try is **Saba seafood cuisine and Laksa**.

This time, the trip to Malaysia is not long, I decided to take a vacation in Sabah✨, Highly recommend island hopping, not too many people and the water is clear. It fulfilled all my fantasies about the islands😝. Staring at the sea, walking on the beach and building sandcastles⛪, Snorkeling to see fish🐠, and playing some water activities, It's so cool, so relaxing!🎈 As a trip that requires a lot of self-selection, I suggest you take a look at this guide🌟, save money and avoid pitfalls. 👉About Island Hopping: ①There are 5 islands around Sabah, the most popular are Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, I chose the first two. The speedboat will take you to the island for free activities, if there are water activities or island hopping, there will be guides to call. 🏝Sapi Island: Highly recommended here👍The sand is fine, the water is clear and there are many fish. The fish are mainly concentrated near the green buoy a little far from the shore. I played parasailing here. 🏝Manukan Island: There are more people, and there are fewer types of fish than Sapi Island. It is recommended to snorkel under the pier, where there are many fish. I played banana boat and flying fish here. 🏝Mamutik Island: The island is very small and only half of it has been developed, and there are not many people and there are restaurants. If you have time, you can go here another day. ②Island hopping is really not the more islands you go to in one day, the better‼️ Don't get up early, arrive at "Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal" at 10:30 (buy tickets and leave immediately when there are enough people), and take the last boat back at 16:00. It is recommended to choose 2 islands or it is also very good to play slowly on one island, otherwise it is always in transit🚤. 👉Window selection & bargaining Windows 1-3 are a family, I booked here. It is said that window 7 can speak Chinese, but some friends feedback that the service is not good: before playing the banana boat, there is no prompt to change clothes and the boat will turn over, just throw people into the sea🙈. 💰Each window has a uniform price, and cannot be bargained: ①The boat fare is 35RM for one island, and 10RM is added for each additional island. You can add it if you want to book one first. ②The island fee is 25RM/person, no matter how many islands you go to, you only need to pay once, and you must keep the ticket. ③Parasailing full-course Gopro video + photo 65RM/person, no matter how you bargain, it won't work. After watching the film, it was really well recorded, so I bought it.💡It is recommended to download the material locally! 💰Can be bargained: water activities. I said I wanted to play parasailing + banana boat after I arrived on the island, the original 161RM, talked to 100, it is said that there seems to be a deal of 85. 💰Don't rent: life jacket. Whether you can swim or not, ask you if you want it, just say no. Because you must wear a life jacket when taking a speedboat, you can take it to the island to play, and return it when you come back. If you rent it, you will spend more money. 🎒Suggest to bring: Sunscreen/mud, hat, sunglasses, mobile phone waterproof bag, swimsuit, slippers, towel, simple lunch, drinking water.

#timetotravel Recommended to do visit Sabah, as they have a beauty scenery in nature, clean river, seafood market, beauty beach and clear water to swim/aqua activities/mountain/ pasar tamu... KOTA Kinabalu CITY- Activities for seafood hunting, delicious food, souvenirs, muzium attractions, water sports activities at Sapi island/mamutik/Tunku Abdul Rahman park KOTA belud-melangkap campsite, pasar tamu KUNDASANG-Kinabalu mountain for hiking, desa cattle dairy farm Ranau-Tagal luanti fish spa..

Transportation Tips - Charter & Grab Local attractions - mari mari culture village tanjung aru beach , tunku abdul rahman park manukan & sapi lsland, kundasang Hotel - monocolo boutique hotel, mountain village resort kundasang Food and restaurants - welcome seafood restaurant, Fatt Kee Seafood, Jinshayuan Raw Meat Noodles, Sinalau Bakas Himbaan Bongol Shopping Guide - #Good Places for Families #Local Tours #travel #Food #

Name of Place: Sapi Island/ Pulau Sapi Location :K.K, sapi island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia operating hours : First Ferry reaches here at 830am, last ferry departs at 5pm. My little speedboat departed from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal at 9am and by 925am I have already reached Sapi Island. Sapi Island is the smallest island out of the 3 nearby islands to Kota Kinabalu, I selected to spend my morning here because I have read that this is the island with the clearest water and cleanest beach amongst all 3 islands. True to what I have read, the waters of Sapi Island at a very beautiful colour to it,from far it looked like it was a little emerald lagoon but as you get nearer to the beach then you will see that the waters are pretty clear. When I was there on a Saturday morning , together with me there was only about 6 other local families and we literally had the whole island to ourselves. It was super beautiful.

Sapi island is one of the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. We spent about 50 minutes on Sapi Island and believe me, that was quite enough. The island is small, there is only one beach, nowhere to go. The water on Sapi is greenish-blue, with tints. There are fewer fish than on Manukan, but the bottom is cleaner here. You can go to Sapi from Kota Kinabalu for an hour to explore the Abdul Rahman Marine Reserve. It is probably not worth taking a full-day tour only to this island. Sapi is just a minute away from Gaya Island, it would be logical to visit both of these islands. #bucketlistreboot #malaysia

1. Address - Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu Highlights - Snorkeling & Island activities Rating - 5/5 Put down all your worries, enjoy the time, the wind, the sea, the sea life, quietness of the island doesn’t sound good for the economic, but as a tourist, you will really fall in love with this power of natural,

This is Kota Kinabalu's 'Sapi Island'! It is said that many people visit this island because the water is clear and there are many fish! I especially recommend the hopping tour that you can enjoy here. You can enjoy sea walking, parasailing, snorkeling, etc. ㅎㅎ I went parasailing and snorkeling here and it was really fun and left me with happy memories 👍🏻 #Kota KinabaluTravel #Kota KinabaluIslandTour #MalaysiaTravel #Beach #Sea #Parasailing #HoppingTour #Snorkeling

#triplocal Head to Tuanku Abdul Rahman marine park to experience Coral Flyer, the longest island-to-island zipline (aka flying fox) in the WORLD. 5-10 mins boat ride to reach Sapi/Manukan islands. New way to enjoy adrenaline rush caused by strong G-force. No age barrier, even my 65 years old dad accomplished this mission.

Can you think of an island that is only a ten-minute speedboat ride from the bustling city, will the sea be so pure and beautiful? Sabi Island is a very popular island in Sabah. In addition to playing with water and sand, snorkeling and deep diving, there are also a variety of marine entertainment projects, such as parasols, flying fish, underwater walks, sea sheep, etc. Wait, the most special and exciting is the volley, and the slamming has completed the leap between the two islands, the friends have played

Sabi Island is the cleanest and most elegant island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park. The island's southeastern end has a better coral reef, close to the coast, suitable for diving. The facilities in the scenic area are perfect, with locker rooms and washrooms. Beach BBQ, diving and camping gear rentals are also available. Here you can take a stroll on the sea, just wear a special helmet without any professional training. Transportation: Travel to Shabbi Island and rent a boat from Kota Kinabalu City for approximately 15-20 minutes. Tickets: Free On Island Free, Island entertainment is subject to a charge. Opening time: all day

#kotakinabaluguide. Sapi Island is a small yet stunning island located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery, it’s a top spot for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. The coral reefs near the shore are teeming with colorful fish and marine life, making it a great destination for underwater exploration. Sapi Island is also popular for adventure activities like parasailing and ziplining to nearby Gaya Island. It’s just a short 15-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point. Despite its small size, the island offers clean facilities and unforgettable views.

Inside Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, Sapi Iland is one of the beautiful place

best place to visit and enjoy the moment😍

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. From Kota Kinabalu, you can easily visit Kinabalu National Park and take on the challenge of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Island tours are also highly popular, with the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of Manukan Island and Sapi Island being particularly captivating. The local floating market and night market are rich in local charm, especially with fresh and affordable seafood. Combining nature and culture, Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and marine adventurers.

#kotakinabalutrip Sapi Island is a small but stunning paradise located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Known for its crystal-clear waters and healthy coral reefs, it’s a favorite spot for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. The beach is postcard-worthy, with powdery sand and swaying trees providing shade. The island’s most thrilling highlight is the Coral Flyer Zipline, which lets you fly across to nearby Gaya Island over the ocean. It can get crowded on weekends, but the beauty is worth it. Arrive early for the best spot! #KotaKinabaluTrip #SapiIsland

#kotakinabalutrip Island hopping, snorkeling, fiery sunsets & foodie heaven — here’s your ultimate KK itinerary that’ll make you never want to leave! Kota Kinabalu (aka KK), the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, is a hidden gem blending island vibes, tropical jungles, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re visiting in the rainy or dry season, KK is full of surprises waiting to be explored! 1️⃣ When’s the Best Time to Go? Rainy Season (Nov–Mar): Expect tropical showers, lush green landscapes, cheaper flights & hotels. Perfect for city exploring and food hunting—but bring an umbrella! Island activities may be affected. Dry Season (Apr–Oct): Sunny skies and calm seas—ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and rainforest adventures. It’s the peak season, so book early! 2️⃣ Must-Do 4D3N Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival Check into your city hotel and head to Tanjung Aru Beach for one of the world’s most stunning sunsets. Don’t miss the night market snacks! Day 2 – Island Hopping + Mangrove Tour • Mantanani Island (aka Mermaid Island): crystal-clear water, coral reefs & photogenic white sands. • Kawa Mangrove: spot proboscis monkeys, watch fireflies light up the night, and witness the magical Blue Tears phenomenon! Day 3 – City & Culture • Stroll down Gaya Street for local vibes, cute shops & iconic dishes like laksa and bak kut teh. • Visit Sabah State Mosque & the dreamy University Mosque with its pastel pink dome! Day 4 – Last Sunset Wrap up your trip with another magical sunset at Tanjung Aru before heading home. 3️⃣ Foodie Heaven • Welcome Seafood Restaurant: Salted egg crab, white pepper creamy prawns, and deep-fried mantis shrimp! • Local faves: Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, nasi lemak • Tanjung Aru Night Market: Grilled skewers, durian desserts & more! 4️⃣ Island Picks 🏝 Mantanani Island – clear turquoise waters, coral reefs & peaceful vibes 🏝 Ring-shaped Mamutik Island – ideal for snorkeling & diving, with great facilities 🏝 Sapi, Manukan & Mamutik Islands – close to town, perfect for families and water sports KK is where jungle meets ocean, and where every sunset feels like a postcard. Trust me—you’ll be counting down the days to come back!

[Trip Moment Delivery.🗞️] I'm going to Sapi Island in Kota Kinabalu for a vacation this time!!✈️ 🛄ㅣSapi Island🏝 During my trip to Kota Kinabalu, I was completely captivated by the quiet and simple charm of Mamutik Island, and the next day, I headed to Sapi Island🏝, an island with another charm. I was excited because I heard that I could feel a different atmosphere from Mamutik Island!!🙏 The first thing that caught my eye upon arriving at Sapi Island was its lively atmosphere. While Mamutik Island felt quiet and secluded, Sapi Island felt a bit more lively and vibrant. Tourists of various nationalities were sunbathing on the beach, and I could hear people laughing and chatting while snorkeling in the water. It wasn't noisy or chaotic, but it felt moderately lively. I walked along the beach slowly, and the sea of ​​Sapi Island was really pretty. The water color naturally changed from emerald to light blue, and the scenery where the sunlight sparkled on top was much more beautiful in real life than in the photo. The sand was harder and cleaner than I thought, so it felt good to walk on~ While looking for a place to sit, I found a spot on the right end of the beach with relatively few people, shaded by a tree, and laid out a mat and sat down. Just sitting there looking at the sea calmed my mind, and the cool breeze blew so I didn’t even realize it was hot. I don’t know how valuable that time was while eating the snacks I brought. After a while, I rented snorkeling equipment and looked under the sea. The snorkeling points of Sapi Island were more diverse than I thought, and there were a lot of fish. The water wasn’t deep, so even if I’m not good at swimming, I could easily approach them, and when I found a spot where coral and fish were gathered, I got excited and kept circling around it. Every time the colorful little fish swept past me, I realized once again how mysterious and vibrant the underwater world is🌊🌊 After snorkeling, I just did nothing and rested. I closed my eyes and lay down, listening to the sound of the waves for a long time. At that moment, it felt like time and thoughts had all stopped. I thought that the leisure that comes from doing nothing was the real vacation!!👍 As I quietly closed my eyes and lay down, even the laughter of other tourists next to me and the laughter of children from afar felt natural as background music. It was like a strange comfort felt in exotic nature~😆 After resting like that for a long time, it was time to go back, and I had to get on the boat again with regret. Before leaving, I looked at the sea one last time. The sight of the sunlight breaking on the calm water surface was vivid in my mind!👏 Sapi Island had a different charm from Mamutik Island. It was a resort that was a little more lively and had a little more variety. When traveling to Kota Kinabalu, I think it would be a really good choice to spend a day at Sapi Island and relax with the sea. It will be an unforgettable day~🫠 📌ㅣAddress: K.K, sapi island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia #Southeast Asia travel #Malaysia travel #malaysia #Sapi Island #sapiisland #Hopping tour #Kota Kinabalu #Kota Kinabalu travel

Sapi Island is a marine park located about a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, known for its clear, transparent waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy various water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing, and get a close look at colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. The island also offers tours that include a barbecue lunch, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.

Hey friends, if you're going to Gaya Island in Malaysia, don't miss Sapi Island! It boasts beauty that rivals the Maldives and is a hidden vacation paradise. 🎈Things to Do On Sapi Island, the one thing you can't miss is parasailing. As the parachute slowly rises, the stunning scenery of the entire island unfolds before your eyes. The blue sea and sky contrast with the white sand, creating a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience. You can also sign up for sea fishing. The moment you catch a fresh sea fish yourself, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. 📷Photo Spots Sapi Island's beach is an excellent spot for taking photos. The fine, white sand is soft and comfortable to walk on. In the evening, the setting sun paints the sky and sea in warm hues, making every shot a romantic masterpiece. In addition, the coral reef area by the island is colorful under the clear water. Have a friend take photos of you while snorkeling, and you'll have amazing pictures in no time. 🍤Delicious Food The seafood restaurants on the island are worth a visit. The signature spicy crab is plump and flavorful. There's also seafood soup simmered in fresh coconut milk, which is sweet, fresh, and unforgettable. ⚠Travel Tips Sapi Island is a short boat ride from the Gaya Island pier. Remember to prepare swimwear, waterproof bags, and other items in advance. The UV rays are strong on the island, so be sure to take sun protection measures.

#favouriteitinerary Sapi Island is one of the most popular islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a prime destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and divers. It is a pretty island with great beach,soft white sand and turquoise water.

Among the famous islands in Kota Kinabalu, Sapi Island and Mamutik Island~! ! The water is shallow, so it's great for kids to go hopping....ㅎㅎ

There is no overdevelopment, the beach is beautiful and the sand is white. Lifeguards are also watching people playing in the water carefully. It is very exciting to play parasailing. You can also choose to touch the water to experience it. There is also sea walking. It is very friendly to people who can't dive or swim. The coach will accompany you throughout the whole process, which is very reassuring.

Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, is a true paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to experience the rich culture of Malaysia. Whether you’re exploring its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, or climbing the mighty Mount Kinabalu, Sabah offers something for every traveler. Overall,Sabah is a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, offering the perfect mix for any traveler. #kotakinabalu #sabahtrip

Sabah is a place that captures the soul. From magical sunsets to serene beach retreats, every corner of this paradise is a dream come true. 🌅✨ The sunsets here are unlike anything I’ve ever seen! As the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and purple, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty. Tanjung Aru Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re watching the sunset with a refreshing drink or strolling along the shore, it’s a moment you’ll never forget. 🌞 If you’re seeking a tranquil escape, this is the place to be. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, Cabana Retreat offers the perfect blend of nature and luxury. The intimate setting, beautiful gardens, and cozy villas made my stay feel like a personal slice of paradise. 🌿🏡

If you love crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sun-kissed beaches, Sabah is an absolute dream destination! 🌊🌴 Snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: The coral reefs here are absolutely breathtaking, teeming with colorful marine life. I felt like I was swimming through a living aquarium! The visibility was amazing, and the variety of fish was beyond words. 🐠🐟 Pristine Beaches: Whether lounging on the soft sand or exploring the underwater world, the beaches are pristine and perfect for a day of relaxation and adventure. Crystal Clear Waters: It’s like stepping into a postcard. The water is so clear you can see the colorful fish from above the surface! 🌊 Whether you’re an experienced diver or just love to snorkel, this place offers some of the most stunning underwater views I’ve ever encountered. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. 🌞 #SnorkelingInSabah #TunkuAbdulRahmanMarinePark #CoralReefs #BeachVibes

We had 6 days trip to Sabah, Kota Kinabalu! Day 1: took rest and in the evening, we went to nearby Tanjung Aru beach to see the sunset! Day 2: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to visit 5 islands. We visited Sapi, Mamutak and one other island. Snorkeling was the best experience there. Day 3: We drove to Kundasung to visit Kinabalu mountain, Desa dairy farm and rabbit farm, Day 4: We went to Ranau Day 5: We went to Kota Belud! The beaches were very beautiful and amazing! Cabana retreat beach was awesome! Day 6: We came back to Kota Kinabalu and went to floating mosque!