How to go to Islands nearby Kota Kinabalu city?

Kota Kinabalu City (KK) is the gateway to Sabah. Some of our islands are only 15 minutes away from KK by boat. In KK, there are three boat/ferry terminals that can take you to most Sabah islands at west coast. However, their services and charges are slightly different to one another. All of them open from 8 am to 5pm every day (boat service ends about 4:00 pm).

1. Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (to be moved in Feb 2026)

Jesselton Point is the most popular public ferry terminal at the edge of KK city centre, but its operation will be moved to DBKK or South Jetty. This terminal is packed with local and foreign tourists during weekends. If you stay in KK city centre, it is within walking distance.

Their boat service can start as early as 7:30 am on weekends, but the boat only departs when it’s full with passengers (approximately 10 to 12 people). If you go in a big group, you can negotiate for a discount. Their fares are the cheapest, so most people use their boat service to visit islands off KK.

Left: Waiting area of Jesselton Point.
Right: The jetty at Jesselton Point. — Left: After buying the ticket, you can sit in the waiting area. They will inform you once the boat is full and ready to depart. The waiting time is short when there are many tourists. Right: The jetty at Jesselton Point.

Destinations

Below is a list of islands you can go to from Jesselton Point:

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

(Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, Sapi Island, and Sulug Island)

Return Boat Fare (as of Feb 2025)

The following are the ticket prices for the island trip. You can tell them what time to pick you up for the return trip. The last boat transfer is scheduled for approximately 4 p.m.

Though their fare is the cheapest, the boatmen ride the speedboat like cowboys, making the trip very bumpy. Anyway, it’s only 15 minutes, so most people can put up with this.

Gaya Island

To visit Gayana Eco Resort, Bunga Raya Resort, or Gaya Island Resort, you can book their day or overnight tours at the offices of these resort operators in this terminal. However, these resorts are private areas and only allow registered guests to enter unless you purchase a tour, such as a day trip package, directly from them.

Other Islands

You can also go to the following islands on the west coast. Most operators will require you to book an island tour in advance, so they will not accept walk-in customers. Since these islands are far away, they usually use a catamaran instead of a speedboat.

Amenities

Jesselton Point is more like an activity centre for tourists and locals. Besides the island transfer, there are many things you can get or do here. You can charter a boat to go fishing or even fish at their jetty (for a fee). You can rent a snorkeling set (fin, snorkel, mask) before they depart for the islands.

Pic: Jesselton Point has shops where tourists can buy sunblock, swimwear, sunglasses, flip-flops, swimming floats, soft drinks, snacks, insect repellent, beach mats, souvenirs, etc.

Contact

Below is the contact of the management of Jesselton Point:
Website: www.jesseltonpoint.com.my
Ticketing: eticketing.jesseltonpoint.com.my
Facebook: Jesselton-Point-Ferry-Terminal
E-mail: jesseltonpoint@suriaplc.com.my
Phone: +60 88-249709
Address: Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu

2. DBKK Jetty

Opening in September 2025 and managed by DBKK through its subsidiary, DBKK Holdings Sdn Bhd, the DBKK Jetty serves as the central departure point for the islands off Kota Kinabalu City, namely Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Mengalum. The terminal is open from 7 am to 5 pm daily.

The DBKK Jetty (see Location Map) is located behind Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and about a Kilometre away from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. There is a plan to move all boat services from Jesselton Point to DBKK or South Jetty in February 2026.

Amenities

Public toilets and waiting areas (before boarding) are available. Parking spaces are limited.

3. South Jetty (to be ready in March 2026)

Most, if not all, boat operators will move their ticket counters and offices from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to the South Jetty by the end of February 2026. The South Jetty (see Location Map) is located behind Jesselton Quay, about 0.5 km from Jesselton Point. However, it is still under construction. Based on my site visit on 12 February 2026, the new jetty appears to be at most 70% ready, so some delays are to be expected. I will post updates here.

As of 12 Feb 2026, the ticketing booths and boat boarding points at South Jetty are still under construction.

4. Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty

Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty is a harbour between the Pacific Sutera Hotel and the Magellan Sutera Resort. Going to the islands is very convenient if you stay in one of these hotels (which is 3 KM away from KK City Centre). The boat transfer services are also open to the public. Some locals also like the ample free parking space there.