How to get to the islands near Kota Kinabalu? (Updated: March 2026)

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 5 pm every day (boat service ends about 4:30 pm).

Important: Since 1 July 2023, Sabah Parks has implemented a cashless payment policy for collecting island Conservation Fees (entrance fees) within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Visitors must use digital payment methods, such as credit/debit cards (MyDebit), QR Pay, or e-wallets (e.g., Touch ‘n Go). However, it is highly recommended to still carry some cash, as some vendors for cafe meals, sea-walking, and gear rentals only accept cash.

1. South Jetty (The “New” Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal)

The old Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal has been closed since 1 March 2026 and has relocated to the South Jetty (also known as the new Jesselton Point) behind Jesselton Quay (see Location Map). Ensure your Taxi or Grab (e-hailing) driver drops you off at the correct location; otherwise, you may have to walk 400 meters to reach the new site.

At the entrance behind Jesselton Quay, a shuttle tram (tourist tram) service is available to transfer tourists to the South Jetty terminal, located about 400 meters away. The service is free, and with several trams on standby, wait times are minimal. This shuttle also provides return transfers from the jetty back to this location.

Once you arrive at the South Jetty, you can purchase your ticket at the hall. Whether you buy the ticket online via Easybook or at the counter, you must register before departing for the islands. Please bring your identification card such as MyKad or your passport.

In brief, you buy your ticket, and possibly book watersports or rent snorkeling gear, then register and wait in the seating area until you are called. After that, you pass through the departure gate with your ticket and board your boat. If you are unsure what to do, you can ask at the Information Counter. The staff can communicate in English, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.

Destinations

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

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

You can take a boat to Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, Sapi Island, Gaya Island (Base Camp and Padang Point), and Sulug Island (by charter boat only) from the South Jetty. To visit other islands such as Gaya (private resorts), Mengalum, Dinawan, and Sepanggar, you should book your island tour online in advance with a travel agent or island operator. Last minute walk-in bookings may be accepted, but they are subject to availability.

Return Boat Fare (as of March 2026)

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.

Left: Boat transportation and terminal fees for transfers to the island(s). Rates as of March 2026. Right: Departure and return times.

Besides the island transfer, you can also charter a boat to go deep sea fishing. You can rent a snorkeling set (fin, snorkel, mask) before they depart for the islands.

Left: Price list for watersport activities and snorkeling gear rental. Middle: Tickets can be purchased online via Easybook. Right: Luggage storage is available at the jetty for a fee.

Other Islands

The offices of the resorts on Gaya Island, namely Gayana Marine Resort, Bunga Raya Island Resort, and Gaya Island Resort, have also relocated to the South Jetty. Counters and offices are available for trips to Pulau Mengalum operated by Borneo Sea Wonder (Booth No. A16), Dinawan Island operated by Dinawan Holiday, and Sepanggar Island, also known as Rainbow Island, associated with Mari-Mari Culture Village. Trips to Pulau Mantanani can also be booked at the operator counters at the South Jetty, where various packages are offered. For these private islands and resorts, to be safe, you may wish to pre book your tours online instead of arranging them at the jetty.

Amenities

Parking is available at Jesselton Quay (JQ) Central, located directly opposite the main entrance of the South Jetty. The parking area at the South Jetty is reserved for staff and companies operating there.

Contact

Below is the contact of the management of Jesselton Point:
Facebook: JesseltonPointKK
E-mail: jesseltonpoint@suriaplc.com.my
Phone: +60 88-249709

2. DBKK Jetty

Another alternative to Jesselton Point (South Jetty) is DBKK Jetty. Opening in September 2025 and managed by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), 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. All boat services of Jesselton Point have been moved to DBKK or South Jetty in March 2026.

Amenities

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

3. 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.