{"id":4617,"date":"2026-03-17T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/?p=4617"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T04:00:31","slug":"go-islands-around-kota-kinabalu-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/go-islands-around-kota-kinabalu-city\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get to the islands near Kota Kinabalu? (Updated: March 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 7:30 am\u00a0to<\/span> 5 pm every day (boat service ends about 4:30 pm).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Location map of boat terminals (pink colour) and islands neighboring Kota Kinabalu. Note: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal has been relocated to the South Jetty since 1 March 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Important:<\/strong> Since 1 July 2023, Sabah Parks has implemented a cashless payment<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. South Jetty (The “New” Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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)<\/strong> behind Jesselton Quay (see Location Map<\/a>). 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The old Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal is now closed and has relocated to the South Jetty (also known as the new Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal) behind Jesselton Quay, approximately one kilometer away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. Starting 15 April 2026, return tickets for a shuttle\/tram ride will be available at RM1 per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Left: Entrance to the South Jetty. Right: 12-seat Shuttle tram (tourist tram) of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ticketing and Departure Hall of the South Jetty. The vibrant marine-themed murals were painted by twin sisters Sazlin and Sazwin of LE’SIBS ART<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Left: Departure gate for island trips. Right: Tourists boarding the boat to the islands. The South Jetty accommodates 20 boat berths.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n