Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia

I do not have so much expectation when I went in Kota Kinabalu because from what I’ve read, we have better beach and island. We almost scrapped this trip because according to my husband, there is nothing special in Kota Kinabalu but I do not agree with him because for me, each place has its own beauty and uniqueness.

I was correct because when we’re in Jesselton Point, how I wish we have the same ferry terminal, the place is clean and well maintained. Everything is organized from buying a ticket, paying for the terminal fee, getting your lifejacket, snorkels, fins and others. We also met some Filipinos who work there so we did not have a hard time.

After buying the ticket, you have to inform them what time you want to return to Jesselton Point so the boat will pick you up. If you want to extend your time or you want to come back earlier, just call the operation counters thirty minutes before.

If you are coming from Manukan and Mamutik Island the return time is

10AM, 11AM, 12NN, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM and 5PM

If you are coming from Sapi Island the return time is

10:15AM, 11:15AM, 12:15NN, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 3:15PM, 4:15PM and 5:15PM

So do not be late or else you need to wait on the next return boat.

Exactly 8AM we left Jesselton Point. Manukan Island is a 15-20 minutes speedboat ride from the ferry terminal. It is not the usual boat that we use here in the Philippines whenever we do an island hopping. After fifteen minutes we are now here at the Manukan Island, a little walk from the dock going to the island proper.  At the registration counter you need to pay Conservation Fee.

RM3 for Malaysians

RM10 for Non-Malaysians

I forgot about this fee so while I’m getting my wallet I’ve asked the staff “how much will I pay?” Then he asked me, are you non Malaysian? I said yes, and then I noticed that the ticket that was in front of me was RM3 only, but he replaced the ticket to RM10 for non Malaysians. If I did not talk, I will only pay RM6 for 2 adults instead of RM20. No conservation fee for children. But Honesty is the best policy. 

Manukan Island is the second largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It is also the most developed island. There are lodges, souvenir shop, fast food, seafood restaurant, beach table, public restroom and even lifeguard house. I find Manukan Island very beautiful and relaxing, it was developed but not commercialized. If I don’t have limited time, I would like to visit Mamutik and Sapi Island.

Though we have limited time, we enjoyed the place. It was the first time that we just left our things on the beach table so we could swim together.  At first, I was scared because everything is in my bag but I see other beach tables without watchman so I thought it was safe to leave your things.