Kota Kinabalu

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Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

6.3
4.5/5
396 reviews
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a marine national park in Malaysia, located in the South China Sea off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, a 15–20 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. It is composed of five islands: Gaya Island, Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Manutik Island, Manukan Island, and Sulug Island. In addition to beautiful beaches and clear waters, these islands are home to many unique corals and marine life. The jungles on each island are also home to many rare amphibians. Manukan Island is one of the larger islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is also the best-equipped and most popular island. The island has dense vegetation, and the southern and eastern coasts feature charming beaches and coral reefs that are breathtakingly beautiful. You can rent a beach lounge chair to relax and enjoy a juice. The water here is crystal clear; standing on the pier, you can see various tropical fish swimming in the water. There is a hotel on the island called Manukan Island Resort, which includes 20 holiday chalets, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. Manutik Island is one of the smaller islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park archipelago. There is a coral reef here suitable for group diving, and a beach on the east coast. There are no hotels or restaurants on the island, only a small diving equipment rental shop. It is quite popular among divers. Gaya Island is one of the larger islands in the park. The island is covered by primeval tropical rainforest and is very close to Kota Kinabalu. In the bay at the eastern end of the island, there is a lively water village where the residents are immigrants from the Philippines, all living in narrow stilt houses. In addition, it also features white sandy beaches, pebble beaches, mudflats, and mangroves. The coral reefs surrounding the entire island are also well-preserved. If your budget allows, you can also stay at the two hotels on the island: Bunga Raya Island Resort and Gaya Island Resort. Sulug Island is the most remote and undeveloped island in the marine park, and can be described as a haven for those seeking peace and tranquility. The rocky coastline and a rugged feel are characteristics of this small island. There is a lack of suitable diving waters around the island, and there are no facilities on the island either. If you want to get away from the crowds, this would be a good choice.Kota Kinabalu · 8.5 km from downtown
Sunset Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu
No. 3 of Activities in Malaysia

Sunset Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu

6.1
The sunset in Kota Kinabalu attracts numerous tourists and photography enthusiasts. As the sun sets, the horizon gradually turns a brilliant golden red, and the coastline of Kota Kinabalu becomes a breathtaking painting. At this time, standing on the beach or on the nearby observation deck, you can witness this natural wonder with your own eyes. As the sun slowly sinks into the horizon, the color of the sky is constantly changing, from golden yellow to orange-red, to deep purple, and finally to a tranquil deep blue. Every moment is breathtakingly beautiful. Sunset Chase by Sea: Set sail on a speedboat or specialized vessel to a designated sea area, dynamically pursuing the changing colors of the sky. The ocean is painted in warm golden hues as the sun gradually descends below the horizon, offering an immersive and vibrant maritime evening experience. Sunset Yacht Tour: Board a comfortable yacht for a smooth cruise into the open waters, enjoying the sunset in an exclusive, private setting. With unobstructed views and a serene atmosphere, the sky and sea merge into a stunning tableau, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and romance. Sunset Eco Tour: Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore mangrove forests or coastal areas at dusk to observe the unique ecological changes during sunset. This tour blends natural education with breathtaking scenery, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the coastal environment.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu
Mantanani Islands

Mantanani Islands

5.8
4.7/5
1.2k reviews
Mermaid Island (also known as Mantanani Island) is located in the northwest waters of Kuta Maurit Town. The Mermaid Islands are divided into three islands, namely Mantanani Besar Island, Little Mermaid Island (Mantanani Kechil Island) and Lungisan Island. Most tourists live on the Great Mermaid Island. The island has stretches of white sand, simple fishermen, and coconut trees swaying in the wind. The photos you take can be regarded as scenic postcards. About 20 diving spots have been developed on the island, suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. In the vast ocean world, tourists can see many unique underwater creatures. There are now two resorts on the island, one is MariMari, the iconic stilt chalet, and the other resort Bembaran, which is an ordinary chalet, and you can see a beautiful sunset on the MariMari side. The fishermen on the island are warm and simple, very friendly, and you can take pictures with them. Going to the beach all the way to the right, there is a trestle that leads directly to the sea, which is a good place to watch the sunset. The evening entertainment, fireflies, is a major attraction. If you are lucky, you can also see a small creature with blue shimmer on the beach. It is buried in the sand and placed in the palm of your hand like a star. This is the well-known "Blue Tears" on the island. In the morning, you must enjoy the sunrise here, overlooking the mountain opposite, which will be unforgettable for a lifetime.Mantanani Islands · 86.1 km from Kota Kinabalu

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Featured Culture & history in Kota Kinabalu

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Kota Kinabalu Half-Day Tour: Tanjung Aru Beach + City Mosque + Tun Mustapha Tower
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4.9/5
· 36 reviews· 449 booked
Duration: 3.9 hrs
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29 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$455.47
Sabah City Tour : Crocodile Farm, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque & Kokol Hill Shared Day Tour
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FromMXN$1,457.5
Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Lunch or Hi-Tea
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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FromMXN$961.54
Kota Kinabalu Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu + Tun Mustapha Tower half-day tour [Enjoy Tanjung Aru sunset]
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews· 21 booked
Duration: 3.4 hrs
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FromMXN$759.11
Kota Kinabalu Half Day City Tour with Professional Tour Guide
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMXN$2,395.47

Featured Spa & wellness in Kota Kinabalu

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Chi, The Spa (Tanjong)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
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FromMXN$1,493.93
Kota Kinabalu Manukan Island & Mount Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring culinary experience | Local delicacies dining voucher
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FromMXN$319.51
Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring 1-Day Shared Tour
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4.6/5
· 10 reviews· 90 booked
Duration: 10.2 hrs
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Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring & Desa Dairy Farm Shared Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 70 booked
Duration: 10.7 hrs
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FromMXN$1,935.73

Featured Day tours in Kota Kinabalu

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Boat No. 5 (Random Arrangement) | Day Trip to Mantanani Island, Sabah, Malaysia | Snorkeling & Scuba Diving | Mangrove Forest
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4.9/5
· 75 reviews· 1.5k booked
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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94.7% of travelers recommend
FromMXN$1,458.45
1-day tour to Sabah royal bay sky mirror mangrove | proboscis monkeys and fireflies/private small group optional
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4.7/5
· 352 reviews· 2.8k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$666.49
Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - 1-day tour to Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia and Manukan Island with optional snorkeling, parasailing and water activities
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4.7/5
· 96 reviews· 2k booked
Duration: 9.3 hrs
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91.7% of travelers recommend
FromMXN$925.83
Kota Kinabalu Kawa-Kawa River Cruise Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies with Hi-Tea & Dinner Shared Day Tour
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4.9/5
· 89 reviews· 1.2k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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33 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$853.32
1-Day Tour to Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia + Manukan Island [Snorkeling/Water Tours + Seafood BBQ Lunch]
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4.5/5
· 98 reviews· 1.9k booked
Duration: 5.4 hrs
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33 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$822.65
Sabah Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Half Day Shared Tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Kota Kinabalu Weston Mangrove Half-Day Tour with Fireflies and Sky Mirror at Kawa Weston
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4.6/5
· 127 reviews· 3.4k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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FromMXN$1,112.67
Kota Kinabalu Marimari Mari Mari cultural village half-day tour
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4.6/5
· 8 reviews· 140 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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FromMXN$805.92

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What travellers say about Kota Kinabalu

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_TI***rnOctober 1, 2026
5.0
We chose this hotel for a short family trip because of its tranquility, and after our stay, everyone raved about how great our choice was. It doesn't follow trends or try to be trendy; it exudes a quiet elegance without being ostentatious. From the moment we entered, even the elderly in our family couldn't help but say, "This place makes us feel so at ease." The entire hotel space is exceptionally bright and airy. There are no cramped corridors or overly complicated decorations. Several thriving green plants line the hallways, and even the air is free of pungent aromatherapy, only a subtle, natural fragrance. The staff were exceptionally patient with the elderly and children, proactively bringing small snacks for our kids and thoughtfully providing warm milk. The rooms were spacious enough that the elderly didn't feel cramped at all. Two wicker chairs were placed on the small balcony by the window, where the whole family could sit, drink tea, and enjoy the courtyard view—it was incredibly pleasant. In the morning, the courtyard is filled with the scent of plants, and the wind, filtering through the eaves, carries the distant chirping of birds. In these moments of peace and tranquility, the tension of our daily lives completely melts away. The most precious thing about traveling isn't how many sights you see, but that the whole family can have a peaceful rest. This hotel perfectly meets that need, and we'll definitely choose it again for future family trips.

Tanjung Aru Beach

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ㅤ  ㅤ朝花夕拾October 25, 2024
5.0
Exclusive review of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park Traveling in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is like walking through a primeval forest. The air there is fresh and the scenery is picturesque, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. I especially like those unique natural landscapes, such as spectacular waterfalls and mysterious caves, which make people linger. In general, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a tourist destination that is very worth visiting. The natural beauty and rich wildlife resources here have given me a deeper understanding and awe of the magic of nature. Hehe, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely go there again and continue to explore this beautiful land!

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

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就叫漢堡吧October 7, 2024
5.0
Last time I went to Manukan Island, although I didn't dive, I still had a lot of fun. The beach on the island is very beautiful, and the water is super clear, which makes people feel good at first sight. My friend and I walked on the beach, blowing the sea breeze, which was very comfortable. There were not many tourists there, and it felt very quiet, especially suitable for relaxation. We also rented a chair and lay there to bask in the sun, drinking coconut water while looking at the blue sky and white clouds. It was really pleasant. Lunch was solved at the restaurant on the island. Although it was simple seafood, it was very satisfying. Manukan Island is really a good place to relax. You don't need to do anything special to feel its beauty. Highly recommended! !

Manukan Island

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马雷克August 29, 2026
5.0
Rewelacja. Dużo atrakcji. Noel to bardzo dobry przewodnik. Ciekawe fakty, piękne widoki, sporo poczęstunków po drodze. Winko ryzowe, ciasteczka, herbata, nalesniki i inne tradycyjne przekąski

Mari Mari Cultural Village

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Paran_TNovember 23, 2022
4.0
Compared to other nearby islands, the water is clearer and there are many fish. The beach is shallow, so it seems that many people bring young children. There is a group of monkeys living on the island.

Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

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笑笑的旅行日记July 3, 2025
5.0
Mermaid Island is a holiday resort worth visiting. It is located in the suburbs of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, and has many highlights. The following is a detailed introduction: • Beautiful beach scenery: It has a 2-kilometer white sand beach with fine sand like powder, soft and comfortable to step on. The sea water is clear and presents a charming blue-green color, spreading from shallow to deep. It is known as the "Maldives of Asia". Every shot is a beautiful blockbuster. • Rich marine activities: This is a paradise for snorkeling and diving. There are many snorkeling spots and more than 20 certified diving spots around the island, and the visibility of the sea water is up to 40 meters. Snorkeling can see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish schools, and deep diving has the opportunity to meet turtles, reef sharks, etc., and you can also see rare marine life such as manta rays and seahorses. • Romantic sunset view: It is a great place to watch the sunset. In the evening, the sunset dyes the sky red, and the orange-red clouds are reflected on the sea. The whole world is shrouded in warmth. Visitors can stroll on the beach to enjoy it, or choose a sunset cruise and take a boat out to sea to experience the magnificent scenery. • Unique natural wonders: From April to May every year, if you are lucky, you can see "blue tears". This underwater microorganism emits a blue glow in the dark, like a star in the palm of your hand, adding a dreamy color to the beach at night. • Simple humanistic customs: The fishermen on the island are warm and simple. They will greet tourists in a friendly manner and take photos with them. In addition, there is a pier directly to the sea on the island, which is a good place to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

Mantanani Islands

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Mario®May 30, 2026
4.0
We visited on Thursday morning. There were no vendors and not many people, so we could only admire the atmosphere. Our driver told us that Gaya Street was the old city center of KK and a hub for the Chinese community. Judging from the streetscape, I could imagine the bustling market, teeming with people. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait until Monday to visit. Now, there are many restaurants and shops selling Malaysian specialties.

Gaya Street

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小杨远方行December 17, 2024
5.0
Huantan Island is very beautiful! Especially when the weather is clear The white sand beach + jelly sea are really too beautiful! The ride to Mermaid Island is long (the pier is far from the city), and the boat ride takes 30 minutes The ride to Huantan Island is short (the pier is close to the city), and the boat ride takes 1 hour Ps: The boat is really shaking, if you are prone to seasickness, you should choose Mermaid Island Also, the sea water here is too salty, and snorkeling babes should be prepared to drink a lot of sea water~ But you must experience it when you come, it's really great The island and mountain facilities are basically complete, so don't worry too much, but there is no signal~

Mengalum Island

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kota Kinabalu?

Don't miss these attractions in Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Beach, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Manukan Island. If you like Culture & history, try Kota Kinabalu Half-Day Tour: Tanjung Aru Beach + City Mosque + Tun Mustapha Tower. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Chi, The Spa (Tanjong).

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Boat No. 5 (Random Arrangement) | Day Trip to Mantanani Island, Sabah, Malaysia | Snorkeling & Scuba Diving | Mangrove Forest, 1-day tour to Sabah royal bay sky mirror mangrove | proboscis monkeys and fireflies/private small group optional, and Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - 1-day tour to Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia and Manukan Island with optional snorkeling, parasailing and water activities. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 3, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kota Kinabalu is around MXN 666.49 – MXN 1,458.45. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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