“The beach has clean white sand, clear blue water, and abundant coral reefs near the shore. You can see various kinds of fish without having to dive.”
Sapi Island is one of the five main islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which also includes Manukan, Gaya, Mamutik, Sulu, and Sapi. Sapi Island is the smallest but most popular island among tourists, as it is closest to the shore of Kota Kinabalu, accessible by speedboat in just 15–20 minutes from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Sapi Island's landscape is characterized by low mountains covered in rainforest. The island boasts a long beach with fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters, allowing coral reefs to be seen from the shore. The shallow depth makes it ideal for snorkeling. For beginners, visitors can spot schools of clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and a variety of tropical marine life just meters from the beach.
The island also features a 500-meter natural forest trail, which takes about 30 minutes to explore the local flora and fauna, including Sabah forest birds, monitor lizards, and hermit crabs. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Sapi Island features a zipline bridge over the sea connecting Sapi Island and Guy Island. It is considered the world's longest over-sea zipline, spanning over 250 meters, offering panoramic sea views.
Facilities on the island include a visitor center, local restaurants, souvenir shops, restrooms, freshwater showers, and picnic areas. Park rangers and lifeguards are on hand at all times. Entrance to the island is subject to a marine park entrance fee and boat fare, which can be purchased directly at Jesselton Point Jetty.
The best time to visit Sapi Island is between March and October, during the summer months when the water is clear and the weather is pleasant. During the rainy season (November–February), strong waves and boats may be suspended on some days. Visitors should check the weather forecast in advance.
Sapi Island is a perfect destination for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking a relaxing getaway amidst the natural beauty, simplicity, and beauty of Sabah's sea.
How to Get There
- From Jesselton Point Jetty in Kota Kinabalu, speedboats depart every 30 minutes, taking approximately 15–20 minutes. Round-trip tickets and park admission fees can be purchased at the counter at the jetty.
Travel Tips
- It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid strong afternoon waves.
- Visitors should maintain cleanliness, avoid feeding fish, and avoid stepping on the coral reefs.
- Bring cash to pay for boat fares, port fees, and park entrance fees.
- The island is famous for its large monitor lizards, which often roam in search of food scraps. Visitors should be cautious and refrain from feeding these animals to preserve their natural behavior and avoid danger.
Admission Fees:
- Foreigners: 25 Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
- Locals: 5 Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to weather conditions and boat schedule)