Are you looking for a perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea? If yes, then you should definitely visit Manukan Island, a stunning tropical island in Malaysia's Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Manukan Island, or Pulau Manukan in Malay, is one of the five islands that make up the marine park, and is the second largest and most popular among them.
Manukan Island offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests, from relaxing on the white sandy beach, to snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear water, to paragliding and ziplining in the sky. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Manukan Island has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know before you go to Manukan Island, including how to get there, what to do and see, where to stay and eat, and more. Read on and get ready to explore this tropical paradise in Malaysia.
How to Get to Manukan Island
Manukan Island is located about 8 kilometers off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, a state in Malaysian Borneo. The easiest and fastest way to get to Manukan Island is by boat, ferry, or speedboat from Kota Kinabalu or other nearby islands. There are several operators that offer boat services to Manukan Island, such as Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Sutera Harbour Marina, and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. The boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather and the speed of the boat. The boat fare ranges from RM 23 to RM 50 per person, depending on the operator and the type of boat.
The boat fare usually includes the admission fee to the marine park, which is RM 10 for Malaysians and RM 20 for foreigners. The boat services operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily, and the frequency varies from every 15 minutes to every hour, depending on the demand and the season.
Some tips and recommendations for the best time and way to travel to Manukan Island are:
- Avoid peak hours, such as weekends, public holidays, and school holidays, as the island can get crowded and the boat services can get fully booked.
- Book your boat tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling in a group or during peak season, to secure your seats and avoid disappointment.
- Choose a package deal that includes transportation, accommodation, and activities, if you are planning to stay overnight or longer on the island, as it can save you money and hassle.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the boat services may be canceled or delayed due to bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong wind, or high tide.
What to Do and See on Manukan Island
Manukan Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it offers a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the main things to do and see on Manukan Island:
- Relax on the white sandy beach
Manukan Island has a long stretch of white sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and has facilities such as changing rooms, showers, toilets, and lockers. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked by buoys and guarded by lifeguards, to ensure the safety of the visitors. The beach is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, and the entrance fee is RM 5 per person.
- Snorkel and dive in the crystal clear water
Manukan Island is surrounded by a coral reef that is home to a variety of marine life, such as fish, turtles, rays, and sharks. Snorkeling and diving are the best ways to explore the underwater world and witness the beauty and diversity of the coral and the creatures. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent at the island's water sports and diving center, which also offers courses and guided tours for beginners and experienced divers. The snorkeling and diving fee ranges from RM 15 to RM 250 per person, depending on the equipment, the duration, and the type of tour. The snorkeling and diving area is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, and the entrance fee is RM 10 per person.
- Paraglide and zipline in the sky
Manukan Island is not only a destination for water activities, but also for aerial activities. Paragliding and ziplining are two of the most thrilling and exciting activities that you can try on the island, as they allow you to soar in the sky and enjoy the panoramic views of the island and the sea. Paragliding and ziplining equipment are available for rent at the island's water sports and diving center, which also provides instructors and safety gear for the participants. The paragliding and ziplining fee ranges from RM 150 to RM 300 per person, depending on the equipment, the height, and the distance. The paragliding and ziplining area is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and the entrance fee is RM 10 per person.
- Hike and explore the island
Manukan Island is not only a place for relaxation and recreation, but also for education and conservation. The island has a network of hiking trails that lead to various points of interest, such as the hilltop viewpoint, the historical lighthouse, the birdwatching tower, and the turtle hatchery. The hiking trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and offer scenic views of the island and the sea. The hiking trails are open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, and the entrance fee is RM 5 per person.
Where to Stay and Eat on Manukan Island
Manukan Island has a resort that caters to the needs and preferences of the visitors who want to stay overnight or longer on the island. The resort is called Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, and it is a beach resort that offers a serene and luxurious experience for the guests. The resort has various accommodation and dining options, such as:
Chalets
The chalets are wooden cottages that are located near the beach and the jetty. The chalets have one or two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a balcony. The chalets are equipped with air-conditioning, television, refrigerator, and coffee and tea making facilities. The chalets can accommodate up to four people, and the rate ranges from RM 400 to RM 600 per night, depending on the season and the occupancy.
Villas
The villas are spacious and elegant houses that are located on the hillside overlooking the sea. The villas have two or three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a terrace. The villas are equipped with air-conditioning, television, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and tea making facilities. The villas also have a private pool and a barbecue area. The villas can accommodate up to six people, and the rate ranges from RM 800 to RM 1200 per night, depending on the season and the occupancy.
Suites
The suites are modern and luxurious apartments that are located on the top floor of the resort’s main building. The suites have one or two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony. The suites are equipped with air-conditioning, television, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and tea making facilities. The suites also have a jacuzzi and a sauna. The suites can accommodate up to four people, and the rate ranges from RM 600 to RM 800 per night, depending on the season and the occupancy.
The resort also has various dining options, such as:
Perahu Restaurant - Perahu Restaurant is the main restaurant of the resort, and it is located near the beach and the jetty. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes, such as seafood, chicken, beef, noodles, rice, salads, soups, and desserts. The restaurant also offers a buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a la carte menu. The restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, and the price ranges from RM 10 to RM 50 per person, depending on the meal and the menu.
Sunset Bar - Sunset Bar is a cozy and relaxing bar that is located on the beach and offers a stunning view of the sunset. The bar serves a selection of drinks, such as cocktails, mocktails, juices, beers, wines, and spirits. The bar also serves snacks, such as sandwiches, burgers, fries, and pizzas. The bar is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm daily, and the price ranges from RM 5 to RM 30 per person, depending on the drink and the snack.
Candlelight Dinner - Candlelight Dinner is a special and romantic dinner arrangement that the resort offers for couples who want to celebrate their love and anniversary. The dinner is set up on the beach, with candles, flowers, and music. The dinner consists of a four-course meal, with appetizers, soup, main course, and dessert. The dinner also includes a bottle of wine and a cake. The dinner is available upon request and reservation, and the price is RM 300 per couple.
Manukan Island is a tropical paradise in Malaysia that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Manukan Island has something for everyone. You can relax on the white sandy beach, snorkel and dive in the crystal clear water, paraglide and zipline in the sky, hike and explore the island, and more. You can also stay and eat at the resort, which offers a serene and luxurious experience for the guests. Manukan Island is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure, and who wants to discover and explore the beauty and fun of Malaysian Borneo.
If you are interested in visiting Manukan Island, you can book your trip with Tripoto, a leading online travel platform that connects travelers with local experts and offers customized and curated travel packages. Tripoto can help you plan and book your transportation, accommodation, and activities on Manukan Island, and also provide you with tips and recommendations to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Tripoto is your trusted and reliable partner for all your travel needs, and you can count on us to deliver the best service and quality for your trip.
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Manukan Island, a tropical paradise in Malaysia. Plan your trip today and get ready to have the time of your life.
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