Tunku Abdul Rahman Park or Mantanani from Kota Kinabalu?
You are based in Kota Kinabalu and wonder whether the park islands or Mantanani suit you better.
The park islands are the easier choice from Kota Kinabalu because they lie close to town and suit a day out. Mantanani needs a road journey to a jetty before you board a boat, so it suits those with more time and a wish for somewhere further. Both are workable for a first visit if you match them to your days.
The question is how much effort you want between your hotel and the water. Our Tunku Abdul Rahman Park guide and Mantanani guide cover the islands, and the jetty connection planner helps with your own route.
How different is the journey?
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park has five islands about three kilometres offshore from Kota Kinabalu: Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug [1]. Boats leave from Jesselton Point; see our guide on getting from Kota Kinabalu to Jesselton Point.
Mantanani is reached from Kuala Abai or Rampayan. Sources conflict: one gives about two hours’ drive and an hour by speedboat, another about ninety minutes’ drive and half an hour by boat [3]. A tourism listing for Sutera gives a crossing of 45 to 60 minutes from Rampayan [4]. Our guide to the Kuala Abai and Rampayan jetties goes into detail.
How do they compare side by side?
| Park islands | Mantanani | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Kota Kinabalu | About 3 km offshore [1] | Road leg then a boat, times disagree [3] |
| Departure | Jesselton Point | Kuala Abai or Rampayan |
| Best for | A day out | A longer, further trip |
| Stay | Day visit, or ask about a resort on Gaya | Sutera island resort, room types listed [4] |
| Park fee | Published by Sabah Parks [2] | Ask the operator |
For Malaysians, the park fee is RM8 for adults and RM5 for ages 13 to 17 [2]. Entry is free for children 12 and under, seniors 60 and over, and disabled visitors [2].
A better fit if…
The park islands may be a better fit if:
- you have a single day or half a day.
- you travel with young children or older relatives and want a short boat.
- you prefer to sleep in Kota Kinabalu.
Mantanani may be a better fit if:
- you have a night or more and want a stay on a smaller island.
- you accept a road journey before the boat.
- you want to ask for a quieter time of day.
If you have only a day, our guide on a Tunku Abdul Rahman Park day plan shows how it can be shaped.
What should you ask before you book?
- Which jetty, and what time must we check in?
- How long is the road leg and the boat, in writing?
- Is the park fee in the price?
- What are the life jacket and child rules?
- What happens if the sea is too rough to sail?
Put the answers side by side, and the choice usually follows your calendar.
Common questions
Which is easier from Kota Kinabalu?
The park islands. They lie about three kilometres offshore, so the boat is short and the trip fits in a day. Mantanani needs a road leg to Kuala Abai or Rampayan first, then a boat. Sources disagree on the times, so ask your operator for the exact plan.
How much is the park fee?
Per person per day, Sabah Parks lists RM8 for Malaysian adults, RM5 for Malaysians aged 13 to 17, and free entry for Malaysians 12 and under, seniors 60 and over, and disabled visitors. International adults pay RM25. Confirm with the operator whether it is in your price.
Can I stay overnight on Mantanani?
Yes, Sutera at Mantanani is an island resort with Deluxe Rooms, Seaview Chalets and a two-bedroom villa. Meals and transfer inclusions are not confirmed on the page we read. Ask for a written package with the boat, meals and the departure jetty.
Which is better for a quiet trip?
Mantanani is further and needs more planning, which often means a quieter feel, but we cannot promise that. The park islands are close to town and may be busier at midday. Ask both operators about group sizes and the best time of day for a calmer visit.
Sources
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Amazing Borneo; Sabah Tourism (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Tourism and Sutera official site (accessed 2026-10-16)