Kota Kinabalu is not just famous for the its beautiful landscapes, delectable and exotic dishes, and lively city but also for its many island getaway spots. I personally do not know a travel enthusiast who does not dig nature tripping as well. With that being said, I bet going to Kota Kinabalu would be both a pleasure and a surprise what with its pristine oceans tucked away in KK’s almost untouched islands.
Jesselton Point on our way TARP (Tunku Adbul Rahman Park) to visit the 3 islands.
The speed boats. Riding this thing felt like one of the scenes in Fast & Furious only we were riding a boat.
We did plan to enjoy island hopping as many people who have been here say that you have never been to KK if you failed to do this. So off from Jesselton point, we went on a 15-minute boat ride to the Tunku Adbul Rahman Marine Park where three of KK’s most sought-after hotspots are found – Manukan Mamutik, and Sapi.
My Dad and Son
Our first stop was the Manukan Island. The thick forest served as the perfect backdrop to the clear waters with various species of fish that so excitedly entertained us. Every boat was their humble guest. Lots of them swam peacefully complementing the crystal clear water underneath us.
Just arrived at Manukan Island
Look at the all those fishes.
We also had our lunch at Manukan. You can either choose to avail of the buffet lunch or go a la carte. Coming from a buffet breakfast, we opted to go for the latter.
Convenience store, local fast food outlet and watersports gear and equipment rental
Mee Goreng, my lunch. This was so good.
Typical KK lunch of fish and local vegetables for my Dad.
And of course, don’t forget to order an authentic glass of Milk tea.
Aside from the beautiful beach, there are other sights and attractions on the island.
Snorkeling and other water sports
Remnants of the World War, a reminder that KK has survived that. Otherwise we, along with other people, won’t be enjoying the island today.
Just one of the island’s Hotel accommodations.
More attractions
The island of Sapi also presented a host of wonders with only 15 minutes boat ride to reach from Kota Kinabalu. The panorama was breathtaking, something that is one each short of Boaracy’s heavenly allure. Sapi island was clean an awe-inspiring that we just again settled and passed snorkeling and diving for some quiet moments.
MG at Sapi Island’s beautiful and clean shore.
I didn’t see any sign of danger. I only saw beauty.
Son and Dad passing the time.
This may be the only danger on the island. It’s called Bayawak or Komodo Dragon or Monitor Lizard. Whatever you call it, they are surely in abundance here.
See…
Mamutik, on the other hand, is a small island located in Pulau Mamutik where you can camp overnight provided you have permits. You should not underestimate this island because it is rich with marine life and corals.
Mamutik’s equally gorgeous beach…
And of course, a common sight around her…FISH.
These three beauties are such lovely sights to behold. Various water activities can be done while savoring the hot sun but we preferred to just appreciate the charming view laid before our very eyes. My kid was playing while we went sentimental all over. If you are looking to experience true relaxation, this is one of Kota Kinabalu’s best offers so far. This fine piece of scenery is awesome but Boracay is still heaven. It will always top my list.
Island hopping is another major activity that completed our stay at Kota Kinabalu and you will be missing a lot if you ignore these islands’ splendor. If you are planning to go to Kota Kinabalu, make sure to check them out.
More about our Kota Kinabalu trip here.
sakto! will need this for august! thanks so much! i didn’t even know there were islands there.
awesome! i have been to kk but i have never been to any of its islands! looks pretty ha.
It looks prettier than Boracay. Ganda!
You actually gave me several good reasons why I should visit Kota Kinabalu. I’ve been putting off a trip there since my s.o. kept saying that there’s nothing to do there but climb mountains. Not anymore! I love the water photos.. those attracted me to visiting KK real soon!
I would love to visit Kota Kinabalu. I remember telling my friend to try out the place and she ended up going there ahead of me but I’ll get there sometime.
Still in its pristine purity. Kota Kinabalu definitely got a spot in my list of places to visit someday. Thanks for this very enlightening post.
Seeing the beauty of Kota Kinabalu’s islands led me to think that the Malaysian government supports its tourism program big time. This could serve as a reminder for the Philippine government to exert more effort in promoting tourism in our country.
Will bookmark this post for our future Kota Kinabalu trip. The last time we were in Malaysia, we went to Kuala Lumpur. We didn’t know that Kota Kinabalu is such a sight to behold.
wow! you guys had a blast there. everything looks breathtakingly beautiful except for the “bayawak”. the last time i saw bayawak was 20 years ago when we were still in the province.
terrific island getaway! now I want one too hihi….the beaches are so inviting!!
The Milk Tea and Mee Goreng makes me drool too.. thank you for sharing another holiday idea =)
i am planning to go here on the 1st quarter of 2013! ang ganda ng lugar! nakaka excite tuloy pumunta!
i truly enjoy reading all about your travel stories! i simply love the photographs + seeing lovely MG, too! + look, the kuya is also obliging you with a couple of his own photos!
these islands sure are paradise on earth, hopefully i can save up so we can discover them in the future, too!
KK has never been part of my travel list, but seeing the paradise here in your post wants me to visit it ASAP. thanks for letting me know more about KK.
You know I’m gonna dig this! hahaha!
KK looks awesome and worth it!
parang next stop for me would be Kota Kinabalu.. ang ganda..
Thanks for this. You had a series of really helpful posts especially for me who’s also excitedly preparing an IT for my KK trip this coming Nov 30- Dec 3. I took note of the foodies and places of interest that you’ve visited. I’m hoping we can push through with our plans to visit KK park.
Have you read out KK itinerary? I’m proud to say that we followed 80% of what was posted there. That should give you an idea. Thanks for visiting.