
Manukan Island
Stay on a coral-fringed island in the South China Sea
A 4 day extension to a tropical island in a national marine park
Located in northwest Borneo’s Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park, Manukan Island lies just off the coast from Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, so perfectly combines tranquil seclusion with ease of access. The small, unspoilt, jungle-clad island is surrounded by some pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, and houses just the one accommodation option; Manukan Island Resort. Our suggestion – though you can obviously stay as long as you wish – is a 4-day, 3-night stay on the island and includes a transfer to and speedboat crossing from the Kota Kinabalu jetty with a return boat and taxi transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport.
Options during your stay on the island (aside of course from relaxing on the beach or checking out the offshore coral life), include a rainforest hike, bird watching, island hopping tours through the surrounding Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing, or for the less energetic, spa treatments and beach picnics.
The very well-appointed resort offers delightful chalet-style accommodation constructed in traditional style but with all mod cons including a beachside bar and an excellent restaurant offering both international and local cuisine. Enjoy your stay!
The inclusive transfer to the island is made from Kota Kinabalu Town with the return to Kota Kinabalu International Airport so Manukan Island would be a suitable island add-on for either our Sabah Tour, Land Below the Wind or our 2-week Borneo Adventure to Sarawak and Sabah. (Note a return transfer to an hotel in Kota Kinabalu and extra accommodation in town can be arranged if it’s more convenient.)
Our published price includes twin/double sharing accommodation in a beach villa (£325 per person), while accommodation in the larger, hillside villas (twin/double sharing) is £415 per person. The cost of the extension for a single person is £555 and £650 respectively. (Discounts are available for larger groups or families.)
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 2 & 3 - Manukan - explore the island and marine park
At leisure on the island. A wide range of optional activities is on offer including a rainforest hike, island hopping boat tour of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park, snorkelling, scuba diving, birdwatching, kayaking or checking out the resort’s spa and massage.
Overnight: Manukan Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 4 - Manukan - return to Kota Kinabalu
At leisure on the island and return to Kota Kinabalu at your convenience. (Please note the last scheduled boat transfer is at 2.00 pm after which a supplementary cost for private hire would be required.) Extra accommodation in Kota Kinabalu is available if required.
Additional nights at Manukan Resort and/or extra nights in Kota Kinabalu are available.
Overnight: Departure Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
-
Highlights
-
Map
-
Hotels
Just a few of the many highlights
Extend your Borneo adventure with a 4-day stay on a secluded tropical island.
- A 4 day stay on a secluded tropical island in the South China Sea
- Choose from a wide variety of optional activities during your stay
- Easy access to and from Kota Kinabalu and it's international airport
- Comfortable, well-appointed but low-key resort with delightful chalet accommodation
- A beautifully preserved, jungle-clad island, surrounded by coral reefs
- Beachside bar and some great food choices
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...

Manukan Island Resort Sabah view
- Manukan Island - in the South China Sea
- A stunning and beautifully preserved, tropical island
- Located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
You deserve a holiday ?
Joining Tours
Holidays should never end, stay a little longer. These tours go well with this extension...
West Malaysia and Borneo Tour
Malaysia (Borneo) / 16 DaysBorneo | Sabah Tour
Malaysia (Borneo) / 9 DaysBorneo Adventure
Malaysia (Borneo) / 13 DaysReviews
Here is what out guest have to say about their experience on this tour...
Travel with us and be the first to tell others about your experience!