Sapi Island
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Sabah

Crystal clear water at Sapi Island

Sapi Island is one of the most popular places in Sabah to swim, snorkel and relax and it is just 20 minutes boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu. 

Sapi is one of the five islands making up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a national park established in 1974 covering 50 sq km of the islands and their surrounding reefs.

Map showing locations of 5 islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

The 5 islands making up Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are:

  • Pulau Gaya, the largest at 15 sq km and with a highest point of 300m above sea level. It is mostly thick with primary forest. Tourists are largely confined to three luxury beach resorts or restricted to organised walks on the 20km of marked trails. Unfortunately the eastern end of the island is fringed with a squatter community of 6000 or so undocumented, largely Filipino, migrants living in ramshackle stilt houses with poor sanitation and garbage disposal. While this settlement, considered illegal, provides Kota Kinabalu with much needed labour, it is a high crime zone and a no-go area for locals and tourists. The authorities would like to relocate this community to maximise the excellent tourism potential of this island which is, after all, supposed to be in a protected marine park.
  • Pulau Manukan, the second biggest and most developed with the Park Headquarters and accommodation.
  • Pulau Mamutik, is thought to have the best snorkelling and is a renowned dive site for novice divers with its shallow water and gentle currents.
  • Pulau Sulug, the most unspoilt and remote island with a long sand spit and an extensive coral reef.
  • Pulau Sapi, Sapi means ‘cow’ and the island is said to be shaped like a cow’s head (I can’t see it myself). Here are the attractions on this beautiful little island:
Sapi beach with Gaya island in the background

Sapi Island Attractions

Swimming. Pristine white beach and clear water.

Snorkelling. The fish here are accustomed to being hand fed so they will come to you. You can buy fish food on the island.

Picnic Spots. There is plenty of shade with seating and tables. However the island does get crowded, especially at weekends. On my last visit I was there with boat loads of tourists from China who had lunch provided. 

Diving. There is a coral garden at the southeast tip of the island. Stingrays, cuttlefish and moray eels are among the marine life found here. Good place for beginners.

clear water around Sapi Island

Walk to Gaya Island. At low tide it is possible to walk across the sand bar connecting to Gaya though you need to take care not to get cut off.

Scuba-Doo Breathing Observation Bubbles. Motorbike-style mini-submarines are available for hire enabling you to enjoy a scuba diving-like experience while breathing normally in a safe air bubble. 

Nature Trail. There is a 5 km trail which skirts the island and takes you up to its highest point. On the way you can find a small deserted beach if you want to escape the crowds. If you have shoes with you other than flip-flops it is best to wear them while walking the trail.

Monitor Lizards. One of the island’s most popular attractions is the presence of giant (2m long) monitor lizards who like to scavenge from litter bins and are not at all afraid of humans. I nearly trod on one when I was not looking where I was going! These are wild creatures with sharp claws and a nasty bite and you should keep your distance when taking photos.

Macaques. These monkeys are cute to look at but are a bit of a pest, especially if they steal your bag or camera. Better not to feed them.

nature trail on Sapi Island

Coral Flyer

The Coral Flyer Appears to Have Closed Down in 2022 and not Reopened

The coolest attraction on Sapi Island is probably the Coral Flyer which claims to be the longest island-to-island zipline in the world. This flying fox (aerial ropeway) links Sapi to Gaya Island, a distance of 250m at speeds of up to 60 kph.

This is a professionally managed operation with safety in mind. Trained and qualified personnel and strong harnesses and cables ensure a smooth trip. Unless you weigh over 10 tons you should be OK!

Ticket Cost is RM 64 and includes a boat transfer to Gaya and return journey by zipline. The ride is open from 10am to 3pm. You can buy tickets on arrival at the Sapi jetty.

Coral Flyer zip line
satellite image of Sapi Island

Safety

On my last visit to Sapi Island there were two or three armed policemen stationed on the beach for the protection of tourists. There have been no serious incidents on this coast of Sabah but being not far from the pirate and terrorist infested waters of the Sulu Sea, this is a sensible precaution which can make us feel more secure.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

How to Get To Sapi Island

There is a ferry terminal at Jesselton Point Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu with numerous operators providing speed boat return trips to the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park at fixed prices. The boat ride can be bumpy and takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Boats start at 8am and last return departs at 4pm.

When buying the ticket you specify what time you want to be picked up. Allow some spare time in case the boat is delayed by bad weather or unreliable driver (they are mostly reliable).

Only buy tickets from the ferry terminal counters and avoid any unauthorised cowboys.

safe snorkelling area at Sapi Island

2024 Boat Ticket Prices

The ferry operators have various packages including snorkelling gear, lunch etc but if you just need a straightforward return speed boat ticket the cheapest fares are as follows (2024 ticket prices):

Single island return (to Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik or Sulug): RM35 adult / RM 30 child (below 11).

These prices include a Terminal Fee of RM 7.20 adult / RM 3.60 child.

Island Hopping Tickets

2 islands: RM 45 adult / RM 40 child

3 islands: RM 55 adult / RM 50 child

4 islands: RM 65 adult / RM 60 child

Inclusive of Terminal Fee RM 7.20 adult / RM 3.60 child.

For the less popular destinations (Gaya and Sulug), the operators may have difficulty filling a boat and will ask you to charter the whole boat instead for RM200. It depends on the demand on the day.

Online boat service booking is available through the official Jesselton Point website.

Conservation Fee

National Parks' ticket office on Sapi Island

The National Park charges a Conservation Fee when you arrive at Sapi island (you only pay once even if you are doing island hopping to more than one island). 2024 Rates:

RM 25 adult per day / RM 20 child / RM 20 seniors 60+ (for foreigners)

RM 8 adult  / RM 5 child aged 13-17 / Free for ages 12 and below (for Malaysians).

quiet beach on Sapi Island

Tip

Personally I think half a day on Sapi Island is sufficient. If you want to spend a whole day out why not take the island hopping options instead.

Get a 6% discount on Parasailing/Snorkelling/Island Hopping/Sea Walking packages by booking online through Tripcarte's secure website with instant ticketing, fully refundable and hassle free e-tickets.

Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation on Sapi Island itself but camping is permitted with prior permission of the Park Warden at the jetty.

Other accommodation in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park includes:

On Manukan Island: The Manukan Island Resort (4 stars).

On Gaya Island:

  • Gayana Marine Resort (5 stars).

  • Bunga Raya Island Resort (5 stars). Located on legendary Police Bay, thought to be one of Malaysia’s finest beaches.
  • Gaya Island Resort (5 stars).

Share this page:

Like this website? Head over to my Facebook page and leave a like or comment:

You can also contact me via the link at the bottom of this page.