Sabah is truly a wonder of its own.
There a tons of beautiful islands in Malaysia to explore. However, for the islands in Sabah, it’s the Goddess level of how stunning it is. You’ll think you’re in a National Geographic show. From pristine waters, colourful coral reefs, thrill-seeking activities and gorgeous island views, here are the 8 islands in Sabah you need to visit.
- Bohey Dulang Island
Bohey Dulang island is formed from the remnants of an ancient volcano and is what is now forming a beautiful lagoon. Expect to witness some of the rarest giant clamps species and scrub vegetation. This island is particularly popular for its stunning views from the peak of the island. You’ll need to hike up approximately 40 minutes to get to the peak. From the images, it’s pretty worth it!
Activities to do: Jungle trekking, birdwatching, diving
2. Kapalai Island
Also known as Malaysia’s Maldives, Kapalai Island is another stunning island you need to visit! The 40 chalets are built on high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean which gives a unique staycation. This picturesque island is filled with an image of crystal clear waters and a floating paradise like no other. A 45 minute trip from Semporna by speedboat is needed to unlock this gem of an island.
Activities to do: Night diving, sundeck for an afternoon tan, and kayaking
3. Bodgaya Island
Pulau Bodgaya is the largest island of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. With its pristine, greenish-blue coloured waters and unique flora and fauna, this island is a great place for nature lovers! The Sea Gypsies, also called the Bajau Laut, inhabit the islands of Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya. They are a nomadic group of people that are a cultural attraction to visitors. They are also known for staying underwater for as long as 13 minutes at depths of around 200 feet.
Activities to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, and visiting the Bajau Laut people
4. Mamutik Island
If you’re looking for a quiet beach to laze around and unwind without the crowd, Mamutik Island is the perfect island for you. You could even see more fish than humans here! Despite being the smallest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the island offers plentiful sandy beaches and lots of relaxing facilities. Do watch out for sea urchins, as they live around the coral close to the beach, so bring some flip-flops.
Activities to do: Diving to witness protected marine life, parasailing, and banana boat ride
5. Mataking Island
Mataking Resort offers a chance to escape on a pristine private island off the shore of Sabah Eastern Coast; far away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. This island is mainly known for its dive resort and offers the best visual treat for land and sea. It’s also widely renowned as an ultimate honeymoon destination. They even have an outdoor wedding chapel and romantic spots to experience!
Activities to do: Diving to see shipwreck & underwater post, snorkelling, turtle hatchery site, and undersea wedding
6. Maiga Island
Pulau Maiga is instantly recognizable from a distance due to the familiar way in which coconut trees line its sandy beaches. Located a mere 35 minutes by speedboat from the town of Semporna, Maiga sits right in between Sibuan and Selakan. Due to the limited vehicles and accommodation in this area, most people drop by here for lunch or to go snorkelling in the clear blue waters. You can even purchase purple seaweed from the Bajau Laut community.
Activities to do: snorkelling, diving, lunch picnics, visit the Sea Gypsies(Bajau Laut) village/settlement.
7. Dinawan Island
It is a private island which is located in the south of Kota Kinabalu. The resort built on the island is a premier one with lush tropical rainforest and crystal clear water surrounding it. This place is also known to be a lifestyle eco glamping resort. The visitor will get a chance to rest, relax and unwind in an untainted and undisturbed atmosphere with the most magnificent view and atmosphere.
Activities to do: diving, night fishing, sea walking, snorkelling
8. Manukan Island
With over 200,000 visits annually, Pulau Manukan is the most frequented island by domestic and international tourists. It is also just a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu city. Even international celebrities can’t get enough of this place. This stunning island boasts coral reefs, crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and lots of lush vegetation. It’s a famous site for snorkelling.
Activities to do: snorkelling, island hopping, beach walking
We’ve caught the travel bug after researching on these beautiful islands in Sabah. We can’t wait to be there! Tell us in the comment section where you want to go once the travel restriction uplifted?
