MY · Sabah · 6.71°N 116.35°E

mantanani

Clear-water islands off Kota Belud for snorkelling and huge Sabah sunsets.

Best time
Roughly March to October, when the sea is calmer. From about November to February the sea gets rough and boat trips can be cancelled.
How long
1 day, or 2 days, 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to KK (about 2.5 hours), then it's about 1.5–2 hours by road to the jetty near Kota Belud and about an hour by speedboat. Most tours include transfers from KK.
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MY · Sabahmantanani6.71°N 116.35°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Clear-water islands off Kota Belud for snorkelling and huge Sabah sunsets.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMantananiMY, Sabah
KLmantanani
≈ 1,672 km from KL, as the crow flies
Mantanani Island Sabah Borneo

Photo: Eddie Yip from Groningen, the Netherlands · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Three small islands off Sabah's north-west coast, opposite Kota Belud. The water is clear and the beaches are white, and the area is known for diving and for its dugongs, though seeing one is rare. Most people come on a day trip from KK; stay the night and you get the sunset.

Things to do

  1. SnorkellingClear water and reef fish just off the beaches of Mantanani Besar.Map ↗
  2. DivingA popular Sabah dive spot. Dugongs live in the area, but sightings are rare.Map ↗
  3. SunsetStay the night to watch the sun go down over the South China Sea.Map ↗
  4. Beach timeLong white beaches for swimming and not much else.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The speedboat ride can be bumpy. Take something for seasickness if you need it.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral.
  • People live on the islands, so dress modestly when walking through the villages.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.