Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Island Hopping

Outty Ranking 61 4.4 · 102 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $125
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 102 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Island Hopping worth booking?

Island Hopping is a 7-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $125 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 102 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (102)
Duration
7 hours
From
$125 per person

Spend the rest of the time at leisure for swimming or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, discover the rich coral life that surrounded the island before you return to Kota Kinabalu.

What you get

    About this experience

    Spend the rest of the time at leisure for swimming or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, discover the rich coral life that surrounded the island before you return to Kota Kinabalu.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Driver/guide
    • Lunch
    • Round-trip shared transfer
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Use of snorkel equipment (Except fin)

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. TYH Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd

      Upon arrival at the jetty, hop on for a short 20 minute boat ride headed to the first island-stop!  Hold on to those sun-hats, its going to be a fun ride.  At Sapi island, soak up on some vitamin D, go for a dip in the crystal clear waters, dig those toes deep in the warm sand and indulge in the tranquil vibes of it all. Enjoy your lunch by the pristine beach and after lunch, jump back on a speedboat which will transfer you to Manukan island, where the fun & relaxation continues.

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • ISLAND HOPPING + SEAWALKING

      Include Seawalking Pickup included

    • Island Hopping

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    cmn, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    TYH Borneo Tours and Travel SDN BHD

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Water sport activities are available at your own expenses upon request.
    • Outskirt Hotel Pick Up & Drop off Policy
    • Additional charges of MYR30 per pax are chargeable for outskirt hotels pick-ups.
    • Outskirt charges will be imposed on traveler that request to be picked up at hotels outside of Kota Kinabalu city area & 1 Borneo Shopping mall area.

    Photos

    Manukan Island, Island Hopping in Kota KinabaluIsland Hopping in Kota KinabaluIsland Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, photo 4Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, photo 5Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, photo 6Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 102 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    102 verified traveler reviews for Island Hopping. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    72
    4 star
    16
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Freedom61611819358 · August 2026

    Best tour guide — Max!

    We had an amazing island hopping experience thanks to our fantastic tour guide, Max. From the moment we started, he was so sweet, friendly, and super helpful—he made everything feel easy and enjoyable throughout the whole day. We had a private boat and Max brought us around Manukan Island and Sapi Island, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us the spots. He was thoughtful, approachable, and made sure we were well taken care of the entire time. The only thing that could have been better was his swimming attire—so Max, just a little work on the swim outfit for next time! 😄 Overall though, it was a great tour and we’d definitely recommend it.

    via Tripadvisor

    456darshank · April 2026

    Adventure around KK with Aleya (TYH)

    My friends and I had a great time in Sabah. We are grateful that TYH were able to accommodate our request at the last minute. Also, grateful to our tour guide, Aleya who was punctual and very informative...along with our polite tour van drivers. Most of our excursions went well. However, we did feel rushed at the Cocoa Kingdom - chocolate factory. Overall experience: Good. However, have to point out the safety measures were substandard. Most the pfds (personal floatation devices) were either ripped/loose, buckles broken, etc. When we showed the tour guide the pdfs: she said these belong to individual contractors. Guess, this is something for KK Tourism to look into before any major mishap. They should carry out regular safety checks. Thanks.

    via Tripadvisor

    M5121ESjohnh · April 2026

    Too expensive for what it was

    The islands were great but the price was ridiculously high at $125.00 per person. I found out later, most were charging half that price. The “guide” was not necessary as she didn’t really guide us or converse much with us. Would not recommend this and would go with a much cheaper trip

    via Tripadvisor

    Cruiser61108749032 · December 2025

    Kota kinabalu Sabah tourism activities 2025

    The best vacation we ever had was at Mamutik Island, Manukan Island and Sapi Island hosts a variety of beach sports. we cam also participate in watersports such as snorkeling and scuba diving to see the gorgeous coral and marine life on the island there are also some adventurous activities we can explore. if you come to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, don't forget to go to the island.

    via Tripadvisor

    Cruiser61108749032 · December 2025

    Nice trip.

    Excellent trip to 2 island..the tour guide is nice to us,and we have really tasty food they give to us..thank you to our tour guide Love..next time we will see u again😁

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $125 to $200
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    36
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by TYH Borneo Tours and Travel SDN BHD, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.5.

    See everything TYH Borneo Tours and Travel SDN BHD runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
    Review evidence (18% weight)87
    Booking momentum (14% weight)85
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)59
    Local standing (8% weight)34
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Island Hopping: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.

    How much does Island Hopping cost?

    +

    Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kota Kinabalu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Island Hopping take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kota Kinabalu is not rushed.

    Is Island Hopping worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 102 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kota Kinabalu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Island Hopping?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Island Hopping suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Island Hopping?

    +

    Around 36 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kota Kinabalu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kota Kinabalu and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Island Hopping start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kota Kinabalu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Kota Kinabalu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 18 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Kota Kinabalu?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Island Hopping?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Driver/guide; Lunch; Round-trip shared transfer; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Island Hopping include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 44 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Island Hopping offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Island Hopping?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Island Hopping wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Island Hopping if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kota Kinabalu. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Island Hopping?

    +

    Across 102 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Island Hopping?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including ISLAND HOPPING + SEAWALKING, Island Hopping. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Island Hopping.

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