Mantanani Island

Mantanani Island is a small island group off northwest Sabah, prized for diving, snorkelling and unusually clear water within a day trip of Kota Kinabalu’s northern coast. Occasional dolphin sightings and quiet beaches add a wilder feel than the busy nearshore park islands closer to the city jetty. Book a day boat or stay overnight for sunrise swims, reef time and slower evenings under island stars. Visit when you want turquoise shallows, underwater life and an unhurried island rhythm—bring reef-safe habits and expect simpler facilities than the big-resort shores nearer town.