Picture this: you step off a wooden jetty into water so clear it reads like liquid glass, where coral towers rise like skyscrapers and schools of neon fish blur past like living confetti. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s Sabah’s aquatic playground, where 50-plus islands stitch together a story of volcanic fire, coral reefs, and turquoise dreams. Here, adventure isn’t just waiting…it’s breathing.
Sipadan Island, Semporna
Located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, it’s the hub for one of the richest marine environments on Earth.
Rising 600 meters (2,000 ft) from the seabed and formed by living corals atop a volcanic cone, Sipadan is Malaysia’s sole oceanic island.
More than 400 fish species and hundreds of different types of coral can be found in this ecosystem. Sipadan is regarded as one of the world’s top diving locations and is acknowledged by many dive publications.
Photo credit: Murphy Ng / PADI
Kapalai Island, Semporna
Known for being a sandbar rather than a regular island, Kapalai Island is a distinctive “floating” attraction in Sabah, Malaysia.
The upscale Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, which is situated in the Celebes Sea close to Semporna, is built on tall wooden stilts over the Ligitan Reefs.
It provides easy access to the renowned Sipadan Island and is a top macro (muck) diving destination.
Photo credit: Amazing Borneo Tours
Mabul Island, Semporna
Known for its distinctive macro marine life, such as flamboyant cuttlefish and pygmy seahorses, it has evolved from a fishing village to a well-liked destination for divers and underwater photographers.
A laid-back vibe, a variety of lodging options ranging from luxurious resorts to affordable lodges, and convenient access to neighboring Sipadan Island are all enjoyed by visitors.
For the finest diving conditions, Mabul is recommended to be visited between March and October.
Photo credit: Amazing Borneo Tours
Lovely Paradise, Pulau Tiga Marine Park, Kuala Penyu
Lovely Paradise is a pink-themed beach club located on Pulau Kalampunian Besar in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, known as “Survivor Island.”
It features a pink speedboat, a restaurant, restrooms, and areas for sunbathing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Visitors often include Lovely Paradise in broader tours of Pulau Tiga Marine Park, which boasts natural mud volcanoes with therapeutic properties and nature trails where wildlife can be spotted.
Speedboats depart from Kuala Penyu or Kota Kinabalu, and accommodations range from luxury resorts to rustic options. Pre-booking is recommended, with small entrance fees for the park and activities.
Photo credit: Lovely Paradise
Bohey Dulang, Semporna
Bohey Dulang Island has a unique lagoon-like formation formed by an ancient volcanic crater, which is enriched with colorful coral reefs that attract divers and snorkelers.
Visitors can hike to the island’s highest peak at 353 meters for stunning views. There are no lodging options on the island; instead, you can stay in Semporna town, or the neighboring Pom Pom and Mataking islands. Bohey Dulang can be reached by speedboat from Semporna in 35 minutes or from Pom Pom and Mataking islands in 20 minutes.
The Giant Clam and Marine Invertebrate Hatchery (GCIH) is a noteworthy attraction where visitors can learn about seaweed cultivation and uncommon giant clam species.
Photo credit: Amazing Borneo Tours / PulauMabul.com
Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu
Manukan Island feels like a quick escape from the city the moment the boat cuts across the sea from Kota Kinabalu.
Crystal-clear water, white sandy beach, and the sound of waves set the pace for the day, whether you’re snorkelling among colourful reef fish, soaking up the sun by the beach, or hopping onto a parasailing ride over the ocean. Beyond the shoreline, jungle trails lead to quieter corners of the island, while shaded picnic spots make it easy to slow down.
Just 15 minutes away from the mainland, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers the kind of island experience that feels both adventurous and effortlessly relaxing.
Photo credit: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu
Sapi Island welcomes visitors with clear turquoise water, white sand, and one of the liveliest snorkelling spots in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, the island feels energetic yet laid-back, with beachgoers diving into the sea, spotting colourful fish beneath the jetty, or simply stretching out under the shade of swaying trees.
From thrilling water sports and sea walking to quiet moments watching the waves roll in, Sapi Island delivers the kind of tropical escape where the day passes slowly and every corner feels postcard-worthy.
Photo credit: Sabah Travel
Mantanani Island, Kota Belud
Made up of Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil, and Lungisan, the islands are best known for their calm tropical atmosphere and rich underwater world.
Snorkelling and diving here reveal vibrant coral reefs, schools of colourful fish, and even historical shipwreck sites hidden beneath the sea.
During the right season, lucky visitors may also spot the rare dugong gliding through the waters — one of the few places in Malaysia where these gentle sea creatures are known to appear.
Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board
Ara Dinawan Island, Kinarut
Locally referred to as “Ara Tree”, Ara Dinawan Island derived its name from the 100-year-old Banyan Tree, which stands at the heart of the island. It’s been standing there since before World War I, making it the oldest resident on the island.
Ara Dinawan Island is accessible via the Apai Jetty (near Beringgis Seafood Restaurant), which is about a 30-45-minute trip depending on traffic. This exclusive retreat features 14 glamping tents surrounded by lush rainforest and pristine waters
It offers a holistic relaxation experience, emphasizing conservation and education, while using locally produced and upcycled materials, powered by solar energy.
Photo credit: Ara Dinawan Island
Timba-timba Island, Semporna
Often described as one of Semporna’s most photogenic island escapes, Timba-Timba is a favourite for snorkelling, diving, and simply soaking in the beauty of Sabah’s tropical seas.
Accessible through island-hopping trips from Semporna, the island captures the feeling of discovering a hidden paradise far from the crowds.
Beneath the surface, vibrant coral reefs, colourful marine life, and occasional turtle sightings create an unforgettable underwater experiences.
Photo credit: Traveler Forever / Hien Triet Le
Selingan Island, Sandakan
Selingan Island, also known as Turtle Island, is a protected marine sanctuary off the coast of Sandakan where endangered green and hawksbill turtles come ashore at night to nest.
Being part of the Turtle Islands National Park, the island offers visitors a rare overnight experience where they can witness turtle landings, egg collection by park rangers, and the release of baby hatchlings into the sea.
During the day, the clear waters around the island are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the peaceful beach setting allows for a slow, nature-focused escape shaped by conservation, wildlife encounters, and the quiet beauty of the Sulu Sea.
Photo credit: River Junkie / Amazing Borneo Tours
Mamutik Island, Kota Kinabalu
Mamutik Island, the smallest and closest island to the mainland within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, offers a peaceful tropical escape just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the island is a favourite for snorkelling, diving, and relaxing by the sea.
Its unique triangular shape features rocky coastlines on one side and soft sandy beaches on the other, creating a scenic setting for both adventure and leisure.
Photo credit: Sabah Parks
