TREVO
Sabah is home to over 300 islands, and honestly, picking the best island in Sabah isn't easy — each one seems more breathtaking than the next. From world-famous dive sites to quiet tropical escapes with powdery white sand, the islands here have something for every kind of traveller.
We've spent countless weekends hopping between these islands, and we've learned that the key to an unforgettable Sabah trip is knowing which islands match your travel style. Some are perfect for diving enthusiasts, others for families looking for easy day trips, and a few for those who just want to disconnect completely.
So, here are our top picks for the 10 best islands in Sabah to visit in 2026 — whether you're chasing underwater adventures, stunning viewpoints, or lazy beach days.
At A Glance: Sabah Island Picks
Best for diving: Sipadan Island
Best for families: Manukan Island
Best day trip from KK: Sapi Island
Best viewpoint: Bohey Dulang Island
Most unique stay: Kapalai Island (floating resort!)
1. Sipadan Island — The Best Island in Sabah for Diving
If someone asks us to recommend the best island in Sabah, Sipadan is always one of the first names that comes to mind.
Rising dramatically from the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. It was formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating steep underwater walls that attract marine life from every direction. Jacques Cousteau once described Sipadan as an "untouched work of art," and after diving here, we completely understand why.
Every dive feels like swimming inside a giant aquarium — schools of barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, reef sharks, turtles, and colourful coral gardens surround you. If you're lucky, you might even spot hammerhead sharks during certain seasons.
Pro tip: Sipadan permits are limited to just 176 divers per day, so book your trip at least 3-4 months in advance. Most divers stay on nearby Mabul or Kapalai and take an early morning boat to Sipadan.
How to get there: Fly into Tawau Airport, drive 90 minutes to Semporna, then take a speedboat to your resort. No accommodation is available on Sipadan itself.
2. Mabul Island — Paradise Above and Below the Water
Located just 15 minutes by boat from Sipadan, Mabul has become one of our favourite island escapes. Unlike Sipadan's dramatic drop-offs, Mabul is one of the world's top destinations for muck diving — and trust us, it's way more exciting than it sounds.
This is where you'll discover some of the ocean's strangest and most beautiful creatures: tiny frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, mandarin fish, and colourful nudibranchs. Even if you don't dive, the crystal-clear water makes snorkelling enjoyable straight from the beach.
The island is also home to the Bajau Laut community, often called sea nomads. Visiting responsibly gives you a glimpse into their fascinating culture and traditional way of life.
Pro tip: Stay at one of the overwater villas for uninterrupted sea views — waking up here feels like floating on the ocean. Several resorts offer dive packages that include Sipadan permits.
How to get there: Travel to Semporna, then take a 30-45 minute speedboat ride.
3. Kapalai Island — The Floating Paradise
Technically, Kapalai isn't really an island anymore — the original sandbank has disappeared beneath the sea, leaving behind one of Sabah's most unique floating resorts built on wooden stilts above shallow reefs. Despite that, everyone still calls it Kapalai Island, and it's easily one of the most magical places we've ever stayed.
We loved spending hours watching fish swim beneath the wooden walkways without even getting into the water. Snorkelling is excellent right from the resort platform, and divers enjoy easy access to nearby reefs packed with macro marine life. Sunrise and sunset here are especially magical — the calm water reflects the colourful sky, creating postcard-worthy views in every direction.
Pro tip: Kapalai also serves as an excellent base for divers hoping to secure Sipadan permits. Many dive operators here have guaranteed permit allocations for guests who book multi-night packages.
How to get there: Take a speedboat from Semporna — the journey takes about 45 minutes.
4. Mataking Island — Luxury Meets Marine Conservation
Mataking offers a completely different experience from the diving-focused islands nearby. It's quieter, more luxurious, and surrounded by beautiful coral reefs that are easy to enjoy even if you're only snorkelling.
One thing we really appreciated was the island's commitment to marine conservation. Mataking is home to Malaysia's only underwater post office where divers can mail waterproof postcards. How cool is that? The island also runs reef restoration projects and turtle conservation programmes.
At low tide, a narrow sandbar connects Big Mataking and Little Mataking, making for a lovely walk across shallow turquoise water.
Pro tip: Visit during low tide to experience the sandbar walk between the two islands. Pack a waterproof camera — the snorkelling directly off the beach is some of the best in the region.
How to get there: From Semporna, the boat journey takes roughly one hour.
5. Lankayan Island — A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Lankayan sits inside the protected Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area and remains one of Sabah's quieter tropical escapes. If you enjoy peaceful beaches without large crowds, you'll probably love it as much as we did.
The island is famous for its powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and healthy coral reefs. Divers often spot leopard sharks, stingrays, turtles, and huge schools of tropical fish. The biggest highlight? Turtle nesting season. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles regularly come ashore to lay eggs, and watching baby turtles make their way to the sea is something you'll never forget.
Pro tip: Time your visit between July and September for the best chance of witnessing turtle hatchlings. There's only one resort on the island, so book well ahead — exclusivity comes with limited availability.
How to get there: Fly to Sandakan, drive to the jetty, then take the resort's speedboat for about 90 minutes.
6. Gaya Island — Nature, Beaches, and Luxury Resorts
Gaya Island is the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, yet it still feels wonderfully peaceful once you leave the busy jetty behind. The island is covered with ancient rainforest, giving it a very different feel from many tropical islands in Malaysia.
We loved that you can spend the morning hiking through the jungle before cooling off with a swim in the sea. Several luxury resorts are tucked along the coastline, many with private beaches and excellent snorkelling spots. The guided mangrove kayak tours are a highlight — we spotted proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, and plenty of birdlife without travelling far from Kota Kinabalu.
Pro tip: Book a mangrove kayak tour early in the morning when wildlife is most active. Gaya Island is only 15-20 minutes from KK, making it one of the easiest islands to combine with a city stay.
How to get there: Take a 15-20 minute speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu.
7. Manukan Island — A Classic Beach Escape
Manukan Island has long been one of the most popular islands near Kota Kinabalu, and after spending a day here, we completely understood why. The beaches are clean, the facilities are excellent, and the water is wonderfully clear for swimming.
Just a short swim from the shore, you'll find healthy coral gardens filled with colourful reef fish. For those feeling adventurous, there's parasailing, banana boat rides, sea walking, and scuba diving. Walking trails lead through the island's forest, offering a peaceful break from the beach — keep an eye out for squirrels, monitor lizards, and tropical birds.
Pro tip: Arrive before 9am on weekends to secure a good spot on the beach. Manukan gets busy during peak hours, but the early morning is pure bliss with calm waters perfect for snorkelling.
How to get there: Regular boats leave Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal — the ride takes about 15 minutes.
8. Sapi Island — Small Island, Big Fun
If you're looking for crystal-clear water and plenty of water sports, Sapi Island is hard to beat. Although it's one of the smaller islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, it packs plenty into a day trip.
The beaches are soft and inviting, while the shallow water makes snorkelling easy even for beginners. One of the highlights is the Coral Flyer zipline, which lets you fly above the sea between Sapi Island and Gaya Island — the views alone make it worth trying.
Pro tip: Combine Sapi with Gaya Island in a single day trip using the island-hopping boat service. The zipline operates from 10am to 4pm, and bookings can be made at the jetty or online.
How to get there: Take a speedboat from Jesselton Point — about 15 minutes.
9. Mantanani Island — One of the Best Islands in Sabah for Snorkelling
Located northwest of Kota Belud, Mantanani Island feels wonderfully untouched compared to many of Sabah's more famous islands. The sea here is unbelievably clear, with long stretches of white sand and calm turquoise water.
Snorkelling is fantastic, with healthy coral reefs filled with tropical fish just offshore. Divers also visit Mantanani hoping to spot dugongs — while sightings aren't guaranteed, the underwater scenery is beautiful enough to make every dive worthwhile. The sunsets here were easily among our favourites in Sabah.
Pro tip: Stay overnight instead of joining a day trip — the island becomes much quieter once the tour boats leave. The sunset and sunrise here are absolutely worth the extra night.
How to get there: Drive about 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud, then take a 45-minute boat ride.
10. Bohey Dulang Island — Sabah's Most Famous Viewpoint
Bohey Dulang is unlike any other island on this list. The first thing you'll notice isn't the beach — it's the spectacular volcanic crater that forms a huge turquoise lagoon. Part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park near Semporna, the island is famous for its hiking trail.
The climb takes around 30 to 45 minutes and it's steep in places, but the view from the top makes every step worthwhile. Looking down over the bright blue lagoon surrounded by tiny islands is easily one of the most breathtaking sights in Sabah.
Pro tip: Start your hike as early as possible — the trail opens at 8am, and the morning light creates the best photos of the lagoon. Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) as the trail can be slippery after rain.
How to get there: Join a boat tour from Semporna — the journey takes about 35-45 minutes. No overnight stays are allowed as Bohey Dulang is a protected area.
At A Glance: Getting Around Sabah
From Kota Kinabalu: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan (15-20 min boat)
From Semporna: Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Bohey Dulang (30-90 min boat)
From Sandakan: Lankayan (90 min boat)
From Kota Belud: Mantanani (45 min boat)
Final Thoughts on the Best Island in Sabah
Picking the best island in Sabah really comes down to what kind of experience you're after. Sipadan remains the dream destination for divers, while Mabul and Kapalai are perfect for underwater adventures with comfortable resorts nearby. Gaya, Sapi, and Manukan make fantastic day trips from Kota Kinabalu, while Bohey Dulang rewards visitors with one of the most unforgettable viewpoints in Malaysia.
No matter which islands you choose, you'll quickly understand why these are considered some of the best places in Sabah for anyone who loves the sea. From colourful coral reefs to soft white sand and some of the best Sabah beaches, every island leaves you wanting to come back for more.
FAQs About Sabah's Best Islands
What is the biggest island in Sabah?
Banggi Island (Pulau Banggi) is the largest island in Sabah, covering about 440 square kilometres near the northern tip of the state. It's known for quiet villages, beautiful coastline, and a laid-back atmosphere — though it's far less touristy than the islands on this list.
How many islands are in Sabah?
Sabah is home to around 395 islands, giving it the highest number of islands of any Malaysian state. From world-famous diving spots to quiet tropical escapes, the variety is incredible.
Which island in Sabah is best for families?
Manukan Island is our top pick for families. The facilities are excellent, the water is calm and shallow for safe swimming, and it's just 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. Gaya Island is another great option with family-friendly resorts and nature activities.
Do I need a permit to dive at Sipadan?
Yes, Sipadan is a protected marine park with only 176 diving permits issued per day. Permits are typically allocated through dive resorts on Mabul and Kapalai — book at least 3-4 months ahead, especially during peak season (April-December).
What's the best time to visit Sabah's islands?
The best time is during the dry season from March to October, when seas are calm and visibility is excellent for diving and snorkelling. July and August are especially good for turtle nesting season at Lankayan Island.
Can I do island hopping from Kota Kinabalu in one day?
Absolutely! The islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug) are all within 15-20 minutes of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. A single day trip can comfortably cover 2-3 islands.
Are there ATMs or shops on Sabah's islands?
Most islands have limited or no facilities. Bring enough cash from mainland Semporna, KK, or Sandakan before heading out. Larger resort islands like Manukan and Gaya have small shops, but don't count on them for everything you need.
Explore More of Sabah
Here are a few more reads to help you plan your Sabah adventure:
- 10 Interesting Places in Sabah for the Wesak Day Holiday
- Top 10 Things to Do & Eat in Sabah (West Coast Edition)
- 7 Essential Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Langkawi (2026 Guide)
- 10 Best Holiday Destinations in Malaysia This New Year 2026
- Best Beach Resorts Near KL for Getaways
Start Your Sabah Adventure with TREVO
Planning an island holiday often begins with getting to the jetty or catching a flight — and that's where TREVO makes the journey much easier. Whether you're exploring Kota Kinabalu before hopping over to the islands or planning a road trip across Sabah, TREVO gives you access to a wide range of vehicles without the hassle of traditional car rental.
Booking is simple through the TREVO app — you'll find everything from compact city cars from RM70/day to spacious SUVs for family adventures. It's the most convenient way to start your journey before setting off to discover Sabah's incredible islands.
Download the TREVO app and start exploring Sabah on your own terms. TREVO is available across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Negeri Sembilan, Langkawi, Klang Valley, Melaka, Ipoh, and Kedah.