Sabah: Mantanani Island Day Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking to escape the buzz of Sabah’s bustling city and learn about stunning natural beauty, the Mantanani Island Day Tour offers a compelling option. For about $96 per person, this full-day adventure takes you from your hotel to a scenic boat ride across crystal-clear waters to explore some of Malaysia’s most picturesque islands. You’ll enjoy generous time for snorkeling among vibrant marine life, relaxing on powdery white beaches, and savoring a local-style lunch.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the quality of the snorkeling gear and the natural beauty of the surroundings. The snorkeling set, including life jackets, seems well-maintained, giving you confidence to explore colorful fish and coral reefs. Plus, the islands’ calm, inviting waters and soft sands make for a truly tranquil retreat.

One possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of travel—about 1.5 hours by land to the jetty, then a 30-minute speedboat ride—which might feel long if you’re particularly prone to seasickness or travel fatigue. Still, the scenic boat trip adds to the adventure, and the entire day is structured for those who love nature and a laid-back pace.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy water activities, relaxing on beaches, and want a taste of Malaysia’s island life without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for first-time visitors looking for an authentic experience with guided support, and those who appreciate a well-organized day away from city life.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life make for memorable views.
• Inclusive amenities: Snorkeling gear, lunch, hotel transfers, and a knowledgeable guide ensure comfort and convenience.
• Authentic experience: Small group setting and natural surroundings offer genuine island serenity.
• Travel time: About 1.5 hours on land plus a scenic 30-minute boat ride, adding to the adventure.
• Family friendly: Suitable for most travelers except those with specific health concerns like seasickness or pregnancy.
• Environmental respect: Tour rules emphasize responsible behavior with no smoking, littering, or alcohol allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Mantanani Islands: A Detailed Review

Getting There and Setting Expectations

The adventure begins with a hotel pick-up, which is included in the tour price. From your accommodation, you’ll head northwest of Kota Belud, traveling approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by road to reach the jetty. The journey itself is pleasant, often through lush scenery that hints at the tropical wonderland ahead. Upon arrival at the jetty, you’ll board a scenic 30-minute speedboat ride—though this may be longer if sea conditions aren’t ideal—heading out to the islands.

While the boat ride is a highlight, offering views of the distant coastline and the chance to feel the sea breeze, it’s worth noting that some travelers might find the motion a bit rough if prone to seasickness. The boat is a shared vessel, which keeps costs down and social interactions lively, but means you’ll be sharing space with fellow travelers.

The Islands: A Visual Feast

Once ashore, the Mantanani Islands’ beauty becomes apparent. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the islands display a gradient of blues that tempt you to dip your toes in. The white sandy beaches are soft and inviting—ideal for lounging, sunbathing, or building the perfect sandcastle.

The islands are renowned for their vibrant marine life, making them a popular snorkeling spot. The tour provides a snorkeling set and life jackets, which are generally of good quality, empowering you to explore the underwater world safely. Expect to see colorful fish darting among coral reefs, and if you’re lucky, some larger marine creatures that call these waters home.

Snorkeling and Marine Exploration

Many guests, including those who left reviews, emphasize snorkeling as the tour’s highlight. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, often described as “crystal,” allowing you to appreciate the underwater flora and fauna close-up. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish and coral formations, which add a lively splash of color beneath the surface.

The guided snorkeling sessions are beginner-friendly but also enjoyable for those with more experience. The inclusion of gear ensures you don’t need to worry about bringing your own, and the support from guides helps maximize your underwater experience.

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Leisure and Relaxation on the Beach

For many, the appeal is simply relaxing on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and listening to the gentle lap of waves. The soft sands are comfortable underfoot, and the islands’ tranquility offers a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in Sabah. You can lounge with a drink, take photos, or stroll along the coast.

The Lunch Experience

A highlight for many travelers is the included lunch, which is typically a local-style meal served on the island. While not elaborate, it’s hearty and flavorful, giving you energy for the rest of the day’s activities. Some reviews note that this meal adds value to the tour, especially when considering the overall price.

Practical Aspects and Group Dynamics

The tour is organized by TYH BORNEO TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD and is offered as a join-in group experience. This means you’ll be sharing the journey with other travelers, which can enhance the social vibe but also requires flexibility. The tour is suitable for most ages, but not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, respiratory issues, or those prone to seasickness, as the boat ride and physical activity could be challenging.

Additional Considerations

• If you’re planning to join from places outside the main coverage area like Shangri-La Rasa Ria or Nexus Karambunai, an additional charge applies.
• Remember to bring essentials like hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• The tour emphasizes responsible behavior, with rules against smoking, alcohol, and littering, helping preserve this pristine environment.

Authenticity and Value

From reviews, one guest simply said, “We loved it!” which captures the overall sentiment—this tour offers an authentic taste of island life with minimal hassle. For the price, the inclusion of hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, and a meal makes it a practical choice for travelers who want a hassle-free day immersed in nature.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to nature lovers, water enthusiasts, and those seeking a gentle escape from city life. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy snorkeling, beaches, and small-group excursions that offer a taste of local natural beauty without crowds or commercial overreach.

Final Thoughts

The Mantanani Island Day Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and leisure. You’ll spend your day surrounded by stunning scenery, exploring vibrant underwater ecosystems, and relaxing on idyllic beaches. The tour’s value is clear, especially when considering the inclusive amenities, guided support, and the chance to experience Malaysia’s natural marine treasures firsthand.

While the travel time might seem long for some, the rewards—crystal waters, lively reefs, and soft sands—are worth it. This trip suits those who want an honest, straightforward day immersed in nature, with just enough activity to keep things interesting but plenty of time to unwind.

If you’re after a memorable, laid-back island experience that offers good value and authentic moments, the Mantanani Islands are a perfect choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?
The entire day lasts roughly from the hotel pick-up in the morning to return in the late afternoon, with about 1.5 hours on land and a 30-minute boat ride each way.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as return boat transfer, are included in the price.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent for comfort and protection.

Can I snorkel if I’ve never done it before?
Absolutely. The snorkeling gear and support from guides make it suitable for beginners. The calm waters and shallow reefs are friendly for newcomers.

What is the lunch like?
Lunch is a local-style meal, included in the tour, providing a satisfying break and energy for the rest of the day.

Is there any age restriction?
While suitable for most, this tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, those with back or respiratory issues, or people prone to seasickness.

How much does it cost?
The price is $96 per person, which covers most expenses, including gear, transfers, and lunch.

Are there any additional fees?
If you’re outside the main pickup areas, an extra RM 40 applies, payable directly to the driver or guide.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility in your planning.

What do guests say about the tour?
One review simply states, “We loved it!” reflecting the overall positive experiences of travelers who enjoy natural beauty and straightforward fun.

In short, the Mantanani Island Day Tour offers an accessible, enjoyable way to experience Sabah’s marine environment and beaches. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic day with opportunities for snorkeling and sunbathing, all at a reasonable price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: