As the smallest island in the collection that makes up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mamutik island is a popular getaway featuring a nice beach, barbecue restaurants, the Borneo Divers Training Institute (BDTI), water sport activities and a Sabah Park ranger station.
Click here to Book a Mamutik Island Trip (Online Discounts)
Mamutik Island (or Pulau Mamutik) is located a short speed boat ride from Kota Kinabalu Jesselton Jetty, and is known for clear shallow waters, beautiful beach and relaxed activities such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, group bbqs and the Borneo Divers activity center (scuba diving and snorkeling trips) along with its shaded rest areas making it the number one choice for friends, families, couple, weekenders, first-time visitors to Sabah and holidaygoers who prefer an easy accessible island just nearby Kota Kinabalu town center.
Swimming and snorkeling before or after a nice bbq lunch is the main draw. Calm, sandy entries lead to a few coral patches (please be careful not to step or damage the reefs for conservation purposes). The seas are frequented by a few reef fishes. Snorkeling guides are available for those that don't know how to swim and will go on the morning snorkel session when the water surface is super calm.
Scuba diving options with Borneo Divers dive center range from introductory try-dives (DSD or Discover Scuba Diving) for beginners to shallow dives for certified guests (OW, AOW). The surrounding marine park (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park) offers reef slopes and soft and hard coral zones that suit slow profiles and macro and muck diving spotting. Visibility and current strength vary with the season, the tides and of course the weather and waves. Underwater photographers will appreciate the natural light in the top 5-10 meters.
Topside, the island features a nice sandy beach, picnic (bbq) spots and shaded areas with gazebos. Local vendors offer simple snorkeling equipment rentals such as masks, fins, snorkels or beach mats. You will need to bring your own food and drinks as food outlets are scarce. Short nature walks provide a change of pace between swims and you can observe the local monitored lizards. Sheltered space under trees offer shade for families to relax and supervise children.
Logistics are straightforward: return speedboats depart from Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu (you will need to buy a ticket), with crossing times commonly around 15 minutes depending on sea conditions. Bring essentials such as reef-safe sunscreen a rash guard, a dry bag, drinking water, some snacks and cash for park fees or gear rentals.
Responsible swimming and snorkeling practices keep Mamutik's reefs in good condition (there has been a lot of damages over the years). Avoid standing on coral, maintain respectful distance from marine life (don't touch the sea turtles) and don't throw any rubbish or plastic on the beach or in the sea... indeed plastic polluttion has led the town to forbid shops to sell any plastic bags. Make your part of the effort by reducing one time plastic use such as brining a refillable bottle and reusable snack containers, this helps a lot to minimize beach litter.
Whether your day trip plan is to mask-and-snorkel or sit and relaxing while laying back on the beach, Mamutik island delivers approachable seas gardens, warm water year round and the simple pleasures of a sunny tropical island close to the city.
Click here to Book your Trip To Mamutik (Special Online Discount)
Note: Don't miss the must see islands of Sipadan and Mabul (Tawau airport). Please contact us for more information.