Travellers planning island hopping in Kota Kinabalu should note that the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, the main departure point to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP), has relocated.
Boat departures now operate from the South Jetty at Kota Kinabalu Port, with the public entrance located behind Jesselton Quay. The former Jesselton Point terminal closed on 1 March 2026, and all island transfers now depart from this new location.
From the South Jetty, visitors can reach nearby islands such as Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Gaya, which are just a short boat ride from the city.
Travellers can also book island tours and activities in advance through SabahTravel.com, which brings together licensed local tour operators on one seamless booking platform.
Where Boats to TARP Islands Now Depart
The new Jesselton Point ferry terminal is located at the South Jetty of Kota Kinabalu Port, with the main entrance situated behind Jesselton Quay.
Quick facts:
- Terminal location: South Jetty, Kota Kinabalu Port
- Entrance: Behind Jesselton Quay
- Old terminal closure: 1 March 2026
- Boat travel time: Around 15 to 20 minutes to nearby islands
- Shuttle service: Free tram between the entrance and jetty
The South Jetty remains the primary departure point for boat transfers to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Getting to the New Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
Travellers can easily reach the new terminal from Kota Kinabalu city centre.
Visitors arriving by Grab, taxi, or private vehicle should request drop-off at the South Jetty entrance behind Jesselton Quay.
Public parking is available at JQ Central (Jesselton Quay Central), located directly opposite the entrance. Parking inside the port area itself is reserved for operators.
From the entrance, travellers can take a free shuttle tram to reach the South Jetty boarding terminal.
Shuttle details:
- Distance from entrance to jetty: approximately 350 to 400 metres
- Service: Free tourist tram
- Return transfers from the jetty are also available
Islands You Can Visit from Jesselton Point
From the South Jetty, speedboats depart daily to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located just offshore from Kota Kinabalu.
TARP consists of five islands:
- Manukan Island
- Sapi Island
- Mamutik Island
- Gaya Island (Base Camp and Padang Point)
- Sulug Island (accessible by charter boat)
These islands are known for snorkelling, coral reefs, beaches, and marine life, making island hopping one of the most popular activities for visitors to Kota Kinabalu.
Boat journeys from Jesselton Point typically take 15 to 20 minutes.
How to Book Island-Hopping Tours in Kota Kinabalu
Visitors can purchase boat tickets directly at the jetty, although this may involve arranging several things separately such as island entrance fees, snorkelling equipment, and transport to the terminal.
Another option is to book island tours in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak travel seasons.
On SabahTravel.com, visitors can browse and compare experiences offered by licensed Sabah tour operators, including:
- Island hopping tours to Manukan and Sapi Island
- Snorkelling trips around coral reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Scuba diving experiences for beginners and certified divers
- Private island excursions departing from Jesselton Point
As an integrated multi-operator booking platform, SabahTravel.com enables travellers to compare tours and secure bookings online before arriving at the jetty.
Why Book Island Tours in Advance
Booking island tours ahead of time can make planning easier for travellers visiting Kota Kinabalu.
Many island tours include arrangements such as:
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
- boat transfers to the islands
- marine park entrance fees
- snorkelling or diving equipment
- meals or refreshments
By booking through SabahTravel.com, travellers can review options from multiple operators and select the experience that best suits their itinerary.
Before Boarding Your Boat at Jesselton Point
At the South Jetty terminal, visitors travelling to the islands go through a straightforward departure process.
Passengers first purchase or confirm their boat tickets at the counters or with their tour operator. All visitors must then register their trip before departure and present identification such as a MyKad for Malaysian citizens or a passport for international travellers.
After registration, passengers wait in the designated seating area until their boat transfer is called. When boarding is announced, travellers proceed through the departure gate and board their speedboat to the islands.
Information counter staff at the terminal are able to assist visitors and communicate in English, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.
Book Kota Kinabalu Island Tours on SabahTravel.com
Island hopping remains one of the most popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu, offering quick access to tropical islands just minutes from the city.
Through SabahTravel.com, travellers can discover and book island tours operated by local Sabah providers, including island hopping trips, snorkelling excursions, and scuba diving experiences within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
By bringing together multiple operators on one platform, SabahTravel.com makes it easier for visitors to compare and book island activities departing from Jesselton Point before they arrive in Kota Kinabalu.
