
Sepanggar Island
Tropical island paradise with rainforests, peaks, and sandy beaches offering water sports and diving.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteer programs and activities

Sepanggar Island
Best Time
Volunteer programs and activities

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tropical island paradise with rainforests, peaks, and sandy beaches offering water sports and diving.
"Came here for my OW diver course. First time seeing beach with goats!"

🐠 Snorkeling Spots
Shallow areas may have limited visibility; deeper spots might offer more. Ask staff about safe zones.
🤿 Dive Courses Available
Ideal for PADI OW diver courses, with spacious and clean accommodation options.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandy Beaches
Various coves around the island
Relax on pristine sandy shores, perfect for sunbathing and unwinding amidst tropical beauty.

Water Sports Adventures
Island's coastline
Enjoy scuba diving, sea walking, and snorkeling for an immersive marine experience.

Rainforest Trekking
Island's interior
Explore dense rainforests and hike to the island's two peaks for panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Escape: What to Know Before You Go
Getting to Sepanggar Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Snorkeling Spots
Shallow areas may have limited visibility; deeper spots might offer more. Ask staff about safe zones.
🤿 Dive Courses Available
Ideal for PADI OW diver courses, with spacious and clean accommodation options.
🐐 Unexpected Wildlife
You might encounter goats on the beach – a unique and amusing sight!
🚤 Boat Transfers
Check boat schedules from Kota Kinabalu for easy island access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Snorkeling Spots
Shallow areas may have limited visibility; deeper spots might offer more. Ask staff about safe zones.
🤿 Dive Courses Available
Ideal for PADI OW diver courses, with spacious and clean accommodation options.
🐐 Unexpected Wildlife
You might encounter goats on the beach – a unique and amusing sight!
🚤 Boat Transfers
Check boat schedules from Kota Kinabalu for easy island access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sepanggar Island to be a refreshing tropical escape with clean seas and enjoyable water activities like diving and sea walking. The island offers a unique experience, including the amusing sight of goats on the beach and opportunities for diving courses. However, snorkeling in shallow areas may have limited visibility, and safety restrictions are in place for water activities.
"Came here for my OW diver course. First time seeing beach with goats 😂"
Maturya 22
"Went there for a weekend volunteer programme to build coral garden. The room was spacious and clean. There are also a lot of water activities, scuba diving, sea walking, snorkeling."
Lim Huay Eng Cathy
"The sea here is clean, however it's not a perfect place for snorkelling as there is nothing much to see in the shallow area, plus the staff here don't allow you to go too far away in relation to safety concerns."
Phei San
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Sepanggar Island is primarily by boat from Kota Kinabalu. You'll need to arrange a boat transfer, which can often be booked through your accommodation or local tour operators. Some videos show party cruises heading to islands in the Sepanggar area.
Boat departures are typically from jetties in Kota Kinabalu. It's advisable to confirm the exact departure point with your boat service provider or accommodation.
The boat journey duration can vary depending on the specific island within the Sepanggar area and sea conditions, but it's generally a relatively short trip from the mainland.
While specific details on public transport to the jetty can vary, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Kota Kinabalu to take you to your departure point.
No, Sepanggar Island is only accessible by boat. You cannot drive directly to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees or conservation charges may apply for Sepanggar Island, especially if you are visiting specific resorts or participating in organized activities. It's best to check with your tour operator or accommodation.
Sepanggar Island itself doesn't have fixed opening hours as it's a natural destination. However, boat services and resort operations will have their own schedules.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book popular water activities like diving courses, sea walking, and snorkeling in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Many tour operators and resorts offer package deals that include boat transfers, accommodation, and various water activities, which can be cost-effective.
Day trip costs can vary significantly based on the inclusions (boat, activities, meals). Expect prices to range depending on the provider and what's offered.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Accommodation options range from basic rooms to more comfortable stays, with some reviews mentioning spacious and clean rooms suitable for longer visits or courses.
While the sea is clean, snorkeling in shallow areas might have limited visibility. Deeper spots could be better, but safety restrictions may apply.
You can enjoy scuba diving (including OW courses), sea walking, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Yes, Sepanggar Island features dense rainforests with two peaks, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying scenic views.
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for hiking, and any personal medications. A waterproof bag for electronics is also a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
The sandy beaches offer classic tropical island shots. Hiking to the peaks provides panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the island.
Besides marine life visible during water activities, you might encounter birds and other island fauna. Keep an eye out for unique sights like goats on the beach!
There are mentions of abandoned shop houses in the nearby KKIP Sepanggar area, which might offer unique photographic opportunities if accessible.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for beach and landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing vibrant water colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in water activities, sea walking can be a more accessible option than full scuba diving for younger or less experienced swimmers. While snorkeling might have limitations in shallow areas, the overall experience of being on a tropical island is usually a hit with kids. Ensure you check age restrictions for specific activities and always supervise children closely near the water.
🤿 Diving Enthusiasts
While the island is great for learning, experienced divers might find the immediate shallow areas less exciting for snorkeling. However, the clean waters and the opportunity to explore further with guided dives can still be rewarding. Booking dive courses and any necessary equipment rentals in advance is highly recommended.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
While the island offers water sports, it also provides a peaceful escape. You can simply unwind on the shore, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, and appreciate the natural beauty. The presence of goats on the beach adds a quirky, memorable element to the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sepanggar Island's Natural Beauty
While the island's natural beauty is a major draw, it's worth noting that some areas might be less developed. For instance, there are mentions of abandoned shop houses in the nearby KKIP Sepanggar area, which could appeal to those interested in urban exploration or unique photography.
For those seeking marine adventures, the waters around Sepanggar Island offer opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. However, as noted by some visitors, the visibility in shallow areas might be limited, and safety regulations are in place to ensure a secure experience.
Water Activities and Diving
Beyond diving, other popular activities include sea walking, which allows you to explore the underwater world without full scuba gear, and snorkeling. While the marine life in the immediate shallow areas might not be as vibrant as in some other locations, the overall experience of being in the clean sea is refreshing.
It's important to be aware of safety guidelines provided by activity operators. Staff may restrict access to certain areas for safety reasons, particularly concerning how far snorkelers can venture. Planning and booking these activities in advance is often recommended to ensure availability.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit