It depends on how much time you have in Sabah. If you only have one day, the Mantanani Snorkeling Day Trip is the most convenient option for enjoying the island and snorkelling before returning to Kota Kinabalu. For a longer getaway, the 4D3N Mantanani Escape combines an overnight stay on Mantanani Island with a stay at Sutera Harbour Resort and a sunset dinner cruise. For a more complete Sabah holiday, the 5D4N Mantanani Island Stay also includes highlights around Kundasang and Kinabalu Park, a Kota Kinabalu city tour, and a sunset dinner cruise.

The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Mantanani Island usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road to the Kota Belud area, followed by approximately 30 to 60 minutes by boat. Travel time varies depending on the departure jetty, traffic and sea conditions. Land and boat transfers are included in our Mantanani packages, although exact arrangements vary by packages.

Some Mantanani Island packages may have additional surcharges during peak or high-season travel periods. As the applicable dates and charges vary between packages and may change, please refer to the pricing section of the individual tour package for the latest information.

Yes. Mantanani Island can get quite busy during popular travel periods, particularly around March, April, July, August and October. During these months, you can expect a livelier atmosphere and more visitors around the beach, jetty and activity areas.

If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed island experience, travelling outside these busier periods may be a better fit. Travel patterns can vary, so check your selected Mantanani Island package for the latest information before booking.

If you prefer a quieter Mantanani Island experience, consider travelling outside the typically busier months of March, April, July, August and October.

Mantanani is still enjoyable during popular travel periods, but visiting at a less busy time can offer a more relaxed atmosphere. For specific travel dates, availability and any applicable peak-season conditions, refer to the details of your selected package.

Our Mantanani Island packages listed above generally require a minimum of 2 guests per booking. If you are travelling solo or have a larger group, contact our sales team and we can advise you on the available options.

Yes. Child and infant rates are available for selected Mantanani Island packages. The age policy, rates and arrangements may differ depending on the package, accommodation and whether a bed or seat is required.

Please refer to the individual package page for the latest child and infant policy.

Most Mantanani Island tours are operated on a join-in basis, with shared transportation, boat transfers and guide services.

Private arrangements are available for the land portion of the journey, depending on the package and group size. Options may include a private guide, private van or luxury MPV. However, the boat transfer to and from Mantanani Island remains shared with other guests.

Contact our sales team for the available private arrangements and rates.

Yes. For packages staying at Sutera @ Mantanani Island Resort & Spa, each guest is allowed to bring one cabin-size piece of luggage or backpack on the boat transfer for safety reasons.

Additional luggage may be subject to a surcharge. We recommend checking the latest luggage policy on your package page or with our sales team before travelling.

Yes. Mantanani Island is known for the seasonal Blue Tears phenomenon, caused by bioluminescent plankton that can make the shoreline appear to glow at night.

Blue Tears excursions are featured in selected overnight Mantanani Island itineraries and are typically available from March to July. As this is a natural phenomenon, visibility depends on weather, sea and environmental conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. Mantanani Island snorkelling is suitable for beginners, including those with little or no previous snorkelling experience.

Snorkelling equipment such as masks and life jackets is provided where included in the package, together with a safety briefing or guidance before entering the water. Guests should always follow the instructions of the guide or activity crew.

Mantanani Island involves speedboat transfers and outdoor water activities, so guests should consider their health and physical condition before joining.

The boat journey may not be suitable for guests with heart or lung conditions, recent surgery, back or spinal problems, arthritis, osteoporosis or similar conditions. Pregnant travellers are also advised against joining due to potentially bumpy boat rides. If you have an existing medical condition or are unsure whether the trip is suitable for you, consult your doctor before booking.

For the Mantanani Snorkeling Day Trip, younger children may also find the boat journey and activities challenging.

Bring valid identification with you when travelling. Malaysian travellers should have their MyKad details available, while international travellers should have their passport details.

Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Mantanani Island trips, particularly because the journey involves boat transfers, snorkelling, outdoor activities and weather-dependent arrangements.

Choose a policy that provides suitable coverage for the activities included in your itinerary and any travel disruptions that may affect your trip.

Guest safety comes first. If weather or sea conditions are considered unsafe, the itinerary may be changed, activities may be reorganised, or the tour may be cancelled.

Any applicable refund or alternative arrangement will depend on the affected service and the terms of your specific Mantanani Island package. Natural experiences such as wildlife sightings and Blue Tears are also dependent on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

For the overnight Mantanani Island packages, refunds are generally not provided for shortened stays or unused island activities, transfers, meals or other services after the boat journey has commenced.

Cancellation and refund conditions may differ between packages, so please refer to the terms of your selected Mantanani Island tour before booking.