A Day Trip to Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu: Sun, Sand, and Serenity

#kotakinabalutrip If you're looking for a tropical escape near Kota Kinabalu, **Sapi Island** is a must-visit. Part of the **Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park**, this little slice of paradise offers crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush greenery—perfect for a quick day trip. Here’s how my adventure unfolded! --- ### **Getting There: A Quick Boat Ride from KK** The journey started at **Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal** in Kota Kinabalu. After purchasing a return boat ticket (around **RM35-40**), we hopped on a speedboat for a **15-minute ride** to Sapi Island. The sea was calm, and the views of the surrounding islands were breathtaking. Pro tip: - **Go early!** Boats start around 8:30 AM, and arriving early means fewer crowds. - **Pack light** but bring essentials: sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, and snorkeling gear (though you can rent it there). --- ### **First Impressions: Hello, Paradise!** As soon as we arrived, I was struck by the island’s beauty—turquoise waters lapping against the shore, shady trees lining the beach, and the sound of waves gently crashing. The island is small (you can walk around it in about 20 minutes), but it’s packed with charm. --- ### **Snorkeling & Marine Life Galore** Sapi Island is famous for its **vibrant coral reefs** and marine life. We rented snorkeling gear (RM15-20) and swam just a few meters from the shore. Within minutes, we spotted: - **Colorful fish** (parrotfish, clownfish, and more!) - **Small reef sharks** (harmless and shy) - **Sea urchins & starfish** The best snorkeling spots are near the **jetty and the rocky edges** of the island. If you’re lucky, you might even see a turtle! --- ### **Beach Relaxation & Jungle Walk** After snorkeling, we lounged on the beach, soaking up the sun. The sand was soft, and the water was so clear we could see fish swimming near our feet. For a bit of adventure, we took the **jungle trail** that loops around the island. It’s an easy 15-20 minute walk with scenic viewpoints and occasional monitor lizards (!) crossing the path. --- ### **Lunch with a View** There’s a small **cafeteria** on the island serving simple meals like fried rice, noodles, and fresh coconut. We grabbed lunch and ate under the shade while enjoying the sea breeze. Pro tip: - Bring some **snacks and extra water** if you want more options. --- ### **Optional Adventures: Parasailing & Sea Walking** For thrill-seekers, Sapi offers **parasailing** and **sea walking** (additional cost). We skipped these this time but saw others having a blast flying over the water! --- ### **Heading Back: Sunset Views** We caught the last boat back to Kota Kinabalu around 4 PM. The ride back was just as scenic, with golden sunlight reflecting off the water—a perfect end to the day.