Islands · 4-star · The only place to sleep on Manukan; boat leaves from Sutera Harbour marina, not Jesselton Point
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island
The only accommodation on Manukan, the busiest day-trip island — chalets and villas with a guests-only beach, so you get the island to yourself after the last day-trip boat leaves at four. Boat is from Sutera Harbour, breakfast and transfer usually included.
Checked against the hotel's own information and cross-referenced listings. Last checked August 2026.
Image obtained from hrs.com
To the airport (KKIA)
15 min
Pool
YesOutdoor pool with poolside bar
Breakfast
Included
Airport shuttle
NoneGrab or taxi, or ask us for a pickup
Walk to Jesselton Point
NoShort drive
Booking
Ask usWe check the rate with the hotel
What it is
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges runs the sole resort on Pulau Manukan, the second-largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Guests register at the Sutera Harbour marina jetty and take a 15-to-20-minute scheduled boat; a section of beach is reserved for hotel guests, and there's a pool, a restaurant and a jungle trail to Sunset Point. The island is crowded with day-trippers until mid-afternoon and quiet after. Rates normally include breakfast and the scheduled boat; land transfer from the airport is extra. Some guests report short power cuts and dated pool edges.
Check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM.
Rooms
Standard rooms with small sitting areas, two-storey hillside villas and beach-facing units with terraces; some have a kitchen.
Does Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island have a pool?
Yes. Outdoor pool with poolside bar
Facilities we could confirm
Parking: free at Sutera Harbour marina
Pets not allowed
Breakfast included
Suitable for families
Anything not listed here is unconfirmed rather than absent. We'd rather leave a gap than guess.
Eating
Prahu Restaurant for breakfast and all-day dining, with a live band some evenings.
about 12 min drive to Sutera Harbour, then the boat
Sunset Point
1.5 km trail on the island
Questions people ask
How far is Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island from the airport?
About 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Grab and taxis are easy at KKIA, or ask us to arrange a pickup.
When do the boats run?
Departures from Sutera Harbour marina are scheduled through the late morning and early afternoon, with returns around noon, 2pm and 4pm. The resort confirms times a day or two before arrival; we can also arrange the airport-to-marina transfer.
Manukan or Gaya Island Resort?
Manukan is cheaper, closer to the airport side and more of a chalet resort on a busy island. Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya are secluded luxury villa resorts on Gaya Island. All three charge the Sabah Parks conservation fee.
Can I book Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island through this site?
Yes. Send your dates by WhatsApp or the form and our licensed Sabah tours agency confirms availability and rate with the hotel. There's no booking fee, and you can add island trips, a Kinabalu climb or airport transfers to the same enquiry.
