Kota Kinabalu Hotels

3 hotels

Island Resorts off Kota Kinabalu

The three places you can actually sleep inside Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, compared on how you get there and what kind of stay each is. All are boat-only, all charge the Sabah Parks conservation fee on top of the room, and none is a base for the city.

Generated from the same checked data as every hotel page. Last build 14 September 2026.

Island Resorts off Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu

Image obtained from sabahtravel.com

HotelAreaStarsAirportPoolBooking
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
 Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa48 villas on the far side of Pulau Gaya; boat from Jesselton Point, pre-booked Islands ★★★★★ 20 min YesOutdoor pool; some villas have a private plunge pool Ask us
Gaya Island Resort
 Gaya Island ResortYTL resort on Pulau Gaya; check-in is at Jesselton Point, not on the island Islands ★★★★★ 20 min YesMain pool by the beach; private beach at Tavajun Bay by boat Ask us
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island
 Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan IslandThe only place to sleep on Manukan; boat leaves from Sutera Harbour marina, not Jesselton Point Islands ★★★★ 15 min YesOutdoor pool with poolside bar Ask us

Questions people ask

Which island resort is easiest to reach from the airport?

Manukan. It's a 12-minute drive to Sutera Harbour and a 15-to-20-minute boat. Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya leave from Jesselton Point in the city.

Can I do an island resort and the city in one trip?

Yes, and it's the usual pattern — two or three nights on the island, then a city hotel for Gaya Street, the markets and the Kinabalu day trip. We can book both and the boats in one enquiry.

Not sure which one?

Tell us your dates and what the trip is for and we'll suggest two or three that fit, then confirm the rate with the hotel. No booking fee.

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