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Sepanggar Island

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Sepanggar Island

Sepanggar Island

Located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this island consists of two peaks covered in dense tropical rainforest. Travelers visit the island for nature trekking and to observe the local flora and fauna in a rainforest environment.

Getting There

The island is accessible by boat. Departures are available from the city jetty or from Sepanggar Bay. The travel time varies depending on the departure point, but it is a short boat trip from the mainland.

Duration of Visit

Visitors typically spend a half-day to a full day on the island, depending on whether they intend to hike to the peaks or remain on the coast.

When to Visit

To avoid the midday heat, morning arrivals are recommended. Visitors should check local weather patterns to avoid heavy rain, which can affect boat travel and trail conditions. The island is generally less crowded than the more commercialized tourist hubs in the region.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, the island can be combined with other sites in Kota Kinabalu. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Tun Mustapha Tower (6.9km)
  • Gaya Island (7km)
  • Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (8.8km)
  • Malaysia Monument (9.5km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Sepanggar Island

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Sepanggar Island Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Kota Kinabalu 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Kota Kinabalu grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Kota Kinabalu 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kota Kinabalu grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Tun Mustapha Tower

Views & landmarks

Tun Mustapha Tower

This 30-story, 122-meter skyscraper rises above downtown Kota Kinabalu. Named in honor of former Sabah governor Mustapha, it's a landmark that offers great views over the city.

6.9 km away
Gaya Island

Nature

Gaya Island

Gaya Island lies off the coast of Kota Kinabalu within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Its ridgeline rises to about 300 meters, making it a great spot for trekking with ocean views.

7.0 km away
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

This mosque in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is one of the city's leading Islamic places of worship. It offers a glimpse into the local religious culture.

8.8 km away
Malaysia Monument

Heritage & monuments

Malaysia Monument

A monument near Kota Kinabalu City Hall, built to commemorate the formation of Malaysia in 1963. It also hosts the annual Malaysia Day celebrations.

9.5 km away
Atkinson Clock Tower

Views & landmarks

Atkinson Clock Tower

This clock tower is considered the oldest structure in Kota Kinabalu. Standing alone atop Signal Hill, it offers a sweeping view of the Sabah state capital.

9.5 km away
Pu Tuo Si Temple

Temples & religious sites

Pu Tuo Si Temple

A Buddhist temple near Tuaran Road in Kota Kinabalu, built in 1980. Its striking statue of Guanyin at the entrance is well known, and it serves as a central temple for the local Chinese community.

9.6 km away