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This 7-day 6-night Sabah adventure allows you to explore every corner of what is considered Malaysia's ultimate vacation paradise. Save this detailed 7-day 6-night Sabah itinerary now.
From fresh, delicious seafood to stunning wildlife sanctuaries, Sabah truly offers endless excitement to discover. However, what captivated me the most were the breathtaking, picture-perfect islands scattered across the state.
Crystal-clear waters, soft white sandy beaches, and vibrant sunsets are sure to make the ocean's call irresistible. So, why wait? Start planning your 7-day 6-night island getaway to Sabah today.
7-Day 6-Night Sabah Self-Guided Travel Itinerary
Dreaming of an adventure to paradise islands? Let Sabah enchant you with its untouched beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences. Join Mytour Vietnam as we unveil the ultimate 7-day 6-night Sabah island travel itinerary, featuring the most beautiful islands and essential travel tips.
Day 1: Manukan & Mamutik
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Journey to Manukan Island
Kick off your 7-day 6-night Sabah adventure with Mytour Vietnam by exploring the stunning beauty of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Your first must-visit destination is Manukan Island, the most developed island with modern facilities and a wide array of exciting activities waiting for #teamMytour.
The best part? Getting to Manukan is incredibly easy. From Kota Kinabalu city center, simply head to Jesselton Point and hop on a boat. After just 20 to 30 minutes on the water, you'll step foot on this gorgeous island.
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Dive into Water Sports at Manukan Island
Before Manukan Island's beaches get crowded, take advantage of the early morning to immerse yourself in thrilling water sports. From kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and banana boat rides, there are endless options for fun and adventure. Don’t miss the unique Sea Walking experience, where you’ll be equipped with a special diving helmet and guided to explore the fascinating underwater world.
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Snorkeling at Mamutik Island
After soaking in the beauty of Manukan, continue your journey to the other gem of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - the picturesque Mamutik Island. You can easily travel between the two islands by boat, and don’t forget to book your transfer tickets on Mytour to save time and effort.
Snorkeling at Mamutik is an unmissable experience. The crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse marine ecosystem teeming with colorful fish will leave you in awe.
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Exploring Manukan Island
As the sun begins to set, most visitors leave Manukan Island, returning it to its tranquil state. This is the perfect time to fully enjoy the island’s beauty without the crowds.
Spend the rest of your day discovering the island’s hidden treasures. You can snorkel along the coast, marveling at schools of colorful fish darting among stunning coral reefs. If you’re up for a challenge, embark on a 1.5-hour trek through the island’s lush jungle trails.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Sunset Viewing at Sunset Point
As the evening approaches, don’t miss the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset from Manukan Island. Take a leisurely 30-minute stroll along the shaded stone trail to Sunset Point. This prime vantage point offers sweeping views of the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky and sea in vibrant hues of red. Truly romantic, isn’t it?
(*) Quick tip for #teamMytour: Bring mosquito repellent, especially during certain seasons, and don’t forget a flashlight to ensure a safe return after dark.
Day 2: Gaya & Sapi
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Travel to Gaya Island
Just 20 minutes from Jesselton Point, Gaya Island is the perfect destination for day 2 of your 7-day 6-night Sabah adventure. Immerse yourself in the island’s serene atmosphere and untouched beauty. Alternatively, for a unique twist, take a boat from Manukan to the nearby Sapi Island and start your day there.
Gaya Island, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is a true tropical paradise with secluded coves, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and lush jungle trails.
Spend a day exploring the island’s natural beauty or indulge in a luxurious retreat at one of its upscale resorts. Choose from private hillside villas with panoramic ocean views or unique overwater bungalows that offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Jungle Trekking
Kick off your morning by immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of Gaya Island with a jungle trek. Wander through the cool, green canopy of the rainforest, listen to the melodies of birds, and discover the island’s diverse flora and fauna. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for an unforgettable trekking experience.
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exciting Activities at Sapi Island
Perhaps the most famous island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sapi Island is connected to Gaya Island by a sandbar. While you can wade between the two islands during low tide, it’s highly recommended to take a boat for convenience and safety.
After lunch, gear up for an afternoon full of energy and excitement on Sapi Island! This island is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also a haven for water sports. Try your hand at jet skiing, paddleboarding, or even soaring through the air with parasailing.
But the highlight is undoubtedly the Coral Flyer - Borneo’s longest zipline connecting Sapi Island and Gaya Island. Imagine zipping through the air, taking in panoramic views of the turquoise sea, picturesque islands, and lush tropical forests below.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset Cruise
Head back to Gaya Island to savor the final moments of your getaway. The evening on the island promises delightful surprises. And what better way to end a perfect day than with a sunset cruise?
Witness the breathtaking spectacle as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky and sea in vibrant hues of red, creating a stunning natural masterpiece. The cruise will glide gently across the water, passing by the beautiful islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
You can easily book this sunset cruise from any resort on the island or through local agents. And of course, #teamMytour can book directly on Mytour to enjoy exclusive perks, including a lavish buffet dinner and live entertainment.
Day 3: Mantanani Islands
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Journey to Mantanani Islands
The Mantanani Islands, though not the easiest to reach, are worth every effort. This secluded trio of islands is a true paradise for ocean enthusiasts. If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss the opportunity to stay overnight and fully immerse yourself in their rare, untouched beauty.
Your journey to Mantanani begins with an exciting over-an-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu northward to Kota Belud Jetty. From there, you’ll board a boat and set off on your sea adventure. After about 45 to 55 minutes on the water, the stunning Mantanani Islands will come into view.
(*) Quick tip for #teamMytour: Skip the hassle of planning by booking a 2-day 1-night Mantanani Islands package on Mytour, which includes round-trip transfers, breakfast, a snorkeling session with equipment, and your choice of accommodation for the night.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Snorkeling
After lunch, continue exploring Mantanani’s beauty with an exciting snorkeling adventure. The underwater world here will amaze you with its vibrant coral reefs, home to countless fascinating marine creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Nicky, the rare dugong, gracefully swimming by. It’s no wonder locals call Mantanani the "Mermaid Island"!
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Birdwatching on the Island
After a hearty lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the island to soak in its untouched and serene beauty. One of the most beloved activities is watching the stunning flocks of migratory birds. Find a quiet spot, gaze at the sky, and wait for the magical moment when unique birds like the Mantanani owl or Nicobar pigeon soar overhead.
If you’re up for some activity, try kayaking on the turquoise waters or join a lively beach volleyball game with friends and family. For a taste of local life, visit the nearby village and try your hand at fishing with the fishermen.
Day 4: Mantanani & Semporna
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Scuba Diving
The joy of exploring the ocean world at Mantanani Island doesn’t stop there! The waters surrounding the islands are a living museum teeming with diverse marine life, ancient shipwrecks, and even rare bird species. If you’re passionate about diving, this is the perfect opportunity to join scuba diving or recreational diving tours, immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters and uncovering the mysteries of the ocean.
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Travel to Semporna
It’s best to start your journey to Semporna right after lunch by catching the 3 PM boat from Kota Belud. After that, I highly recommend flying to Tawau Airport and then driving to Semporna, as the overland journey by bus or car takes over 9 hours and can be quite winding.
Day 5: Tun Sakaran Marine Park
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Depart for Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Tun Sakaran Marine Park, with its 8 stunning islands scattered off the coast of Semporna, is the perfect destination to continue your island-hopping adventure in Sabah. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, from trekking to the peak of Bohey Dulang for breathtaking views to diving into the colorful coral worlds of Sibuan and Mantabuan.
Head to Semporna Jetty and begin your journey to Bohey Dulang Island by speedboat. The trip takes just about 30 minutes.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Hiking on Bohey Dulang Island
Kick off your exploration of Bohey Dulang with a challenging yet thrilling hike. After about an hour of climbing, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the marine park.
It’s no wonder this is one of Sabah’s most famous scenic trekking trails. From the summit, you’ll marvel at the turquoise volcanic crater lagoon, vibrant coral reefs, and the surrounding islands.
Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced hiker. The trail to Bohey Dulang’s peak, though steep, is well-maintained and features wooden staircases in some sections, making it accessible even for beginners.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Bajau Laut in Mantabuan
After lunch, continue your exploration of Tun Sakaran Marine Park with your next stop at Mantabuan Island, the smallest but no less fascinating island.
This is home to the nomadic Bajau Laut community, also known as "Sea Gypsies." They live on unique houseboats or stilt houses built right over the water. If you’re lucky, you might be invited into their homes and treated to a refreshing coconut.
Like other islands in Semporna, the waters around Mantabuan boast stunning beauty with crystal-clear seas and diverse marine ecosystems. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel and admire vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and possibly even stingrays, pufferfish, blue-spotted stingrays, or sea turtles.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Scuba Diving or Snorkeling at Sibuan Island
Sibuan Island - a hotspot for diving enthusiasts - offers incredible dive sites, whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting to explore the ocean. Throughout the experience, #teamMytour can encounter sea turtles, small fish, colorful corals, and more. Who knows, you might even spot rare marine creatures!
Day 6: Timba-Timba, Mataking & Pom Pom
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Travel to Timba-Timba Island
Get ready for a day of exploring three beautiful islands in Semporna: Timba-Timba Island, Mataking Island, and Pom Pom Island, often visited together during diving or snorkeling trips. From Semporna Jetty, take a boat to your first stop - Timba-Timba Island.
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Discover Sabah’s Famous Islands
Begin your island-hopping adventure in Semporna with Timba-Timba Island, a charming private island with long stretches of white sandy beaches, perfect for snorkeling and spotting adorable sea turtles.
Next, head to Mataking Island, one of the top diving spots around Semporna. With over 30 dive sites, you’ll have the chance to explore a diverse underwater world featuring eagle rays, reef sharks, and many other marine species. Don’t miss the unique wreck diving experience to visit the world’s first underwater postbox!
After lunch, continue your journey to Pom Pom Island, a small, picturesque island located on a coral reef. It’s also home to a sea turtle conservation center. If you’re lucky, you might witness baby turtles hatching and being released into the sea, a truly unforgettable experience.
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Return to Semporna
After an exciting day of exploration, board the boat back to Semporna Jetty. Enjoy the final moments on the water, watching the sunset and soaking in the serenity of the sea.
Day 7: Mabul & Kapalai
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Let’s Head to Mabul Island!
Wake up early to kick off the final day of your island adventure in Sabah. From Semporna Jetty, you’ll board a boat and set off to explore Mabul Island and Kapalai, two islands renowned for their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Snorkeling at Mabul Island
Mabul, a diver’s paradise, offers you the chance to witness rare and elusive marine creatures. Often mentioned alongside Sipadan Island, diving here brings you closer to countless underwater species, from blue-spotted stingrays to whale sharks and clownfish.
Don’t forget to capture these incredible moments with unique underwater photos!
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Snorkeling at Kapalai Island
Continue your ocean exploration with a visit to Kapalai Island, a unique dive resort built directly on a coral reef. Though it lacks a beach, you can walk on the sandbar during low tide and feel a deep connection with nature.
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear turquoise waters and endless blue skies. The house reefs here are vibrant, featuring diverse coral structures, including shipwrecks and artificial towers, teeming with marine life.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wrap Up Your Journey
It’s time to wrap up this unforgettable journey and bid farewell to Sabah’s beautiful islands! Board the final boat back to Semporna Jetty before driving to Tawau Airport for your flight home. Make your airport transfer hassle-free by booking airport shuttle services on Mytour!
All good things must come to an end, and so does your 7-day 6-night self-guided Sabah adventure. Sabah isn’t just about blue seas, white sands, and golden sunshine—it’s also home to friendly locals and a rich cultural tapestry. Return to Sabah someday to uncover more of its wonders.
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