Mantanani Island
Mantanani Island
3.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- Itravel0neKota Kinabalu, Malaysia1,905 contributionsBeautiful islandTravel by land to a coastal town and than by boat for about 30 minutes to this beautiful sandy beach island. Water is clear and a few accommodation operators available. Some island activities are snorkelling , diving, kayaking, sunset cruise.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
- Joe SPalatine, Illinois142 contributionsDirty island, crowded boatWe booked this excursion through the consierge at the Marriott. First, we were surprised it was a 2 hr drive from the hotel to the dock. Then we waited at least 45 minutes for other parties to arrive and we're crammed into a very small boat for a 45 boat ride to the island. Thankfully we had a back row seat that opened to the outside but the poor people inside were very hot. We got to the island and changed to go snorkeling. 2 stops ,30 min each. We just traveled 3.5 hours for an hour of snorkeling. The snorkeling itself was only average. Some nice reefs, but not a lot of fish. The first site was better than the second. Afterwards, back to the island for lunch and some beach time. Our little patch of beach was mostly clean but just 50 m away was littered with piles of trash. We weren't sure if it had washed up or been left by other tours. Then, we turned around and headed back home 4 hrs due to rush hour traffic (no joke in KK). Some picturesque moments, but I'd skip this one.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2023
- cristiano g1 contributionIsland of plasticDespite a very nice snorkel and beautiful landscape the island is disappointing for the plastic and rubbish along the shore. It's literally impossible to walk on the beach because the amount of garbage, mainly plastic bottles but not only, covering the sand. This is so sad! We booked for 3 nights at Little Dolphin (overpriced and very basic) and we decided to go back to KK after the first night as we felt uncomfortable for the dirt around us. I'd avoid to go there.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 August 2023
- veracri25 contributionsOnce paradise now only garbageThe island is sadly full of garbage everywhere. On the beach and in the sea. When entering into the sea you see plastic bottles, clothes. Horrible expierience. We left after 1 night. Moreover there are quite a lot of daytrippers. The resort where we were staying little dolphin resort is very basic with cockroaches and falling tiles in the bathroom. Only chinese tourists so everithing organized for them (dinner, breakfast….) The only positive thing is one of the 2 snorkeling sites we visited (15 minutes by boat from the resort). Blue reef, never seen before with a lot of tropical fishesVisited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
191 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
59
Average
36
Poor
17
Terrible
16
Dshores16
Boston2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were nervous about our 4-day trip after reading reviews describing a filthy island and bad resorts, but we had a great time at Mantanani and would recommend it to anyone who values peace and quiet over the "perfect experience".
Yes, there are bottles littered outside of the many closed down resorts. Yes, it was hit hard by covid and there is little open in terms of amenities. BUT, it you find a good homestay or resort to stay at, and don't expect the beach to be lined with bars and warungs, then you will have an absolutely amazing time. We stayed on the west side of the island at Norsah Homestay, near Little Dolphin and Reluxe resorts, and found the beach and bay to be clean and beautiful. Our biggest advice is to bring your own sunscreen, toiletries, etc since there are only very very small kampong market shops. Also make sure all your food is sorted, either provided by homestay/resort or brought with you.
If you are looking to enjoy a beach away from crowds, this island is for you. Many mornings we would swim and literally be the only people swimming in the bay. We didn't see other tourists for two days straight, and the locals were very friendly and helpful. We did four scuba dives, and there is plenty of snorkel spots, including a small point we could reach swimming from shore.
In summary, this island is recovering and is not perfect, but with a little patience and preparation you can have a vacation so peaceful and relaxing that you can't really get anywhere else.
Yes, there are bottles littered outside of the many closed down resorts. Yes, it was hit hard by covid and there is little open in terms of amenities. BUT, it you find a good homestay or resort to stay at, and don't expect the beach to be lined with bars and warungs, then you will have an absolutely amazing time. We stayed on the west side of the island at Norsah Homestay, near Little Dolphin and Reluxe resorts, and found the beach and bay to be clean and beautiful. Our biggest advice is to bring your own sunscreen, toiletries, etc since there are only very very small kampong market shops. Also make sure all your food is sorted, either provided by homestay/resort or brought with you.
If you are looking to enjoy a beach away from crowds, this island is for you. Many mornings we would swim and literally be the only people swimming in the bay. We didn't see other tourists for two days straight, and the locals were very friendly and helpful. We did four scuba dives, and there is plenty of snorkel spots, including a small point we could reach swimming from shore.
In summary, this island is recovering and is not perfect, but with a little patience and preparation you can have a vacation so peaceful and relaxing that you can't really get anywhere else.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veracri
Milan, Italy25 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The island is sadly full of garbage everywhere. On the beach and in the sea. When entering into the sea you see plastic bottles, clothes. Horrible expierience. We left after 1 night. Moreover there are quite a lot of daytrippers. The resort where we were staying little dolphin resort is very basic with cockroaches and falling tiles in the bathroom. Only chinese tourists so everithing organized for them (dinner, breakfast….)
The only positive thing is one of the 2 snorkeling sites we visited (15 minutes by boat from the resort). Blue reef, never seen before with a lot of tropical fishes
The only positive thing is one of the 2 snorkeling sites we visited (15 minutes by boat from the resort). Blue reef, never seen before with a lot of tropical fishes
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cristiano g
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Despite a very nice snorkel and beautiful landscape the island is disappointing for the plastic and rubbish along the shore. It's literally impossible to walk on the beach because the amount of garbage, mainly plastic bottles but not only, covering the sand. This is so sad! We booked for 3 nights at Little Dolphin (overpriced and very basic) and we decided to go back to KK after the first night as we felt uncomfortable for the dirt around us. I'd avoid to go there.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jebediah_Solomon
Hong Kong, China332 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Have never seen anything like this and was very disappointed. Do yourself a favour and do not visit until the government cleans it up. The whole place is just full of waste
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValissaJoy
Newcastle, Australia1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
No doubt this island was once very beautiful but now it is a plastic wasteland. The resorts are irresponsible in their use of plastic water bottles and disposable slippers.
Depressing!
Depressing!
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe S
Palatine, IL142 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We booked this excursion through the consierge at the Marriott. First, we were surprised it was a 2 hr drive from the hotel to the dock. Then we waited at least 45 minutes for other parties to arrive and we're crammed into a very small boat for a 45 boat ride to the island. Thankfully we had a back row seat that opened to the outside but the poor people inside were very hot. We got to the island and changed to go snorkeling. 2 stops ,30 min each. We just traveled 3.5 hours for an hour of snorkeling. The snorkeling itself was only average. Some nice reefs, but not a lot of fish. The first site was better than the second. Afterwards, back to the island for lunch and some beach time. Our little patch of beach was mostly clean but just 50 m away was littered with piles of trash. We weren't sure if it had washed up or been left by other tours. Then, we turned around and headed back home 4 hrs due to rush hour traffic (no joke in KK). Some picturesque moments, but I'd skip this one.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Itravel0ne
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia1,905 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Travel by land to a coastal town and than by boat for about 30 minutes to this beautiful sandy beach island. Water is clear and a few accommodation operators available. Some island activities are snorkelling , diving, kayaking, sunset cruise.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D D
1 contribution
May 2023
The view was amazing. I will not reccomend this place if you are prone to sea sick. Its too far from land. Approx 45min.
Using speed boat to get here and its bumpy ride.
Using speed boat to get here and its bumpy ride.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Afiqah N
4 contributions
Aug 2022
My visit to this wonderful island will promise a memorable experience in your life. There are so many things to be discovered here. It is such a great destination for those who need to distress themselves from the chaos of the city. For sure, Redang totally offer the vast experience to the visitors. So,do visit island and experience it by yourself!
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelvin c
12 contributions
Mar 2023
Our tour guide with Amazing Borneo tours was really nice and helpful. He went out of his way to do what he could to make the tour special. The Island itself is really beautiful. I would have liked a bit more time to walk around the island. We did the snorkeling trip. We had about 30 minutes at 2 locations I think the time should be a bit longer like 1 hour at each spot. The boat ride there was fun and the wind blowing as the boat gained speed felt really nice. Super pretty clear water!!! Overall nice trip.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Is there any jellyfish in the sea? I mean I heard there are a plenty of jellyfish in most of the islands in KK. My friend is scared of jellyfish. Do you think it’s safe to do snorkelling and swimming there?
malik
1 contribution
Hi, yes there were some last time we went. But to be honest,the weather at that time wasn't so good and WE did not swim or do snorkelling much.
qqhakku
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia4 contributions
Hi, may I know is there any contact only provide boat transportation from jetty to the island?
I try browsing Web page, all also come with tland transportation (from KK city), boat, then water sport activities which cost around Rm300.
I just want to chill at the island.
Please advise, thanks in advance
SAC_Portogallo
Macau, China138 contributions
Hi, you need to do the first part of the journey by road, around 80 km, I guess, and then take the boat. Why don’t you call a Grab and arrange with the driver to take care of everything? It worth the price and ask him to drive you and help you to get the boat tickets. It is the best option.
Emy Zaman
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
hi thanks! but i mean, lets say i want to book a place for 3 days 2 night without package. planning to have a peaceful staycation only. just wondering if there are any boat operating just to go there at the first day and return back at last day?
RinaM
Hong Kong, China34 contributions
If you find a hotel/hostel on Mantani Island to book, I think that they will help you arrange transport there as I did a day tour and we had people on the boat in the morning who were only going there to stay. We then had people who got on the boat on the way back who were returning from the island. As such, I would check with whichever place you book. In terms of there just being boats operating from the jetty simply to go to Manatani island, I didn't see anything like that. It seems to be all privately run boats, but again you can check with the hotels on the island as they may have a separate schedule. Good choice to stay there though, it's beautiful and very peaceful/relaxing! Enjoy!
Emy Zaman
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
is there any way to go to the island without taking the tour package? i mean any boat operating at the jetty just to go there and return back?
regis k
Arcadia, CA1,491 contributions
Yes. There are day tours you can take. Just look up on the internet. There are several of them and restaurants and activity centers cater to day tour only that include diving and snorkeling
Grzegorz W
Szczecin, Poland
witam! czy mozecie nam zdradzic jak dotrzec do tej wyspu z kota kinabalu ? dziekujem z gory ! wybieramy sie tam w lutym :)
Alicja Z
Hamburg, Germany26 contributions
jedyna opcja to transfer z kk do kota belud a pozniej łódka. Niestety nie ma „rejsowych” łódek, wiec jak dotrze sie do Kota Belud to trzeba mieć albo wykupiona jednodniowa wycieczkę albo transport zaaranżowany przez kogoś z miejscowych (druga opcja wiąże sie z noclegiem na wyspie) My spalismy w greenlodge house na Mantanani. Odebrano nas z KK samochodem a łódka juz czekała, właściciele Fred i JP to niesamowicie uprzejmi i otwarci ludzie.
yaseminyum
Istanbul, Türkiye7 contributions
hi, is there any bus from kota kinabalu to kota belud early in the morning? and is there a way to get mantanani island except using hotel’s expensive suggestions?
Mevril
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
You can use grab bro to get there
CTX_Traveler
New York50 contributions
Can you get to Mantanani without going through a tour? Is there a regular jetty from kota Belud?
Mevril
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Yes you can
Thewonderingsoul
Kaunas, Lithuania2 contributions
Hi!
You wrote you have been in Malaysia for some quite long time.
Do you have an advice where to find a beautiful island in Malaysia perhaps with limestones and hills and crystal clear waters but with a more friendly locals attitude and some restaurants.
Lythmee W
Kuching, Malaysia19 contributions
Hi! Malaysia is rich with beautiful beaches & islands...first and foremost, which state u wish to visit...Sabah, Perak & Terengganu is highly recommended...Sapi Island in Sabah, Pulau Redang in Terengganu meanwhile for Perak, Lumut district have a few beaches...
lucy r
Bristol, UK74 contributions
How often do the jettys run? We would be arriving in Kota belief around 8pm. Do they run this late at night?
Thanks
snuffboxdude
Shah Alam, Malaysia594 contributions
If you need assistance while you are there , send me ur contact number I can Gv ask the local island Incharge guy to contact u or usher you as they know better than me in case of any emergencies.Safe trip
138belinda
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Hi,
Just wondering how one can get to Mantani island without doing a tour?
I am keen to do the home stay and stay for a few days
Belinda
Liz Y
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia56 contributions
Hi Belinda,
Sorry for the late reply. The contact number for the Homestay I've been previously is +60105838940, Madam Mainah. Her house is facing the beach and a small jetty.
You can try the number and see if they could get someone who can understand English to communicate with you. The Homestay owners can also arrange for the boat ride.
In any case that you couldn't get the number, from Kota Kinabalu, you can arrange your own transfer to the nearest jetty in Kota Belut to go to the Island and walk in to any of the Homestays of your preference.
I hope the above info is helpful to you.
Take care,
Liz
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