Kota Kinabalu, the bustling city in Sabah, offers an exciting adventure just a boat ride away. Explore the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, where snorkeling and island exploration await. Guided by PADI-certified instructors, discover the vibrant marine life beneath the waves. Enjoy a delightful lunch and relax on a nearby island, all while taking in the breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a hassle-free way to learn about the wonders of Borneo. But the experience doesn’t end there – the stories and memories you’ll take home are sure to captivate your friends and family.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kota Kinabalu.
Key Points
- This tour offers a fun-filled experience of boat snorkeling and visiting a nearby island in the scenic Tunku Abdul Rahman Park near Kota Kinabalu.
- Guests have the opportunity to explore the marine life through snorkeling at two different locations within the park.
- The tour includes a delightful lunch and free time to relax on the nearby island.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service is provided, with an additional surcharge for hotels outside the Kota Kinabalu city center.
- The tour is suitable for a minimum of 2 people and is guided by PADI-certified instructors.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a fun-filled boat snorkeling and island visit experience from the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, allowing travelers to explore the scenic Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
Guests will be picked up from their Kota Kinabalu city hotel and transferred to the jetty to board a boat.
Once on the water, they’ll have the chance to snorkel at two different locations within the park.
Afterward, the tour will visit a nearby island, where travelers can enjoy a provided lunch and some free time to relax.
At the end of the day, the boat will transfer guests back to their Kota Kinabalu city hotel.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
Itinerary Details
After being picked up from their hotel, guests board a boat at the jetty to begin their adventure in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The first stop is a snorkeling site where they can explore the vibrant marine life. Next, they’ll visit another snorkeling location before heading to a nearby island for lunch and relaxation.
Activity | Duration | Location |
---|---|---|
Board boat | 30 mins | Jetty |
Snorkel | 1 hour | Site 1 |
Snorkel | 1 hour | Site 2 |
Lunch & relax | 2 hours | Island |
Return boat transfer | 30 mins | Kota Kinabalu |
After the island visit, the boat will transfer guests back to Kota Kinabalu, completing their day of fun, sun, and exploration.
Included Experiences
This tour typically includes an array of meaningful experiences. Guests can marvel at the vibrant marine life while snorkeling at two distinct locations within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
Following the snorkeling sessions, travelers can relish a delightful lunch and unwind on a nearby island.
Throughout the day, PADI-certified instructors provide guidance and support, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing.
The tour also includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary fees, making it a hassle-free way to explore the beautiful islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
With a minimum of two people required per booking, this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to share the experience with friends or family.
Excluded Expenses
Travelers’ gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered by the tour package.
Plus, any transportation costs for hotels located outside the Kota Kinabalu city center incur a surcharge of MYR 30 per person. This surcharge applies to hotels that are situated in the outskirts of the city, outside the main pickup and drop-off area. Guests are responsible for paying this fee directly to the tour operator.
Apart from these exclusions, the package includes a comprehensive list of services, such as hotel transfers, boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a delicious lunch.
Travelers should factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for their Kota Kinabalu island adventure.
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour package includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services for guests staying within Kota Kinabalu’s city center. Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:15 AM, allowing travelers to start their island adventure at a comfortable hour.
At the end of the day, the boat returns to the Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty, where guests are then transported back to their Kota Kinabalu city hotel, arriving between 3:00 and 3:15 PM.
For those staying outside the city center, there’s a surcharge of MYR 30 per person.
The tour has a minimum of 2 people per booking, ensuring a shared experience with fellow adventurers.
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Traveler Considerations
Certain medical conditions may make this tour unsuitable, as the snorkeling and island activities aren’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart/medical conditions.
The tour operator cautions that the boat trip and on-island activities could exacerbate these conditions. Travelers need to carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking.
On the positive side, the tour is suitable for most travelers in good health. The snorkeling and island visit are relatively light activities that don’t require advanced fitness. As long as participants don’t have any limiting medical issues, they should be able to fully enjoy this fun day trip from Kota Kinabalu.
Group Size and Pricing
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required for this tour, and there’s a maximum group size of 40 travelers. This allows for a comfortable and personalized experience on the boat and during the island visit.
The pricing for this excursion is competitive, with the following breakdown:
- Kota Kinabalu city hotel pickup and drop-off is included
- 2-way boat transfer to the islands is provided
- Entrance fees to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are covered
- Lunch is served during the island visit
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this tour offers an excellent value for the money, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fun and hassle-free day of snorkeling and island exploration near Kota Kinabalu.
Additional Information
Although participants must be at least 8 years old, the tour is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, as PADI certified instructors will provide guidance and assistance throughout the snorkeling activities.
The tour’s departure and return times are designed to ensure a comfortable and efficient experience, with pickup from Kota Kinabalu city hotels between 8:00-8:15 AM and drop-off by 3:00-3:15 PM. However, those staying outside the city center will incur a MYR 30 per person surcharge for transportation.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, such as back problems or heart issues, to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snorkeling Equipment Provided?
The snorkeling equipment is provided on the tour. Travelers don’t need to bring their own gear, as PADI certified instructors will supply the necessary snorkeling equipment for the activity.
Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?
Yes, travelers can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, PADI certified instructors and snorkeling equipment are provided as part of the tour package. Bringing personal gear is optional and may not be necessary.
Is the Tour Suitable for Non-Swimmers?
The tour may not be suitable for non-swimmers. While lifejackets are provided, the snorkeling activity requires participants to be comfortable in the water. The tour recommends against booking for those with medical conditions that could be affected by water activities.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a delicious lunch is provided as part of the package, so bringing additional items may not be necessary. Travelers should check with the tour operator for any restrictions.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart/medical conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Recap
Explore the beauty of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with a fun-filled boat snorkeling and island visit experience from Kota Kinabalu.
Enjoy the marine life, relax on a pristine island, and enjoy a convenient hassle-free tour.
This is an excellent way to discover the wonders of this stunning coastal region.
More Snorkeling Tours in Kota Kinabalu
- Kota Kinabalu: Manukan & Sapi Islands Snorkeling with Lunch
- Kota Kinabalu: Mengalum Island Snorkeling
- Kota Kinabalu: Island Hopping With Snorkeling & Meal
- Kota Kinabalu | Snorkeling Sapi Island/Manukan Island
- Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan
- Kota Kinabalu : Snorkeling at Ara Dinawan Private Island
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