Mantanani Island Snorkeling with optional Scuba Diving and Kawa-Kawa River Cruise & Fireflies Shared Day Tour | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Discover the natural wonders of Sabah on this day trip to two top spots. Take a dip in the pristine water around the Mantanani Islands and catch a glimpse of the rare proboscis monkeys and beautiful fireflies on the Kawa Kawa river cruise.
- Visit Mantanani Islands: Explore one of the best islands in Sabah, famous for its colorful coral reefs and clear water.
- Water Activities: Choose to go snorkeling and/or scuba diving to see amazing underwater life.
- Wildlife Watching: Look for the rare proboscis monkeys while cruising along the Kawa Kawa River.
- Firefly Experience: Enjoy a magical moment as you watch the fireflies light up the night.
- Easy Transportation: Convenient round-trip transport from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
- Check out more Sabah islands like Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Dreamer Island and Semporna
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Firefly watching, Eco-tourism, Islands tour |
| Transport | Charter car, Sightseeing cruise |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- This is a shared group tour where you will travel with other guests
- For travelers who book package WITHOUT Kawa Kawa River Cruise, the dinner buffet is not included in the tour
- One unlicensed scuba diving experience that lasts 15–30 minutes
- Travelers must sign a waiver form before snorkeling or scuba diving (this is obligatory for all similar activities in Sabah. You will not be able to participate if the waiver is not signed and refunds will not be granted)
- Free admission for children under 3 years old; however, they are not eligible for snorkeling and scuba diving activities. Please specify the number of children eligible in the Requests & Remarks section when booking. Travelers over 65 years old are not recommended to join the tour
- Snorkeling & scuba diving will not be in the same area.
- Discovery Scuba Dive: 1 Diver guide to 2 travelers (subject to on-site arrangement)
- Snorkeling: 2 Guide & 3 staff to max. 30 travelers (subject to on-site arrangement)
- Free use of swing, stand up paddle and kayaking on Mantanani Island.
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please be prepared for a 45-minute to 1-hour drive and a 45-minute boat ride to Mantanani, expect some bumpy roads due to the road conditions, wear something comfortable, and get some rest during the journey.
This is a shared group tour. Please arrive in time at your hotel lobby for pick-up. The exact pick-up time is dependent on the location. If you are staying at an Airbnb or B&B, please wait at the entrance
Please bring a towel, two sets of changing clothes, plastic bags, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sandals
Storage service is not available on Mantanani Island. Please take care of your personal belongings
The itinerary is subject to weather, transportation conditions, or any other unforeseen conditions
Traveler are encouraged to purchase your own travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Mantanani Island offers excellent opportunities for water activities. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in its pristine, clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For those seeking a deeper experience, scuba diving is also available, allowing for closer encounters with the rich underwater ecosystem.
Mantanani Island is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty. It features incredibly clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for underwater visibility. The island is surrounded by colorful coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, creating a spectacular environment for exploration. Its serene beaches and picturesque landscape contribute to its appeal as a tropical escape.
Travel to Mantanani Island from Kota Kinabalu typically involves two main stages. First, visitors take a land transfer from their hotel in Kota Kinabalu to the jetty in Kota Belud. From there, a speed boat transports them across the sea directly to Mantanani Island. The entire journey provides scenic views.
The primary location for enchanting firefly viewing tours near Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is along the Kawa-Kawa River. This river is known for its abundant mangrove forests, which provide an ideal habitat for fireflies. Visitors embark on evening river cruises specifically designed to witness this magical natural light show.
During a Kawa-Kawa River cruise, the main highlight is spotting the rare proboscis monkeys, identifiable by their distinct large noses. These unique primates inhabit the mangrove trees along the riverbanks. Additionally, visitors may have the chance to observe other diverse wildlife, including various bird species and other local animals, thriving in their natural habitat.
The firefly experience on the Kawa-Kawa River offers a truly magical evening. As darkness falls, countless fireflies emerge in the mangrove trees, creating a natural light show that illuminates the riverbanks. Visitors can expect to witness thousands of these tiny creatures flashing their bioluminescent lights, often in synchronized patterns, creating a breathtaking and serene spectacle.
Yes, snorkeling at Mantanani Island is generally suitable for beginners due to its calm and clear waters. Many areas are shallow enough for comfortable snorkeling. For scuba diving, introductory or discovery dives are often available for beginners with guidance from certified instructors, allowing them to experience the underwater world safely.
The typical duration for the speed boat transfer from the jetty in Kota Belud to Mantanani Island is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions. This boat journey offers scenic views of the open sea as you approach the beautiful island.
Get Help
