Travellers heading for island hopping in Kota Kinabalu should note that the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, the main departure point to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, has relocated.
The new terminal now operates from the South Jetty at Kota Kinabalu Port, with the public entrance located behind Jesselton Quay. The previous Jesselton Point ferry terminal site officially closed on 1 March 2026.
Visitors planning trips to Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island, and Gaya Island should ensure they head to the new South Jetty entrance when departing for the islands.
This guide explains where the new jetty is located, how to reach it, and what travellers should expect when visiting the terminal.
Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal Relocation: Quick Facts
- New terminal location: South Jetty, Kota Kinabalu Port
- Main entrance: Behind Jesselton Quay
- Old terminal closure: 1 March 2026
- Shuttle service: Free tram between entrance and jetty
- Main destinations: Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island, Gaya Island
- Boat travel time to islands: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes
The South Jetty continues to serve as the primary gateway to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, one of Sabah’s most visited marine attractions.
Getting to the New Jesselton Point Terminal
The public entrance to the new terminal is located behind Jesselton Quay, within the Kota Kinabalu Port area.
Visitors arriving by Grab, taxi, or private vehicle should request drop-off at the South Jetty entrance behind Jesselton Quay. Travellers who accidentally arrive at the former Jesselton Point site may need to walk several hundred metres to reach the correct entrance.
Public parking for the terminal is available at JQ Central (Jesselton Quay Central), located directly opposite the entrance. Parking within the port area itself is reserved for operators and staff.
Free Shuttle Tram to the South Jetty
After arriving at the entrance behind Jesselton Quay, travellers can take a free shuttle tram to reach the actual boarding terminal at the South Jetty.
Key details:
- Distance from entrance to jetty: about 350 metres
- Shuttle type: Freetourist tram
- Frequency: multiple trams operating throughout the day
- Return transfers from the jetty to the entrance are also available
The shuttle makes it easy for visitors carrying beach bags, snorkelling gear, or luggage to reach the jetty comfortably.
Islands and Transfers from the South Jetty
The South Jetty continues to provide speedboat transfers to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
Main islands accessible from the terminal include:
- Manukan Island
- Sapi Island
- Mamutik Island
- Gaya Island (Base Camp and Padang Point)
- Sulug Island (charter boat only)
Boat rides to these islands typically take 15 to 20 minutes from the mainland.
Besides the marine park islands, the South Jetty is also the departure point for transfers to several nearby island resorts and destinations such as Gayana Marine Resort, Bunga Raya Island Resort, Mengalum Island, Dinawan Island, Sepanggar Island, and Mantanani Island.
Visitors can purchase boat tickets directly at the terminal, although this usually requires arranging separate tickets, island entrance fees, equipment rentals, and transport to the jetty. For convenience, some travellers choose all-inclusive island tours that bundle these arrangements into a single booking.
Amazing Borneo offers several popular packages departing from Jesselton Point, including:
Before Boarding Your Boat at Jesselton Point
At the South Jetty terminal, visitors travelling to the islands go through a straightforward departure process.
Passengers first purchase or confirm their boat tickets at the counters or with their tour operator. All visitors must then register their trip before departure and present identification such as a MyKad for Malaysian citizens or a passport for international travellers.
After registration, passengers wait in the designated seating area until their boat transfer is called. When boarding is announced, travellers proceed through the departure gate and board their speedboat to the islands.
If assistance is needed, the information counter staff at the terminal are able to communicate in English, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.
Planning Your Island-Hopping Trip in Kota Kinabalu
Island hopping remains one of the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu, with beautiful tropical islands located just minutes from the city.
With the relocation of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to the South Jetty, travellers can continue to access the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park easily.
For visitors who prefer a convenient and organised experience, joining a guided island tour with hotel transfers, island entrance fees, and activities included can make exploring the marine park much simpler.
Explore Amazing Borneo’s island experiences departing from Jesselton Point: