Kota Kinabalu’s Rainbow Island offers a captivating day trip for nature enthusiasts. The ferry excursion whisks visitors away on a 30-minute speedboat ride to this tropical paradise, where they’ll discover a wealth of activities to enjoy. From snorkeling the vibrant waters to kayaking along the coastline, this intimate group experience promises unforgettable encounters with the island’s unique wildlife and stunning scenery. Capping off the adventure, a delightful lunch in a serene setting provides the perfect opportunity to savor the day’s adventures. But the true allure of this excursion lies in what awaits those who embark on this journey.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Kota Kinabalu.

Key Points

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Key Points

  • Ferry excursion to Rainbow Island from Kota Kinabalu priced at €43.58 per person, including roundtrip transfers and entry to the island.
  • Tour duration is 1 day with a limit of 10 participants; departure from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal with a 30-minute speedboat ride each way.
  • 3.5 hours of free time for activities like walking, snorkeling, and kayaking, followed by a 1-hour lunch in a scenic island setting.
  • Positive customer feedback highlights the friendly staff, variety of wildlife, enjoyable snorkeling experiences, and scenic boat rides.
  • Essential items to bring include towel, change of clothes, passport/ID, cash, and suitable footwear; transportation options to the ferry terminal include taxi, Uber/Grab, public bus, and walking.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Activity Overview

The activity offers a ferry excursion to Rainbow Island from Kota Kinabalu, with the package priced from €43.58 per person.

The tour lasts 1 day and is limited to 10 participants. Languages offered include English, Chinese, and Malay.

The excursion departs from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, with a 30-minute speedboat ride each way.

On the island, visitors can enjoy 3.5 hours of free time for activities like walking, snorkeling, and kayaking, followed by a 1-hour lunch.

The boat rides provide scenic views, and the island offers a relaxing experience with its white sandy beach and tropical environment.

Itinerary Details

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Itinerary Details

The ferry departs from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, taking visitors on a 30-minute speedboat ride each way to and from Rainbow Island.

Once there, travelers have 3.5 hours of free time to explore the island, including walking, snorkeling, and kayaking. A delicious lunch is provided during the visit, allowing guests to enjoy a tranquil meal in the scenic setting.

The return boat trip offers spectacular views as the ferry makes its way back to the starting point at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.

Highlights and Experiences

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Highlights and Experiences

During the ferry ride, visitors can enjoy the warm sea breeze and scenic views. Upon arriving at Rainbow Island, they’ll have the chance to relax on the white sandy beaches or find shade under the trees. Snorkeling allows travelers to observe tropical fish and other marine life up close. After working up an appetite, guests can savor a delicious lunch in the island’s tranquil setting.

Highlights
Boat trip with warm sea breeze Snorkel to see tropical fish and marine life
Relax on white sandy beach or shade under trees Enjoy a delicious lunch in a tranquil setting
Scenic return boat ride with spectacular views

Inclusions and Information

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Inclusions and Information

Included in the ferry ticket are roundtrip transfers, entry to Rainbow Island, free time to explore, and a delicious lunch.

Travelers should bring a towel, change of clothes, passport or ID, cash, and sandals.

The meeting point is at ticket counter 13 at Jesselton Point.

It’s important to note that group size is limited to 10 participants, and the activity is offered in English, Chinese, and Malay.

With a 3.3/5 rating based on 4 reviews, this excursion promises a boat trip with scenic views, time to relax on the white sandy beach, and opportunities to spot tropical marine life while snorkeling.

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Customer Feedback

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Customer Feedback

Based on the 4 reviews, customers have generally praised the Rainbow Island ferry excursion, awarding it an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5.

One standout review came from Philip, a traveler from Germany, who highlighted the friendly staff, diverse wildlife like goats, snakes, and monkeys, as well as the clownfish spotted during snorkeling. He recommended the experience with a perfect score.

Key customer feedback includes:

  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Wide variety of wildlife on the island
  • Enjoyable snorkeling with marine life sightings
  • Relaxing atmosphere on the tranquil island
  • Scenic boat rides with spectacular views

Getting There

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Getting There

To reach the embarkation point for the Rainbow Island ferry, travelers will need to make their way to the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. This terminal is the main hub for ferry services in the Kota Kinabalu area. Getting there is straightforward, with various transportation options available.

Transportation Method Estimated Time
Taxi 15-20 minutes
Uber/Grab 15-20 minutes
Public Bus 30-40 minutes
Walking 45-60 minutes

Visitors should plan their arrival at the terminal to coincide with the scheduled ferry departure times, which are provided as part of the tour package. This will ensure a smooth and timely start to the Rainbow Island experience.

What to Expect

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - What to Expect

The ferry journey to Rainbow Island takes around 30 minutes each way, allowing travelers to soak in the warm sea breeze and admire the scenic views along the way.

Upon arrival, visitors can expect:

  • Free time to explore the island, go snorkeling, or try kayaking
  • A delicious lunch in a tranquil setting
  • Encounters with unique wildlife, including goats, snakes, and monkeys
  • Opportunities to relax on the white sandy beaches or under the shade of trees
  • A spectacular return boat ride offering breathtaking vistas

Travelers should bring essential items like towels, change of clothes, and cash to make the most of their day trip to this tropical paradise.

Things to Remember

Kota Kinabalu: Rainbow Island Ferry Tickets With Lunch - Things to Remember

When planning a trip to Rainbow Island, travelers should remember to bring essential items like a towel, change of clothes, and cash for any additional expenses.

It’s also important to have a valid passport or ID, as these will be required for the ferry ride.

Since the island offers snorkeling and kayaking, it’s advisable to wear suitable footwear, such as sandals or water shoes.

Visitors should also be mindful of the sun and pack sunscreen to protect their skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Activity?

The activity does not specify a minimum age requirement. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, as long as they can safely engage in the provided activities such as walking, snorkeling, and kayaking on Rainbow Island.

Are Life Jackets Provided During the Boat Ride?

Yes, life jackets are provided during the boat ride for the safety of all participants. The itinerary specifies that the transportation is via speedboat, indicating the inclusion of necessary safety equipment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Island?

According to the details provided, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Rainbow Island. However, a delicious lunch is included in the tour package, so there may not be a need to pack additional provisions.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Island?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on Rainbow Island. Visitors can use the basic toilet and shower facilities on the island during their visit. These amenities are maintained for the convenience of travelers exploring the island.

Is There an Option to Extend the Length of Stay on the Island?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay on the island. The tour package includes 3.5 hours of free time on the island, but travelers can choose to stay longer for an additional fee.

Recap

Rainbow Island is an enchanting day trip from Kota Kinabalu, offering a scenic ferry ride, 3.5 hours of exploration, snorkeling, kayaking, and a delightful lunch in a serene setting. With a maximum of 10 participants, this intimate experience allows you to learn about the beauty of nature and spot unique wildlife, all while enjoying the warm tropical breeze and stunning views.

You can check if your dates are available here: