Mantanani Islands

Getting there

About two hours by road from Kota Kinabalu to the jetty at Kuala Abai in Kota Belud, then about an hour by speedboat to the island.

What to do

• Snorkelling, diving, kayaking and fishing.
• See coral reefs and reef fish such as clownfish; Sabah Tourism notes good visibility for photography.

The weather here

The boat crosses open sea: check the morning forecast for wind and waves, go early, and expect crossings to be delayed or cancelled when the sea is rough. The last leg is by road, so leave room to get back to Kota Kinabalu the same day.

Good to know

• Facilities are basic: a jetty, accommodation and a restaurant. Book the stay and the boat through the operator and confirm what is included.

Sunday 15 November has the least daytime rain in the weather forecast: about 2.1 mm between 8 am and 8 pm.

• Friday 13 November: Light showers, 30°C / 28°C, rain 0.0 mm in the morning and 2.8 mm in the afternoon.
• Saturday 14 November: Light showers, 29°C / 27°C, rain 0.0 mm in the morning and 5.3 mm in the afternoon.
• Sunday 15 November: Light showers, 30°C / 28°C, rain 0.0 mm in the morning and 2.1 mm in the afternoon.
• Monday 16 November: Light showers, 29°C / 28°C, rain 0.2 mm in the morning and 2.8 mm in the afternoon.
• Tuesday 17 November: Light showers, 28°C / 26°C, rain 1.3 mm in the morning and 1.2 mm in the afternoon.
• Wednesday 18 November: Light showers, 28°C / 28°C, rain 3.2 mm in the morning and 1.7 mm in the afternoon.
• Thursday 19 November: Light showers, 29°C / 27°C, rain 0.6 mm in the morning and 4.9 mm in the afternoon.

Weather forecast issued Thu 12 Nov, 21:18 (MYT) from the MET Norway weather model; smoke forecast from Copernicus CAMS. Forecasts from models, not measurements.