Ara Dinawan Island is located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is a private island and beach located 30 to 45 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and 20 minutes boat ride from Beringgis Seafood Restaurant (Apai Jetty). From the city center (Sutera Harbour or Jesselton Point Port), it is located approximately two hours boat ride. This glamping, Ara Dinawan Island Resort is located on this island.
If you are arriving via flight, you can choose our arranged airport transfer service to our jetty. If you are self driving, choose the location Beringgis Seafood Restaurant and our service assistance will manage your boat transfers accordingly.
All boats from Beringgis Seafood Restaurant depart to Ara Dinawan Island by 9am, and leave from the island at 11am the following day. All boat transfers must be arranged/ requested upon reservations. Any other schedules may incur separate charges and require advance arrangements.
Boat schedule is subject to change due to tide level & weather conditions.
This is a private island discovered and repurposed only recently in 2017. It is a special island because of its exclusivity, untempered and responsible alternative to Kota Kinabalu’s renown island, sea and nature tourism. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city but also accessible only 45 minutes away from the capital.
Ara Dinawan Island features the Ara Dinawan Island Resort, Sabah Malaysia’s first island eco-glamping, built, upcycled and designed in simple luxury by locally produced materials and products. It is among the few in Sabah and Malaysia that is powered by solar energy during the day and runs on eco-focused operations.
Its commitment in reducing carbon emissions in daily lives includes a dedicated research and development center located in the island that is responsible in championing many of the sustainable, CSR, education and volunteer programs.
In short – yes! Day trips are possible and can be arranged in small or larger groups. We understand the need to accommodate time, and believe a day trip would give a good glimpse of what Ara Dinawan Island Resort has to offer.
We do however recommend at least an overnight trip to make the visit more wholesome. It lets you experience an island stay of indulging in the day turns to night while overlooking the beautiful sunset, the opportunity to dine under the stars or around the bonfire and wake up to the horizons of blue.
Depending on the various objectives, from swimming and snorkeling, rest and relaxation, to education and volunteering, below are the various activities one can do in the island.
Free! Except for the diving course lessons which will need various levels of training and certifications. Classes can be conducted through the dive partner and advance registrations are required.
For detailed itineraries including boat transfers and meal times, please contact our reservations team via email (resv.aradinawan@gmail.com) or contact directly at +6016 5798181.
In general, boat transfer into the island is at 9am via Apai Jetty (ex Berringis Seafood Restaurant) and transfer out would be at 11am the following day.
Our full itinerary can also be found in our FAQ page under the “Day Trip” and “Overnight Trip” tabs.
Great! We are happy to host small to larger groups for various objectives and purposes. We recommend writing in directly to our sales team (sales.aradinawan@gmail.com) to check on date availability and other arrangements that may be required.
In general, all operations going into, at the island and outgoing from the island will be subject to weather conditions. For trips that are subjected to severe weather conditions and not possible due to this, we will communicate with you directly.
Here are some of our recommendations on what to bring, for a day trip or overnight.
Ultimately the lowest and best promotions and packages are available right here at this website. You can book directly via the booking calendar <link> or send us a direct message via Whatsapp at +6016 5798181!
Feel free to contact us via the contact submit form or send us email to resv.aradinawan@gmail.com. See you soon!
Choose our day trip package and itinerary, possible in small or larger groups.Jump into exciting sea excursions including fly fishing, snorkeling and kayaking. A day trip would give a great view of what Ara Dinawan Island Resort has to offer.
The main jumping off point jetty for the island is Apai Jetty (Beringgis Seafood Restaurant). For trips arriving via flights as well as self drives, please refer to the complete guide and reference on the itineraries below;
8.30am – RTK Self test at the Jetty
9.00am – Boat departure to island and get set and ready for a fun island escapade at Ara Dinawan Island
9.15am – Be welcomed by refreshing homemade drinks
10.00am – Time for Shore snorkeling! Look out for unique fishes and beautiful corals!
12.00pm – Enjoy delicious lunch prepared by the local chefs
1.30pm – Time to continue the adventure with shore snorkeling or choose to kayak to see the corals right from the kayak or canoe!
2.30pm – Enjoy our treat for a scrumptious high tea, after a day in the sun!
3.00pm – Boat departure from the island and see you again Ara Dinawan Island Resort!
Please be advised that timings are subject to changes depending on low tides on specified dates.
Indulge in a complete experience with our overnight trip package and promotions. Laze for hours, or jump into fun activities throughout the day and experience one of the world’s renowned sunsets at comfort and ease. The overnight trip at the island is recommended for a wholesome experience. Relax and take it easy when you stay for more nights.
The main jumping off point jetty for the island is Apai Jetty (Beringgis Seafood Restaurant). For trips arriving via flights as well as self drives, please refer to the complete guide and reference on the itineraries below;
8.30am – RTK Self test at the Jetty
9.00am – Boat departure to island and get set and ready for a fun island escapade at Ara Dinawan Island
9.15am – Be welcomed by refreshing homemade drinks
10.00am – Time for Boat snorkeling! Look out for unique fishes and beautiful corals!
12.00pm – Enjoy delicious lunch prepared by the local chefs and Check-in to our glamping retreat, a simple luxury of eco design – your safe sanctuary throughout the stay.
1.00pm – There’s more adventure when you’re on the island! Time to continue the adventure with shore snorkeling or choose to kayak to see the corals right from the kayak or canoe!
3.00pm – Enjoy our treat for a scrumptious high tea, after a day in the sun!
5.30pm – Touted as one of the world’s most beautiful sunset experience, you can now enjoy the experience through a sunset walk along a secret beach.
7.00pm – Enjoy a delectable dinner under the moonlight and stars.
9.00pm – Recoup and relax by a bonfire
Next day
8.00am – Wake up to a bountiful breakfast overlooking the blue seas
10.00am – It’s time to check out and set sail
11.00am – Boat departure from the island and see you again Ara Dinawan Island Resort!
Please be advised that timings are subject to changes depending on low tides on specified dates.
