Guest photos: What Manukan actually looks like

Let’s be honest, there’s only so much you can tell from polished, heavily edited photos of holiday destinations. Does Manukan Island beaches really look like that? Are Sutera Sanctuary Lodges’ rooms really this beautiful?

Don’t just take our word (or photos) for it. Here are some actual photos taken by our guests during their stay. You will see snorkelling in Manukan Island as it actually is, feel what it’s like to wake up in luxurious Manukan Island accommodation, go Manukan Island diving through someone else’s lens.

Jas N said: “Sutra Sanctuary Lodges@Manukan Island Resort are so beautiful, spacious, clean, quiet especially at those Hillside villas. It offers magnificent sea view and the staff there are all so friendly, helpful and smiley all the time during our 4D/3N there. The restaurant, Arang offers very yummy and tasty dishes with live band performance during dinner session and was a fantastic 3-man guitar band group! The foods were all cooked with heart and joy as every dish we took for breakfast, lunch and dinner were so delish, thanks to the chefs and kitchen staff there.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/kileinohana/Review/1034376620

Sherpa30647416943: “From the beginning to the end, perfect. we were greeted with friendliness with unexpected facilities.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/Sherpa30647416943?fid=ddb73168-494a-4f1d-8401-d5b1fc347805

Joe Chin said: “A peaceful beach stay with my family — fresh sea breeze, beautiful views, and precious time together. Truly relaxing.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/vtecturbor/Review/1042410130

Hazel said: “The island has clear waters and beach is quite clean (considering it’s proximity to the city). Day trippers and in-house guest have different strips of beach to play at, so privacy is there. The room is large with comfortable bedding. The view from the hill villa is so wonderful that you would not want to leave the room. Hill Villa has a lot of steps so please be warn for those with mobility concerns. Room service meals are surprisingly
affordable. It’s a really nice place to have a quick getaway from the city and just hideaway in the villa. WIFI and phone service is poor, so don’t plan on working here.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/haze_choong/Review/820384042

Linda W said: “From arriving for the ferry the staff were so friendly and organised. Check in was processed easily and everything explained very well about the island.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/391lindaw/Review/658974066

Tammie Cheng said: “The resort staffs are friendly and always wear a smile on their faces. You can ask them every kind of questions because they are acknowledgable. When my daughter fell down on the path and bled. The receptionist took care of her wound carefully. I really appreciated that.”

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Profile/ingliyun/Review/885297245

Whether it is a short escape or part of a longer list of island getaways in Sabah, people visit Manukan Island for different reasons. But what all these photos have in common is how relaxed everything feels. No filters. No pressure.

Not fully convinced yet? Read real guest reviews about their stay or read our guide to exploring Manukan
Island’s marine life.

Plan your Manukan Island stay with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges today.