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All reviews

Review Author: David Slaughter
Review Date: 29 Sep 2026
Review Body: Very well organised guides were lovely kayaks and equipment first class . We all thoroughly enjoyed paddling over to islands and the snorkeling. Highly advise sun cream on back of legs(ours very red and sore)
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Zoe
Review Date: 06 Jul 2025
Review Body: This was such an incredible experience. Our guide Andrey was amazing. My brother and I are quite confident swimmers, so he was more than happy to let us explore the reef and do our own thing, while keeping an eye on us and ensuring we were safe. He also took lots of photos for us to look back on which was so lovely. Watching the sunset from out on the water is a truly breathtaking experience. It is less so a guided tour and more just a chilled evening swimming and floating out in the water, but if you are a less confident swimmer there were plenty of guided around to help out and even connect you to their own paddle boards etc. What a great experience made even better by our brilliant guide Andrey!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Cooper Ravensak
Review Date: 18 Nov 2024
Review Body: This is a bucket-list experience while in Sabah. Andrey was phenomenal and always went out of his way to make the experience even better. The food was outstanding and you can eat in a sheltered area located at a beautiful spot next to the Padas River. The rafting was very thrilling and the multiple rapids provided a remarkable experience. I couldn't recommend the Padas River Rafting enough if you are looking for an exhilarating rafting experience while in Sabah.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Sandy
Review Date: 31 May 2025
Review Body: Our tour guide was Lester, he was hilarious!!! He is from a local hunting tribe and he taught us about a poisonous tree, how to break rocks, how to skip rocks, and he even had us feed fish with our hands (ah!). The river itself wasn’t wild, so it was a nice flow! He even gave people a chance to “body raft” in a couple of areas that were safer. I’m vegan and I told them beforehand and they accommodated my dietary restrictions.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Great Value for a Beautiful Experience
Review Date: 08 Aug 2026
Review Body: Kayaking was a great way for me to experience the sunset at the equator in Kota Kinabalu! I didn’t know how to kayak but they paired me with the guide and taught me how. We kayaked for a while took some breaks and then waited for the sunset. It was a little bit of exercise, a little bit chill and a great experience. They also had group gender showers which was nice to rinse off after being in the water.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Tim
Review Date: 24 Feb 2026
Review Body: Wir hatten eine private Tour. Wir konnten individuell das machen , was wir mochten. Sie zeigten uns alle Skills mit dem SUB und waren beide positiv verrückt. Hat Spaß gemacht. Während der SUP Tour ist auch Schnorcheln und schwimmen möglich. Es gibt da keine wirkliche Zeitbegrenzung. Duschen sowie Umkleiden sind auch Vorort. Lohnt sich, wir empfehlen es weiter.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Colin Winterbottom
Review Date: 20 Jun 2025
Review Body: The location was fantastic, and the drive and train rides to get there were part of the great day. The guides were very skilful and made the trip very very memorable. The rafting was absolutely memorable. The journey back on the railway line on a bogey pushed along by a motorbike just needs to be experienced. Great value.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Celeste
Review Date: 12 Apr 2026
Review Body: Thanks so much for such a unique experience. We were able to paddle out way further than the paddleboarders/ others at sea to get a completely serene and beautiful view of sunset. Thanks for the gorgeous photos you took too!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Ari Sofianidis
Review Date: 03 Mar 2026
Review Body: This was such a fun activity to do in KK. Even though I’m terrible at paddle boarding it was nice being out on the water relaxing as the sun sets, plus they do their best to get you the perfect photo!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Su weijie
Review Date: 01 Mar 2023
Review Body: Professional and well-equipped with all the necessary safety gear. Fun and enjoyable day with Xtreme Paddlers. Also with photography of the event. Highly recommended for friends and family.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Hannah
Review Date: 09 Dec 2024
Review Body: Had an amazing experience with Xtreme Paddlers! Not only were the rapids really fun but the staff where so friendly and welcoming. Also the food was amazing :)
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Jane
Review Date: 27 Apr 2026
Review Body: Excellent trip, loved every minute. The beautiful river, the gentle rapids, the swims in between the rapids. Thanks for the fabulous trip.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Neil Everett
Review Date: 29 Mar 2026
Review Body: Very peaceful and uncrowded . Great staff. A lot of fun. Level 4 is more like a level 3 rapid but that might be time of year (March).
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Bennett
Review Date: 01 Sep 2025
Review Body: Really great experience, would go again. Staff are professional and friendly, they help you to take photos too!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Dylan
Review Date: 08 Apr 2026
Review Body: Amazing. Friendly guide and beautiful sunset.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Mia kong
Review Date: 12 Dec 2025
Review Body: Pretty nice place, workers and instrutor very helpful and good service.. Will come again next time.
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Chelsea
Review Date: 01 Jun 2024
Review Body: Abit of a wait at the start but very fun overall, esp for the kids.
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Zoe
Review Date: 04 Apr 2026
Review Body: We did paddleboarding for sunrise - we had the beach to ourselves which felt lovely and exclusive. The sunrise itself was underwhelming due to cloud but can’t force Mother Nature! It would’ve been better if the company knew we were arriving and had equipment set up given we set a 04:40 alarm. Sunset is probably the better (but busier) option.
Review rating: 3

Itinerary

Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Kayaking, snorkelling & island lunch on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Itinerary Description: 8:00 am Learn kayaking techniques and attend a safety briefing at Xtreme Paddler's Tanjung Aru base 8:30 am Gear up and begin paddling from Tanjung Aru beach towards Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park 9:30 am Arrive at the island and register at the Sabah Park counter 10:00 am Enjoy island activities, including exploring marine life through snorkelling 12:30 pm Have lunch on the island and rest 1:45 pm Start paddling back to Tanjung Aru beach 2:30 pm Arrive back at Tanjung Aru beach
Kayaks waiting on a sandy shore at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu on a Hidden Coves paddle with Xtreme Paddlers
Choppy-water kayak with life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide waving from a blue kayak near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Smiling Xtreme Paddlers guide in a life jacket and sunglasses paddling a kayak across calm water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks in bright colours lined on a sandy beach at Kota Kinabalu for a kayak to hidden coves in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks beached along a narrow mangrove shoreline in Malaysia, as paddlers gather along the water’s edge in overcast light
Kayaks lined up on a sandy beach in Malaysia, with people wading and standing in the shallows under blue sky
Paddlers in orange life jackets kayak on open water off Malaysia, with two bright kayaks moving past a green coastline
Kayaks waiting on a sandy shore at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu on a Hidden Coves paddle with Xtreme Paddlers
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Kayaks waiting on a sandy shore at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu on a Hidden Coves paddle with Xtreme Paddlers
Choppy-water kayak with life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide waving from a blue kayak near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Smiling Xtreme Paddlers guide in a life jacket and sunglasses paddling a kayak across calm water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks in bright colours lined on a sandy beach at Kota Kinabalu for a kayak to hidden coves in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks waiting on a sandy shore at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu on a Hidden Coves paddle with Xtreme Paddlers
Choppy-water kayak with life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide waving from a blue kayak near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Smiling Xtreme Paddlers guide in a life jacket and sunglasses paddling a kayak across calm water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks in bright colours lined on a sandy beach at Kota Kinabalu for a kayak to hidden coves in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Kayaks beached along a narrow mangrove shoreline in Malaysia, as paddlers gather along the water’s edge in overcast light
Kayaks lined up on a sandy beach in Malaysia, with people wading and standing in the shallows under blue sky
Paddlers in orange life jackets kayak on open water off Malaysia, with two bright kayaks moving past a green coastline
Kayaking in Malaysia in calm open water at dusk, two orange kayaks with paddlers against a cloudy horizon
Group kayaking in Malaysia on green river water, with yellow kayaks and life jackets heading past dense jungle banks
Life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide in a bucket hat and sunglasses flashing peace from a kayak on open water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Xtreme Paddlers guide standing on a blue kayak as waves splash across choppy water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Kayak to Hidden Coves | Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Sea Kayaking Adventure to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
4.8
|18 Reviews
Group size
Up to 8 guests
DURATION
7 hours
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 8 guests
  • Experience highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Availability
  • More Info
  • Host
  • Reviews
Kayak to quiet coves & snorkel coral reefs. A slower way to explore the islands.
Looking for a different way to visit the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park? Instead of hopping on a crowded boat, paddle your own sea kayak across turquoise waters from Tanjung Aru Beach. It's the only trip in Sabah where you can kayak from the mainland to the marine park – no engines, no noise, just you, the open sea, and the stunning coastline.This is perfect for travellers who love a bit of adventure and want to get up close to nature – no experience needed, just a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll have experienced pro kayakers guiding the way, teaching you techniques and keeping everything safe and fun. Along the way, you can discover hidden coves, snorkel through reefs teeming with marine life, and enjoy a tasty island lunch!Most tours just ferry you across – this one gets you actively involved in the journey, letting you experience the beauty of the marine park in a more immersive, eco-conscious way. It’s ideal for adventurous travellers, couples, and anyone who prefers a quieter, more unique island experience.What to ExpectStart your day at 8 am with kayaking instruction and a safety briefingPaddle 40 minutes across open water from Tanjung Aru beach to the marine parkArrive at the island and register at the Sabah Park counterSnorkel, swim, and explore the island’s clear waters and marine lifeSavour a sumptuous lunch on the island and soak up the chill island vibesPaddle back to Tanjung Aru beach with an estimated return around 2:30 pmGood to KnowOptional island activities are not included – bring some cash if you’d like to join them.Island stop is usually Mamutik, but it may change due to weather or other conditions. Any alternative will still be within TAR Marine Park.Occasionally, other guests may join the trip. If so, the price will be adjusted to a lower rate.The trip is weather-dependent for safety, so please allow some flexibility in your plans.• Late Arrival & No-Show Policy: Please arrive at the stated meeting time. A maximum 15-minute grace period is allowed. Arrivals beyond 15 minutes may be considered a no-show, with no refund. If a late arrival can be accommodated, the itinerary, duration or route may be adjusted due to the delayed start and prevailing weather or sea conditions.

Experience highlights

Kayaks waiting on a sandy shore at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu on a Hidden Coves paddle with Xtreme Paddlers
Kayak from Kota Kinabalu to the Islands
Kayaks lined up on a sandy beach in Malaysia, with people wading and standing in the shallows under blue sky
Paddle to Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands
Kayaks beached along a narrow mangrove shoreline in Malaysia, as paddlers gather along the water’s edge in overcast light
Explore hidden island coves
Life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide in a bucket hat and sunglasses flashing peace from a kayak on open water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Snorkel vibrant reefs in protected park
Choppy-water kayak with life-jacketed Xtreme Paddlers guide waving from a blue kayak near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Island lunch included

What You’ll be Doing

Kayaking, snorkelling & island lunch on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Show Details

What’s Included

Kayaking session with professional guides
Use of kayak and necessary safety gear
Kayaking instruction and safety briefing at Xtreme Paddlers' surf and kayak school
Paddle from Tanjung Aru Beach to an island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Sabah Park island entrance fees
Snorkelling gear (snorkelling mask and life jacket)
Lunch is provided on the island
Return paddle from the island to Tanjung Aru Beach

Not included

Hotel pick up & drop off
Insurance coverage
Participation in island activities beyond kayaking
Optional personal expenses while on the island

Available Add-ons:

Show Details

Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

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Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 19 Oct 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Meet-up at Xtreme Paddlers Tanjung Aru base(Tanjung Aru Beach, Malaysia)
  • 15 mins before selected timeslot

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Start & Ends

Daily
08:00AM - 03:00PM

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Recommended Age: 13+

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 3 days before activity for a full refund

  • Reschedule Policy

    Guests may reschedule their booking by notifying us at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity. Rescheduling is subject to availability and is permitted once per booking. Requests made less than 24 hours before the activity may not be accommodated.
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What to Pack

  • Dry bag
  • Dry clothes to change into
  • Personal toiletries & towel
  • Sunblock
  • Water
  • Waterproof phone casing
From
RM362.25
/person
4.8(18)
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Meet your host

Xtreme Paddlers are serious water sports professionals who are also passionate about giving back to the local community. They are working to provide training in soft and hard skills, including rafting and hospitality skills, to members of the community. They are also a veteran in the tourism industry in Borneo and many founders of other local independent businesses had their start as guides in Xtreme Paddlers.
Experience: 10 years
Speaks: Fluent English
Acceptance rate: 83%
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More From Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Sunset kayaking in Kota Kinabalu at golden hour, viewed from a kayak bow as another paddle boat cruises on calm water
Xtreme Paddlers guide posing beside a blue kayak on the beach in Kota Kinabalu at sunset twilight, nightfall
Xtreme Paddlers preparing blue kayaks at a beach base in Kota Kinabalu, with a thatched roof shed and safety gear
Kayaking in Malaysia at sunset from a wooden boat deck, paddles and lifejackets ready as crew waits for the water
Two people in kayaks with life vests lined up on grassy shore in Kota Kinabalu by Xtreme Paddlers before sunset
Xtreme Paddlers guide standing on a blue kayak as waves splash across choppy water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Paddler in a kayak foreground with another kayak behind during sunset on the sea in Kota Kinabalu with Xtreme Paddlers
Smiling Xtreme Paddlers guide in a life jacket and sunglasses paddling a kayak across calm water near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
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4.8 (18)
|
3 hrs
|Up to 10 guests
Sunset Kayaking in Kota Kinabalu
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