Tambisan Island

September 11, 2025

4.9/5 (7 Votes)

Tambisan Island (Malay: Pulau Tambisan) is a Malaysian island located in the Sulu Sea on the state of Sabah. Tambisan as a hidden peaceful gem of Lahad Datu. To get here requires about 2-hour drive overland to Kampung Tambisan

Pulau Tambisan: Tambisan Island is a Malaysian island located in the Sulu Sea, off the coast of the state of Sabah. It is known for its Tambisan Island Lodge, a guesthouse that provides basic facilities and a relaxing retreat for visitors.

Plan your trip with tips on how to get there, things to do, where to stay, and the best time to visit. Here’s a detailed travel-guide style article on Tambisan Island (Malay: Pulau Tambisan) with most of the sections you listed. If you like, I can adjust tone / length or include maps/photos.

Pulau Tambisan Overview

Pulau Tambisan is a tranquil island off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, located within Lahad Datu / Kota Kinabatangan area. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, clear waters, rich marine life, and community-based sustainable tourism.

Aspect	Details
Name	Pulau Tambisan (Tambisan Island)
Location	Off the coast of Lahad Datu / Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia
Malay Name	Pulau Tambisan
Access Point	Kampung Tambisan (Tungku area) via Lahad Datu
How to Reach	Land transport to Kampung Tambisan → 5-min boat ride to island
Known For	Pristine beaches, snorkeling, diving, fishing, mangrove cruises, community-based tourism
Main Accommodation	Tambisan Island Lodge
Facilities Available	Rooms, dining area, BBQ, garden, tour services, boat transfers
Best Time to Visit	Dry season (for calm seas and clear weather)
Electricity & Wi-Fi	Electricity available; limited Wi-Fi
ATM Availability	No ATMs on the island (Only Cash / Cash is King)
Ideal For	Nature lovers, families, couples, eco-tourism seekers
Tourism Style	Quiet, off-the-beaten-path, sustainable, community-run

The Journey to Tambisan

To get to Tambisan:

First, travel overland to Kampung Tambisan (Tambisan village) in the Tungku area, Lahad Datu. The overland drive from nearby towns takes about 2 hours. (Sabah Tourism Board)
From Kampung Tambisan, there is a brief boat ride (~5 minutes) across to Tambisan Island. (Sabah Tourism Board)
Travel usually involves private or shared transport to the departure point. Confirm in advance with your lodge or tour operator.

Things to Do in Tambisan Islands

Tambisan offers a good mix of water, nature, culture and relaxation. Some of the main activities:

Snorkelling & Diving: The waters around Tambisan are relatively clear; corals and marine life are accessible. Visitors report spotting turtles from boats.
Fishing: Both recreational fishing and learning from local fishermen are options.
Jungle Trekking: Inland walks and jungle trails to see flora, fauna.
River Cruises / Sunset Cruises: Mangrove / river tours, and enjoying enjoying quiet sunsets.
Village Tour / Community Engagement: Meeting local community, learning about their culture, livelihoods.
Seashell Hunting & Morning Beach Walks: Relaxed ways to explore the coastline.

Tambisan Besar and Tambisan Kecil

There is no widely documented distinction of “Tambisan Besar” vs “Tambisan Kecil” akin to Perhentian Besar/Kecil. The primary focus is on Tambisan Island itself, with its nearby village and mainland access.

Beaches in Tambisan Islands

The beaches are not heavily commercialised. They are pristine, with clear water and coral visible in many sections. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing. (Sabah Tourism Board)
There may be small, more secluded spots around the island for beach walks.

Stay on Tambisan

MyTrip Recommended Stays: Tambisan Island Lodge

Tambisan Island Lodge is the primary accommodation on the island. It has about 28 rooms.
Accommodation: Offers a range of rooms, including those with air conditioning and fan options.
Dining: A restaurant and room service are available. A buffet breakfast is also offered for a fee.
Outdoor activities: Guests can enjoy the garden, utilize barbecue grills, and arrange activities like snorkeling, which may offer views of marine life such as turtles.
Room types include twin/shared, triple-sharing, with/without air conditioning and private bathrooms. Basic but comfortable amenities.
Facilities include: garden, restaurant / dining area (buffet), BBQ grill, 24-hour front desk, boat transfers for activities, basic toiletries etc.
Recommended by SabahTravel.com

Food & Dining in the Tambisan Islands

🌴 Where to Eat

The lodge restaurant / dining area is the main place to eat. Meals are often served communally (buffet style) and fresh seafood is a highlight.
BBQ options may be available at the lodge.

🍤 What to Try

Fresh local seafood: fish, shellfish, possibly crab, etc.
Local Malay/Sabah coastal cuisines: coconut-based dishes, maybe grilled or steamed fish, local vegetables.
Simple tropical fruit, light breakfasts to start your day before excursions.

✅ Tips for Tourists

Bring sun protection (sunblock, hat, sunglasses) and insect repellent, especially for evenings and jungle walks.
Waterproof bags or dry bags are helpful; things will get wet during boat trips or when snorkeling.
Check weather / sea conditions ahead of boat transfers. Rain or storms may affect boat schedules.
Respect local community and environment: avoid leaving trash, minimise plastic, follow guidance on interacting with marine life.
Bring cash: remote locations may have limited ATMs or none. Be sure you have sufficient local currency.
Book accommodation and transfers in advance, especially in peak season.

How to Get There

Nearest major town is Lahad Datu. From there arrange overland transport to Kampung Tambisan.
After that, boat transfer from the village to the island.
Tour operators often offer packages that include transport, lodging, food, and activities.
By road: The island is a two-hour drive from Lahad Datu to Kampung Tambisan.
By boat: From Kampung Tambisan, it is a short 5-minute boat ride to the lodge on the island.

Boat Schedule / Tickets / Fares

Best to enquire with Tambisan Island Lodge or Tambisan Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd.

Best Time to Visit

The weather in Sabah generally has wet and dry seasons. The dry periods are more favourable for sea clarity, snorkeling, and ease of boat transfers.
Avoid heavy monsoon periods, when seas can be rough.
Sunrise/sunset are often beautiful; island is especially peaceful outside major holiday periods.

Interesting Facts about Tambisan Islands

Tambisan Island is promoted as a community-based tourism site: the lodge and tourism activities are designed to benefit the local community.
The marine ecosystem includes coral reefs and sightings of sea turtles.
The lodge tries to balance sustainable tourism and local livelihoods.

Travel Tips

Pack light but for both sun and rain. The tropical climate can mean sudden showers.
Bring good water shoes if you plan snorkeling over reefs.
Know that connectivity may be limited (WiFi / mobile signal). Remote islands often have patchy service.
If you have dietary restrictions, check with lodge in advance. Even though food is fresh, choices may be limited.
Be prepared for basic comfort rather than luxury.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit the Tambisan Islands?

Tambisan offers a calm, off-the-beaten-path island escape. If you’re looking to get away from crowded resorts, enjoy nature, marine life, and support local communities, Tambisan is an excellent option. It combines natural beauty, simplicity, culture, and ecological awareness in a way that more commercial islands often lack.