Kota Kinabalu: Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd (Bumiria), a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad (Suria), relocated the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to South Jetty at Kota Kinabalu Port, effective March 1 this year, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Kota Kinabalu’s role as the main gateway for island tourism for nearly two decades since 2006.
According to its statement, Tuesday, the relocation forms part of Suria’s initiative to enhance tourism infrastructure in Sabah for Visit Malaysia 2026
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It said as a state government-linked company, Suria remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure that supports continued growth of Sabah’s tourism sector.
The terminal continues to serve as the main departure point for travellers heading to the islands within the renowned Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, one of Sabah’s most popular marine tourism destinations.
Following the relocation, the terminal now operates daily from 7.30am to 5pm.
The new terminal provides a more efficient and comfortable travel experience featuring a faster ticketing process, a more comfortable departure hall and upgraded amenities including clean restrooms and shower facilities.
Among the key improvements at the new location is the significant increase in boat berthing capacity. The South Jetty now accommodates 20 boat berths, compared to nine berths previously at the former Jesselton Point site.
This expansion allows for smoother passenger movement and more efficient boat operations, particularly during peak tourism periods,” it further said.
In addition to ferry terminal operations, Bumiria continues to manage retail spaces within the terminal area, leasing commercial lots to tenants offering a range of visitor services as well as locally made souvenir products crafted by Sabah artisans.
To further enhance visitor convenience and experience, several new facilities and services have also been introduced at South Jetty, including eateries or food court offering beverages for passengers and visitors where additional food and beverage outlets at the jetty are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by end-March 2026; souvenir retail featuring locally made products and travel memorabilia; luggage services for travellers heading to the islands; and visitor facilities such as a prayer room, baby changing room and medical room.
Beyond its role as a ferry terminal, the South Jetty area is gradually emerging as a new recreational space along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront. Visitors can enjoy marine-themed murals along the jetty walkway, creating a colourful and engaging environment for families and children while overlooking the sea.
The jetty is also becoming an inviting evening gathering spot where both locals and visitors can unwind by the waterfront, enjoy the sea breeze and spend time with friends while listening to busking performances that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of Kota Kinabalu City.
Bumiria General Manager Asmah Mohd Nor said the relocation represents an important step in improving the overall experience for visitors travelling to the islands.
“The move to South Jetty allows us to provide a more organised and comfortable environment for passengers while accommodating the growing demand for island tourism in Kota Kinabalu. With the increased berthing capacity and improved facilities, we are able to enhance both operational efficiency and the visitor experience,” she said.
Looking ahead, Bumiria is exploring additional tourism-related initiatives to further activate the South Jetty area and enhance visitor engagement.
These include sale of recreational fishing tickets for visitors interested in leisure fishing activities; night-time viewing access to the South Jetty murals; and buggy car services within the jetty area to improve visitor mobility and accessibility.
The buggy car ride service is currently available for passenger convenience. Beginning April 15 this year, tickets will be available for a return ride at RM1 per person only.
Meanwhile, Suria Group Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli said the initiative demonstrates Suria’s commitment to strengthening Kota Kinabalu’s position as a premier marine tourism gateway.
“By improving infrastructure and visitor facilities, we aim to support the growth of the tourism industry while contributing to the overall vibrancy of the Kota Kinabalu waterfront,” he said.
The relocation to South Jetty represents a strategic move to support the continued growth of Kota Kinabalu’s tourism sector while ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable experience for visitors embarking on island excursions.
