-- Suria Bumiria Sdn. Bhd. (“Bumiria”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad (“Suria”), has successfully relocated the operations of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to the South Jetty at Kota Kinabalu Port, effective 1 March 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Kota Kinabalu’s role as the main gateway for island tourism for nearly two decades since 2006.
The relocation forms part of Suria’s initiative to enhance tourism infrastructure in Sabah for VisitMalaysia 2026. As a state government-linked company,Suria remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure that supports the 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 7.30 am to 5.00 pm.
The new terminal providesa more efficient and comfortable travel experiences to our visitors, featuring a faster ticketing process, a more comfortable departure hall and upgraded amenities including clean restrooms and shower facilities.
Amongst 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 available at the former Jesselton Point site. This expansion allows for smoother passenger movement and more efficient boat operations, particularly during peak tourism periods.
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. 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 locallymade products and travel memorabilia.
- Luggage services for travellers headingto the islands.
- Visitor facilities such as a prayer room, baby changingroom and medicalroom.
Beyond its role as a ferry terminal, the South Jetty area is gradually emerging as a new recreational space along the Kota Kinabaluwaterfront. 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 unwindby the waterfront, enjoy the sea breezeand spend time with friends while listening to busking performances that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of Kota Kinabalu’s city.
The General Manager of Bumiria 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 increasedberthing capacity and improved facilities, we are able to enhance both operational efficiency and the visitor experience,” the General Manager 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
- 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 15 April 2026, tickets will be available for a return ride at RM1 per person only.
Meanwhile, Group ManagingDirector of Suria Capital HoldingsBerhad, Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli, said the initiative demonstrates Suria’s commitment to strengthening Kota Kinabalu’s position as a premier marinetourism 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.
The relocation to South Jetty represents a strategic move to support the continued growth of Kota Kinabalu’s tourismsector while ensuringa more efficient and enjoyable experience for visitors embarking on island excursions.
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Group Corporate Affairs and Communication Tel: 088-257788; HP: 016 – 855 0821 (Maxson)
Email: maxson@suriaplc.com.my
