KOTA BELUD: The grand opening of JSK Mantanani Island Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, on Tuesday, marks a major milestone in Sabah’s tourism industry, as the State’s first island resort offering four-to-five-star hospitality and international service standards.
JSK Group of Companies managing director Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee said the resort is designed to combine luxury hospitality with Sabah’s natural and cultural attractions while raising the profile of Pulau Mantanani as an international tourism destination.
“Today (Sept 29) marks a major milestone for Sabah’s tourism landscape as we officially present JSK Mantanani Island Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham as the very first island resort in Sabah delivering four-to-five-star hospitality, architectural elegance and world-class service standards.
“In our first phase, we offer 84 villas and guests can choose from our comfortable Deluxe Rooms, peaceful Garden Villas, breathtaking Sea View Villas, and spacious premium sea view Family Villas, complemented by two double-storey Bungalows designed for high-end privacy with unobstructed views of the blue sea.
“Looking ahead to Phase Two, we will expand our accommodations further with an additional 128 villas,” he said.
Johnny said this in his welcoming address at the resort’s grand opening here officiated by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor at Pulau Mantanani here on Sept 29, 2026.
The resort located roughly 100km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the resort welcomes guests via a scenic overland transfer to Rampayan Jetty in Kota Belud, followed by a boat crossing across the South China Sea to the island itself which takes about an hour — a journey that sets the tone for the sense of arrival that awaits.
Johnny said the resort also features three multipurpose MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) venues, including a Grand Banquet Hall capable of accommodating up to 300 guests, which he described as the largest banquet facility on any island in Sabah.
Four food and beverage outlets are also available, including Waterfront Café, Aramaiti Sports Bar, Moginum Swimming Pool Club and JSK Beach Hut, he added.
He said among the resort’s other facilities are a spa, wellness centre, yoga and meditation spaces, LED Lighting Garden, children’s playground, Celebrity Pier and an organic stingless bee farm.
Johnny said the resort’s certified diving centre would serve as a gateway to 12 surrounding dive sites, while its water sports and recreation facilities would offer activities including kayaking and paddle boarding.
“Guests would also be able to participate in sunset cruises and guided night excursions to observe the Mantanani Scops Owl in its natural habitat,” he said.
He said the resort’s development would also place strong emphasis on environmental conservation, including plans to restore seagrass and coral reefs in the waters surrounding the resort.
“JSK had applied for a Temporary Occupation Lease (TOL) covering the sea area directly in front of the resort to facilitate the conservation efforts.
“Research by experts from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) had identified the area as an optimal site for seagrass replanting, which would support marine ecosystems and provide food for endangered species such as sea turtles and dugongs.
“Hence, we sincerely hope the State Government will grant us this lease application as soon as possible. With early approval, we can immediately begin these critical rejuvenation works in close partnership with UMS and the Sabah Wildlife Department,” Johnny said.
He added that the resort’s turtle hatchery would continue to conduct educational programmes and seasonal hatchling releases.
He said the resort’s partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts would also connect Mantanani directly to a global hospitality network, providing international travellers with accommodation backed by global standards while retaining a strong local identity.
However, he said further government support, particularly in infrastructure, is needed to unlock Mantanani’s full tourism potential.
Johnny proposed the development of modernised mainland and island jetty hubs to accommodate larger ferries or cruise vessels, centralised and environmentally friendly sewage and waste management systems for the local community, and stable renewable energy supply, including the accelerated operation of a nearby solar plant.
“With decisive government backing in infrastructure, Pulau Mantanani can stand alongside world-famous tropical destinations, putting Sabah at the forefront of global island tourism,” he said.
Johnny said JSK is also committed to ensuring the resort’s economic benefits reached local communities by prioritising employment for residents, engaging local boat operators and traditional craft experts, and supporting community initiatives.
He said the resort represented the group’s commitment to the Sabah Government’s push for high-value and quality tourism projects.
“JSK Mantanani Island Resort stands as a direct testament to that belief, a flagship project designed to support the master plan for Sabah tourism.
“JSK would continue working with the state government to elevate Sabah’s tourism industry and ensure the resort contributed to sustainable tourism development,” Johnny said.
He thanked the resort’s employees, contractors and the people of Mantanani for their contribution towards the project’s completion.
Meanwhile, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific director of operations Luke Benbow said the opening of the resort will connect the island destination to its global brand network, distribution capabilities and loyalty programme, potentially widening its reach among international travellers.
He said the partnership brought together JSK Group’s vision for a distinctive island resort with Wyndham’s global hospitality platform.
JSK Mantanani Island Resort is the first property in Sabah to operate under Wyndham’s Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand, he added.
“The resort opening represents an important milestone for all of us. It brings together JSK’s vision for a distinctive island resort and Wyndham’s global brand network, distribution capabilities and Wyndham Rewards member base.
“JSK Mantanani Island Resort is well positioned to introduce more guests to this destination while contributing to the continued growth of tourism in the region,” Luke said in his speech during the resort’s grand opening here on Sept 29.
He said travel demand is evolving, with guests increasingly seeking authentic experiences closely connected to their destinations.
“The resort is responding to that trend by combining the distinctive character of Mantanani Island with the connectivity and recognition of an internationally established hotel brand,” he said.
Luke also expressed appreciation to the Sabah Government and relevant authorities for their support in facilitating the resort’s development.
He also acknowledged the contribution of JSK Group managing director Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, the project team, hotel management and staff whose efforts had brought the project to fruition.
“At Wyndham, we believe that successful hotels are built on strong partnerships. We look forward to working closely with the JSK team as the resort begins this new chapter and welcomes guests from Malaysia and around the world,” he said.
Benbow congratulated all parties involved and expressed confidence in the resort’s prospects as it begins operations.
