{"id":176,"date":"2025-07-12T00:40:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T16:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/?p=176"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:28:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T02:28:29","slug":"tunku-abdul-rahman-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/tunku-abdul-rahman-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the Islands Park of Kota Kinabalu City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you visit Sabah and have a local friend from Kota Kinabalu City (KK) as your tour guide, he or she would ask, “Hey, do you want to go pulau<\/em> (island)?”, which means, “Do you want to have a day trip on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?” Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) is a protected marine park consists of five beautiful islands, namely, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya and Sulug<\/strong>. KK folks just call this national park pulau<\/em> instead of the long official name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Islands<\/a>
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is really near to Kota Kinabalu City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the conservation and protected status since 1974, nearly 50 square Kilometres (4,929 hectares) of sea and forest in TARP is well-preserved and become the most popular nature destinations of KK. In 2019, TARP received over half a million tourists. TARP is also home to 573 species of fishes and 148 hard coral species<\/strong>, and part of the Coral Triangle<\/em> (a.k.a. Amazon of the Seas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Location<\/a>
Location map of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and its island resorts. The park is named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best part is – TARP is less than 15 minutes away by boat ride from KK. If you unsure which island to visit, my short answer is, you can’t go wrong with Manukan or Sapi Island<\/strong>, and you can do island hopping to cover two or more islands too. The following is a summary of the features of each island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the second largest island, Manukan has long sandy beach with shallow water, so it’s suitable for family with kids. The sea is calm and swimmers can rest in the shade of Casuarina pine trees along the beach. Manukan is the most developed island with the best public facilities<\/strong>, for example, toilet, bathroom, cafe & restaurants, small shops, and chalets (Manukan Island Resort).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beach<\/a>
Wide sandy beach of Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sapi Island is considered the most beautiful island<\/strong> and it has more fishes. However, you can reach deep water only a bit further away from the shore, so non-swimmers need to watch their steps. The beach is quite crowded during weekends. Roaming monitor lizards is a common sight around picnic tables (safe to ignore them). For some adrenaline rush, you can try the Coral Flyer zipline<\/a> there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seas<\/a>
Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) is the favourite island of most locals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mamutik Island is the best choice for those who want a less crowded beach for more privacy<\/strong>. Due to stronger waves, and the beach is full of corals pieces, which is uncomfortable to walk on, Mamutik has fewer visitors. Nevertheless, its scenery is nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rocky<\/a>
The rocky beach of Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik). There are many boulder corals around this area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pulau Gaya is the largest island of TARP. Visitors do one or more of the following three things around Gaya Island.
1) Staycation <\/strong>in 5-star resort (Bunga Raya Resort<\/a>, Gayana Marine Resort<\/a>, Gaya Island Resort<\/a>)
2) Scuba diving<\/strong> with Downbelow<\/a>, a 5 star PADI dive center
3) Hiking<\/strong>: Gaya is the most hilly and forested island of TARP, with 20 KM of marked trails<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Water<\/a>
Water bungalows of Gayana Marine Resort on Gaya Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Sulug Island (Pulau Sulug)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sulug Island is an isolated and uninhabited island that has the least visitors because it has no basic amenities<\/strong> such as toilet. However, for the same reason, its long sand spit is the most pristine beach<\/strong> in TARP, covered with tons of seashells and coral fragments. Occasionally, some tourists land here by charter boat so they can have the whole beach for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beach<\/a>
The beach of Sulug Island (Pulau Sulug) is full of seashells and coral fragments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Things to Do in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides picnic, swimming and building sand castle, there are many other fun activities you can do at TARP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Snorkelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Two thirds of TARP is protected sea area. You would know why if you snorkel and see the fascinating underwater garden teeming with hundreds of fishes in various colours and sizes. You will see more than one type of Nemo (clown fish). The east and south sides of Sapi, and the sea to the west of Manukan jetty are excellent spots to see the thriving shallow reefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Clown<\/a>
Looking for Nemo in snorkelling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Coral Flyer Zipline<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With a length of 235 Metres, the Coral Flyer zipline between Sapi and Gaya Islands is one of the longest island-to-island zipline<\/strong> (or flying fox). It’s a thrill to fly at a speed of 55 KM\/H to cross the crystal blue sea between islands. Don’t forget to selfie while you do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Coral<\/a>
Coral Flyer zipline between Sapi and Gaya Island is one of the longest island-to-island flying fox in the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Watersports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the islands, you can find the booth that offer watersports. They will show you a picture book with listed prices for playing parasailing<\/a>, flyfish, banana boat, Jet ski, etc. Pssst\u2026 you can ask for a discount. If you prefer to stay dry, you can rent a kayak and paddle around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Parasailing<\/a>
Parasailing in the sea of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Scuba Diving<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With over 30 dive sites, TARP is the most accessible scuba diving location in Sabah. Even experienced divers are impressed by the amazing variety of marine life such as turtle, scorpion fish, marble ray, black salmon, nurse sharks, frogfish, nudibranch (many!) and barracuda. Some favourite dive sites of local divers include Adik Reef, Kuraman ship wreck, and North Sulug. Whale shark sighting is possible from February to April<\/strong>. No diving license? No problem, you can try Discovery Scuba Diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Scuba<\/a>
Scuba divers can spot turtle around Sulug Island sometimes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Sea Walking or Scubazoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can walk or ride an underwater scooter to explore the sea world. Participants will hear a special glass helmet connected to air supply, so they can breathe normally in the water and enjoy the view. A group of divers will look after you so it’s safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seawalking<\/a>
Seawalking and Scuba-Doo allow you to explore the underwater world like fishes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Island Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The guests of resorts can overnight on the islands. There are four 5-star island resorts on Gaya and Manukan<\/strong>, namely, Gayana Marine Resort, Bunga Raya Resort, Gaya Island Resort and Manukan Island Resort. They provide the facilities and services for honeymooners and holiday makers who want the best staycation and a VIP experience on an island. Camping is also allowed on Sapi Island and Padang Point (Gaya Island)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Island<\/a>
Island resorts in Gaya and Manukan Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Sunset Cruise<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sabah has one of the most stunning sunset in the world<\/strong>. Nothing can beat watching sunset on a luxury yacht that cruises around the splendid islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and what’s more, delicious dinner, live band performance and karaoke onboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunset<\/a>
Want to feel rich? Try sunset cruise around the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Hiking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most beachgoers don’t care about the jungle there. If you do, you must be a veteran hiker who loves to check out the trees and wildlife in the coastal dipterocarp forest of Borneo. There are 20 KM of marked trails on Gaya Island<\/strong>, with possible sighting of wild boar, Philippines Megapod, monkey and hornbill, and the most famous trail starts from Base Camp and ends at Padang Point<\/a> (1.95 KM one way). You can hike in the small forest of Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Monitor<\/a>
The monitor lizard and the people are already accustomed to each other on the island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to get there<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a public park, so you can go there yourself without booking any tour<\/strong>. It’s easier than taking a bus. To go to Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik or Gaya Island, you can take a boat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, DBKK Jetty, Sutera Harbour, or STAR Marina<\/a>. Just walk-in to their counter to buy the ticket. Island-hopping is a popular choice. However, to go to Sulug Island, you need to charter a boat. Majority of tourists depart from Jesselton Point or DBKK Jetty<\/strong> because it’s near to KK city centre and the fee is cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tourists<\/a>
Tourists boarding in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The boat transfer operates between 8am and 4pm<\/strong> (departs every 30 or 60 minutes). The speedboat takes less than 15 minutes to reach the island, and they will pick you up at the time you set. The boatmen of Jesselton Point like to speed so the ride is very bumpy. Go for other terminals if there are old people in your tour. If you have booked an island stay or diving trip, you will go with their private boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
(For reference only. Prices are not standardized.) Above is the price list for boat transfers, water sports, and gear rental from Jesselton Point (as of Feb 2026). In addition to boat transfer services, you can add optional activities such as water sports and snorkeling gear rental. I recommend sticking to one or two islands only.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can visit more than one island on an island-hopping trip. For your reference, above is the price list for boat transfer services, water sports, and gear rental from Jesselton Point (as of Feb 2026). Please note that different terminals and operators may charge different rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tourists<\/a>
No matter you travel solo or with family, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is always a great start for most tourists.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NEVER, EVER hire the unlicensed boat<\/strong> from other places such as KK Central Market and Tanjung Aru Water Village. In one case, a group of tourists were robbed and abandoned on an island. Luckily they were rescued and unharmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance Fee (Conservation Fee) per Person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You need to pay a conservation fee to enter the island of TARP. The following table are the rates (updated in Jan 2023) in Malaysian Ringgit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/tr>
Nationality<\/th>Adult<\/th>Below 18<\/th>Below 6<\/th>60 & above<\/th><\/tr>
Malaysian<\/td>RM8<\/td>RM5<\/td>Free<\/td>Free<\/td><\/tr>
Non-Malaysian<\/td>RM25<\/td>RM20<\/td>RM10<\/td>RM20<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Rates with effect from 1 Jan 2023. The entry is free for visitor with disability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> You are required to buy only ONE ticket to enter all five islands<\/strong> of TARP on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Entrance\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Island entrance and activity fees (Malaysian vs. International rates). Prices in RM, updated February 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Taking<\/a>
The island is also a great place to take photos and to contemplate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below is a list of suggested items to bring for a day trip on tropical islands of Sabah:<\/p>\n\n\n\n