Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Type: Nature City: 2km Airport: 7km Adults: 35.00 Kids: 30.00 Discount for locals: Yes Open: 08:30 - 17:30 Closed: Never

Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu 5 islands make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TAR Park). From large to small the islands are Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug.

Of the 5, Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik are the top 3 most popular amongst daily island hoppers because of the white sandy beaches, BBQ buffets and snorkeling on the shallow corals.

Sulug, the smallest island with no facilities at all, is relative quiet and not frequently visited by tourists in general. It is, however, a favourite spot for divers exploring the depths of North Reef.

The 5th island, pulau Gaya, is 1,465ha of mostly undeveloped tropical jungle terrain, although hot spots of development are dotted around the island near the beaches, including 2 resorts, Sabah Park’s head quarters and a dive station.

General Info
The islands are always open, however, getting there relies on ferry transportation, which, for safety reasons, usually doesn’t operate in bad weather, stormy conditions or when the sea is excessively choppy.

Ferries are available from 2 locations.

Public Ferries at Jessleton Point

Return trip to 1 island: RM 35 per adult
Return trip to 1 island: RM 25 per child
Boats usually leave when they are full

Sutera Harbour Marina

Return trip to 1 island: RM 50 per adult
Return trip to 1 island: RM 35 per child
Boats leave every half hour from 08:30 – 15:30 and return from 10:00 – 17:00

Pulau Gaya

Pulau Gaya is the largest in the park, although the most populated area of the island, a large water village facing the city, technically falls outside the park limits.

A view of Horn Bill Bay beach

The rest of Gaya is largely undeveloped and is mountainous terrain covered with dense tropical forest. Surprising numbers of wildlife can be found on the island including various bird species, monkeys, wild boar, snakes and lizards. Interesting plant and insect species also abound.

There are 2 resorts on Gaya, the Gayana Eco Resort and the Bunga Raya Resort, both hidden in coves facing away from the city.

Along with the Sabah Parks head quarters in another cove along the island shore, lies the Down Below dive station, launching point for much of the great diving to be done around Gaya and in the rest of the park, as well as jungle trekking across the island.

Day Tripper Points of Interest

Horn Bill Bay, long stretch of sandy beach with only toilet/shower facilities (pack a picnic);
Sabah Parks head quarters – starting point for Gaya island jungle trekking
Down Below snorkeling and diving excursions

Transport to the Island

Public ferry from Jessleton Point;
Ferry operators from Sutera Harbour Resort
As part of a diving / snorkeling package

Pulau Manukan

Of all the islands in the park Manukan island is the most developed. It has a resort, dive station, a few smaller shops, a restaurant and a regular beach BBQ.

It also has the nicest stretch of white sandy beach of all the islands, and relatively good coral coverage in slightly deeper waters where they just beyond the trampling feet of marauding tourists.

Long strip of sandy beach on Manukand Island, TAR park

There are regular ferries by several operators to and from the islands, making Manukan very accessible. It’s nearest to Sutera Harbour Resort making it a 10 minute journey, but is further from Jessleton Point, which will take 15 – 20 minutes to reach.

Day Tripper Points of Interest

Long stretch of white, sandy beach;
Easy 3km return trip jungle trekking path to Look Out Point at the island’s southern tip;
Dive station for underwater adventures;
Water sports option including fly fish, banana boat, jet skis and para-sailing;
Fully equipped restaurant with local and international food;
Beach BBQ buffet;
Sundry shops and snorkeling equipment rental;

Transport to the Island