Yet the park, which stretches over 49km2, has much to offer tourists and locals alike. And not just facilities and services either, but animal life as well.

From the highest forest canopies towering above Gaya island as high as 300m, down to the deepest crevasses on the coral coral reefs, the park teems with life, some documented, some undiscovered, but all of it wild.

Tunku Abdul Rahman – A Little Wildlife Park

Gaya, the largest island in the park, is host to a remarkable amount of wild life. The island, which is undeveloped for the most part, covers and area of about 15km2 and is still capable of providing its animal inhabitants with sufficient shelter and hiding place.

Jungle paths, ideal for a day of jungle trekking, criss-crosses the entire island and can easily occupy the intrepid explored for 3 – 6 hours. Animal sightings occur often with potential to see wild boar, long tailed macaques, monitor lizards and snakes of various sizes.

Whilst the other islands might not have the exciting variety of the ground based animal life found on Gaya, canopies across the park are alive with the chatter of numerous bird species. It is sure to satisfy even the most discerning ornithologist.

Diving The Park

Once you venture below the surface a whole new world opens up to you. Whenever Sabah and diving are mentioned in the same sentence, Sipadan is usually in there too. The TAR Park, however, is literally a treasure hidden in plain sight.

If you dive for the pleasure of experiencing everything the underwater world has to offer, then the TAR park will not disappoint. However, ensure you choose an operator passionate about diving and about the park, then the potential of the park will be apparent.

With wildlife and sea creatures to discover within cheap and easy reach of everybody in Kota Kinabalu, the TAR park truly is must-visit during your stay here.