Malaysia Destinations | Places of Interest in Malaysia

Sabah > Tunku Abdul Rahman (T.A.R) Marine Park

Lying just 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu is the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) Marine Park, with a total area of 4929 hectares, consist of 5 unspoilt islands: Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug. The park is reachable within 15 to 25 minutes by boat.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, named for the nation’s first prime minister, is indeed a special gem, pure and pristine. The Park was gazetted in 1974 as Sabah’s second national park. Its easy accessibility makes it a favorite amongst picnickers, divers and nature lovers. Speed boats from major hotels or fishing boats from the harbour-side Central Market can be hired to get to the islands within a few minutes. A new jetty by the Harbour is now ready for even more convenience.

TAR Marine Park

The TAR Marine Park Headquarters is situated on Manukan and there are ranger stations in Gaya, Sapi and Mamutik. Visitors are required to register at the respective stations and a minimal entrance fee is charged.

The best coral reefs are found around Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug while there is a network of jungle or forest trails on Gaya and Manukan. Jetties, picnic shelters and simple camping shelters are available on Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and at Police Beach on Gaya. The corals fringing all the islands are exposed during low tides and provide ample opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. For sports enthusiasts you can do wind surf in the park waters or zoom around the islands on a water jet scooter.

The Park maintains a furnished resthouse for rent on Mamutik, and glass-bottomed boats from which to view the corals can also be hired there.

So whatever it is you go for- swim, snorkel, sea walking, simply laze around on the sandy beaches or dive into a lovely underwater haven for brightly coloured coral reef and admire schools of fish some of which you may never have seen before and even turtles- you will find fulfillment in the west coast all the way to the bottom. Diving at TAR Marine Park is possible all year around, with best visibility of up to 30 metres between March and October.

Gaya Island (3,665 acres)

The largest island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Gaya is rich in many of Sabah’s diverse flora and fauna. Gayana Resort is located here. There are several trekking paths you can follow that criss-cross the island, many of which may take several hours to complete.

Sapi Island (25 acres)

Perhaps the most picturesque as it nestles next to Gaya Island, which is only a hundred meters away. There is plenty of shade and the water is calm. The coral reefs are only few meters from the beach. A 15 ~ 20 minutes boat ride to the island. Sea walking is offered here for the visitors who may interest in walk the seabed without even learning to scuba diving.

Sapi Island

Manukan Island (51 acres)

Second largest to Gaya Island, this island is the showpiece of the Sabah Parks. She boasts a swimming pool, a tennis court, and restaurant and chalet accommodation. The island offers a pleasant day’s outing with good coral reefs off the beach. A 15 minutes boat rides to the island.

Manukan Island

Mamutik Island (15 acres)

Closest to the resort and the smallest island in the group, previously owned by one of Sabah’s richest families who built a house on the island. Mamutik has plenty of shade and trees lining the seashore as well as stretches of white sand. A 15 minutes boat rides to the island.

Mamutik Island

Sulug Island (20 acres)

Farthest away and relatively undeveloped, the shoreline is mostly rocky. It is popular with tourist who prefer quiet and abandoned atmosphere.

How to get there

TAR Marine Park is located just off of Kota Kinabalu, about 15 – 25 minutes from the mainland.

There are many daily flights available direct from Kuala Lumpur via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. To save your money, we strongly recommend you to take AirAsia flight. AirAsia operates 7 daily direct flights to Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu Old Airport from the LCC ( Low Cost Carrier ) Terminal, Sepang. Booking may be made through www.airasia.com or walking into AirAsia’s sales offices which are located at KL Sentral and Airport. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the Nationwide Call Centre at 1300-88-99-33 ( within Malaysia ) or ( +6 ) 03-78849000 ( outside Malaysia ).

From Kota Kinabalu International Airport head for the Sutera Harbour Marina, where a 15 minute speed-boat ride will bring you into the marine park.

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