Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A cluster of 5 islands lying off the coast of Kota Kinabalu formed the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. These islands are Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Sulug and Gaya. The Marine Park is a popular destination for day-trippers, picnickers, divers and nature lovers.

Sapi Island
Sapi Island

Getting There

Go to the Sabah Parks Jetty just right at the end of Jalan (about 8-10 mins walk from Trekkers Lodge Kota Kinabalu) to purchase your ticket. Boat fare is RM$15 per person (return).

It is best to go before noon as the boat operators usually fill their respective boats up before leaving the jetty. More guests leaves in the morning therefore making waiting time for the boat to be filled shorter. Tell the staff at the ticket counter which island you wish to visit, and what time you want to be picked up. Please note that the boats leave the KK jetty from 7:00am onwards, and the last boat from the island leaves at about 4:00pm.

Boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending of which island you are visiting.

Accommodation

Only 3 islands have accommodation:

  • Manukan Island – Chalets managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
  • Mamutik Island – A diving resthouse managed by Borneo Divers and camping ground managed by Sabah Parks
  • Gaya Island – A 4 star resort managed by Gayana Resort Bay

Activities

  • sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving
  • picnics, barbeque
  • bird-watching, nature walks along guided forest and mangrove trails, and beach fishing (only hook and line permitted)
  • camping (only on Sapi and Mamutik, with prior permission from the Sabah Parks office in KK or the Park Ranger at the islands. Cost is about RM5.00 per person per night)
  • beach and water sports (volleyball, Frisbee, beach football, wind surfing, water polo, etc.)