Getting there
Island-hopping tours of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TAR) are offered by various operators stationed at two main points in Kota Kinabalu city, the jetty at Jesselton point or then the jetty at the upscale Sutera Harbor resort. Along with island-hopping trips, various other trips like fishing expeditions, dive and snorkel trips, sunset cruises and various water-sports like parasailing, banana boat riding, windsurfing and more can be booked at these start-off points.
The islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
The five main islands located within TAR are situated at a distance of 3-8 km off the mainland of Sabah. The islands are thought be a part of the Crocker range, which still exists on the island of Borneo.
Pulau Gaya
Pulau Gaya, the largest of the five islands is also located closest to the coast of Sabah. Gaya Island offers 20 km hiking trails and is ringed by well-preserved coral reefs. The island also currently hosts two upmarket resorts, the Gaya Island Resort and the Bunga Raya Island resort. Both these resorts offer guests the chance to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the island in utmost comfort.
Pulau Manukan
Pulau Manukan is the second largest island of the quintet, which is also home to the Park Headquarters. Manukan is equipped with well-developed tourist facilities including chalets, a clubhouse, a dive center and restaurants. The island is known for its many pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs and thus is a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers. Additional sporting facilities on the island include a swimming pool, a football field and various sports courts.
Pulau Sapi
Hiking trails through lush forests and stunning beaches render Pulau Sapi a favorite with day-trippers and picnickers. However, the island is outfitted with rudimentary facilities when compared with Manukan Island.
Pulau Mamutik
Pulau Mamutik, the smallest island of the park is known for its stunning coral gardens and thus is favored by scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts. Accommodation options on the island include the availability of a small rest house and a campsite. However, if you wish to camp on the island you are required to inform the authorities before you proceed to do so.
Pulau Sulug
Pulau Sulug is the farthest of all the islands. The island, which is almost as big as Pulau Sapi, is not often visited and thus, has no facilities as yet.
The five main islands located within TAR are situated at a distance of 3-8 km off the mainland of Sabah. The islands are thought be a part of the Crocker range, which still exists on the island of Borneo.
Pulau Gaya
Pulau Gaya, the largest of the five islands is also located closest to the coast of Sabah. Gaya Island offers 20 km hiking trails and is ringed by well-preserved coral reefs. The island also currently hosts two upmarket resorts, the Gaya Island Resort and the Bunga Raya Island resort. Both these resorts offer guests the chance to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the island in utmost comfort.
Pulau Manukan
Pulau Manukan is the second largest island of the quintet, which is also home to the Park Headquarters. Manukan is equipped with well-developed tourist facilities including chalets, a clubhouse, a dive center and restaurants. The island is known for its many pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs and thus is a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers. Additional sporting facilities on the island include a swimming pool, a football field and various sports courts.
Pulau Sapi
Hiking trails through lush forests and stunning beaches render Pulau Sapi a favorite with day-trippers and picnickers. However, the island is outfitted with rudimentary facilities when compared with Manukan Island.
Pulau Mamutik
Pulau Mamutik, the smallest island of the park is known for its stunning coral gardens and thus is favored by scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts. Accommodation options on the island include the availability of a small rest house and a campsite. However, if you wish to camp on the island you are required to inform the authorities before you proceed to do so.
Pulau Sulug
Pulau Sulug is the farthest of all the islands. The island, which is almost as big as Pulau Sapi, is not often visited and thus, has no facilities as yet.
Planning an island-hopping trip to TAR
1. Depending on what you prefer, you can choose to visit all or one or two islands during your island-hopping trip. Boats leave from 8am onwards from the jetties, for the islands and the last boat tour departs around 4pm. Day-trippers should pay attention to the timings of return boats to avoid being stranded on an island without reserved accommodation.
2. Costing of your trip depends on the number of islands you wish to visit.
3. You better plan to set off on your trip early if you want to avoid the crowds, as the boats get busy around mid-day.
4. The best time to visit the park, if you plan to snorkel and dive is between the months of January and March when visibility in the water is the best.
5. Authorities advise tourists who visit the park to respect their natural surroundings and behave responsibly by not disturbing the park’s natural environment. Tourists are also asked to clear up their rubbish when they leave the park.
1. Depending on what you prefer, you can choose to visit all or one or two islands during your island-hopping trip. Boats leave from 8am onwards from the jetties, for the islands and the last boat tour departs around 4pm. Day-trippers should pay attention to the timings of return boats to avoid being stranded on an island without reserved accommodation.
2. Costing of your trip depends on the number of islands you wish to visit.
3. You better plan to set off on your trip early if you want to avoid the crowds, as the boats get busy around mid-day.
4. The best time to visit the park, if you plan to snorkel and dive is between the months of January and March when visibility in the water is the best.
5. Authorities advise tourists who visit the park to respect their natural surroundings and behave responsibly by not disturbing the park’s natural environment. Tourists are also asked to clear up their rubbish when they leave the park.
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