Attractions in Malaysia

Location

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is about 10 to 20 minutes away from the city of Kota Kinabalu on a speedboat. The marine park is made up of a cluster of islands which consists of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. These five islands which make up the marine park are best known for its shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and splendid white sandy beaches.

Overview

The marine park was named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The five islands of the park and its surrounding seas have long been a haven of peace and tranquility. These islands are responsible for safeguarding the natural vegetation, animals as well as the underwater gardens of the coral reefs which provide visitors with never-ending hours of enjoyment and fun.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a major landmark of the city of Kota Kinabalu. It is most famous for its crystal clear water and breath-taking corals, located just a stone throw's away from the capital of Sabah. There are many activities available there which makes it such a hit among locals as well as tourists. Popular activities there include sun bathing, barbeque, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and even parasailing which grant you the chance of viewing the city and the islands from the top view.

The park has an extensive diversity of creatures here which includes marine life, plant life and animal life. Reefs fringe all around the islands especially on the sheltered eastern and southern sides where the sandy beaches slope gradually into the water to the reef drop-off. There are schools and schools of fishes here and they are more colorful than the corals. The plant life here is most lush on Pulau Gaya. It reflects the connection of the island to the mainland. In an undisturbed state the lowland forest that covers Gaya would have stretched along most of the west coast, and today remains one of the few areas of largely undisturbed coastal dipterocarp forests left in Sabah. There are occasions when pangolins, monkeys or wild boars are seen along the trails. With so many incredible things to see, watch and enjoy, why not stay longer in Sabah. Accommodations in Sabah are aplenty and of various range to suit your budget.

Transport

The marine park can be accessed via speedboat about 15 to 20 minutes from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The departure and arrival point for the boat transfer is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal which is located just beside the Malaysian Royal Custom Department. Boat transfers to and from the island are available on a daily basis from 7.30am to 5pm.