From Wikitravel

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a park off the coast of the island of Borneo in Malaysia made up of five islands: 5 islands; Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik.

[edit] Understand

The marine park is under the administration of the Sabah Parks authority which has the mandate to oversee designated protected areas and ensure their maintenance and upkeep as reserves while catering to tourists wanting to enjoy the natural beauty that Sabah has to offer.

The largest amongst the island group is Pulau Gaya on which there is a small settlement of locals and illegals (primarily from the Philippines) who have built wooden housing over the coastal edges while the rest is pristine jungle.

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[edit] Get in

Travel to the TAR Marine Park is easy as hourly speedboat rides can be caught at the Point Jesselton Ferry Terminal in the northern end of Kota Kinabalu. Boat rides take a short 10 to 25 minutes. They cost between RM15 and RM40 depending on island.

It is best to try and go to these islands during the week as the islands are a popular destination for locals and it can get busy during the weekend. The further the island is that you visit the less amenities on the island and also the more secluded. An alternative that avoids the hassle and expense of staying on the islands is to stay in Kota Kinabalu and head over to the islands on day trips.

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[edit] Get around

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• Sulug is the least developed of the isles with no facilities whatsoever, visitors can opt to camp if they wish to stay overnight. The island is inhabited and dive operator have daily trips there for diving off the corals on the northern shore as it is one of the best site around in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

• Mamutik is also rather underdeveloped but is still accessible by jetty. Basic amenities like public toilet and shower are available. Chalet can be arranged with Sabah Park if you don't wish to camp. This little island of slightly bigger than a football field is very diver friendly. Most open water courses are done here, visibility varies from 4m to 10m. PADI Instructor Examinations are also conducted here. Lifeguards are on patrol during the day. Bring along insect repellent, sandflies are a nuisance! Borneo Divers have a dive centre on the island itself. Gear up and walk to the shore for a dive!

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• Marine Research Center conducts research especially concerning giant clam rehabilitation and to offer educational insight programs.

• Mangrove walk

• Marine informative museum is also found here and options for those not inclined to swim in the sea can opt for swimming in the pool or take a hike along the nature trail.

• Diving is offered on all of the islands, but Sapi is the most secluded,training is offered by the various dive centers offering certification courses like PADI and Scuba School International and open water beginner courses are available for a price. Coral beds and marine flora is abundant here and various dive spots can be found along all the designated dive sites in the Park. Several dive operators with offices in Wisma Sabah in Kota Kinabalu organize day dive trips to these islands.

• Water sports including boat and beach toy rentals are available on Manukan.

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You can stay on 3 of the islands, either camping or staying in lodges.

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• Gayana Resort [1] catering to tourists wishing to stay the night and enjoy the excursion in Gaya or island hop to the other islands. is built on stilts and is sited in a bay on the island and offer chalet style accommodations complete with restaurant, souvenir shops and conference facilities.
• Manukan Island Resort [2] For the avid diver, the reefs at Manukan Island offers excellent crystal water and beautiful corals. For those who want to enjoy the scenery, take a leisurely stroll along the nature trail or simply laze by the long stretch of beautiful beach.

[edit] Camping

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

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