| Tunku Abdul Rahman Park was named after the first illustrious Prime Minister of Malaysia. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is a well-known sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) about 3 Km off Kota Kinabalu covers an area of almost 5,000 hectares that includes the five islands immediately in front (west) of Sabah’s capital city, Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu See map below). The park’s islands possess mangrove areas, coastal dipterocarp forest, sandy beaches an attractive coral reefs. Visitor facilities on the islands of Sapi and Gaya are fully operated by Sabah Parks. Facilities on Mamutik, Manukan and Sulug are operated under concession arrangements to private companies. The diverse population of corals support hundreds of species of colourful coral dwelling fish and invertebrates and are intermingled with several species of mollusks including giant clams. Octopus can also be found here. Sponges and crinoids are found intermingled with corals or near coral patches and so are several species of marine algae (seaweeds). In or near the habitats created by these one finds a wide variety of interesting creatures including photographers’ favourites such as nudibranchs, lionfish, shrimp, lobsters, anemones, anemone fish, sea horses and a host of others. Gaya Island
The largest island on Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is Gaya Island with a total land area of 3,665 acres. This island is a lovely place with many private bays and fine sandy beaches. So private are these beaches that many of them had never been touched by a man's footstep. However, two of them are highly popular - Bulijong Bay (or Police Beach) and Camp Bay. Bulijong Bay, a semi-circular bay, is located on the northern end of Gaya whilst Camp Bay is on the southern side. If you want to camp overnight at Bulijong Bay, you may do so. On the other hand, Camp Bay is good as a starting point for trails. The water at Camp Bay is simply too shallow for swimming but is wonderful to frolic in. if you are interested in the forest trails, you can try out the 13-miles long trail that covers most of the island. The shorter one takes up only a few minutes and goes through a small mangrove forest. Gaya Island is the perfect getaway for those looking for a lazy time on the beach. If swimming, diving or snorkeling are on your agenda, then you must head over to Police Beach where the waters are crystal clear and goes about 50 feet down. Because this area is so secluded, there is no place for you to rent swimming equipment/diving gears. You can either bring your own or hire them from your tour operator or hotel before you get to the island. There is only one resort on this island. The Gayana Island EcoResort has 44 chalets, a seafood restaurant, a reef rehabilitation research center, environmental interpretation center and a beach side bar. If you want to know more about the environment, this resort is also able to give you better insights and lectures, thanks to their marine biologist and forest ecologist. Sapi Island
During very low tide, you may even visit two islands on one day. From Gaya Island, you can walk over to Sapi Island via the connecting sandbar. Only a mere 25 acres in size, Sapi Island has one of the best swimming and picnic spots in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, highly popular as a center for water sports activities. It is also famous amongst tour operators handling island BBQ tours. Manukan Island
 Doubled the size of Sapi Island but small nonetheless, Manukan Island is only 51 acres in size and used to be the site of an old stone quarry before World War II. Currently, Manukan Island is home to the park's HQ (the former HQ was located at Camp Bay on Gaya Island). If you are missing all the creature comforts of home, then Manukan Island is the place for you. This island is one with all the comfortable trappings including cute tropical timber chalets, restaurants, swimming pool, tennis court, and even a marine exhibition center. Because of this, it is no wonder that Manukan Island is one that has the highest number of visitors to the park. Of course, with it having the longest stretch of beaches amongst the rest of the islands remains its main attraction. If you are at Manukan Island, you must go on the 1.5 km trail. Along this trail, you will go past forest and be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the city of Kota Kinabalu. Do go and check out the fish feeding at the jetty as well. Here, divers will get to swim with the fishes. Mamutik Island
If Gaya Island is the biggest island on Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, then you must not miss Mamutik Island. It is the smallest isle on this park and also the most convenient one to visit, as it is located the nearest from Kota Kinabalu. You can stay at this popular spot overnight. You can also rent diving equipment and pick up diving courses on this island. If you are up to it, it will be great to check out the trail on Mamutik Island. The view at the end of the trail will show you the surrounding seas and reefs, and a fabulous scenery it is too! Sulug Island
Swimmers will love the small 20-acres Sulug Island. Well-known for its great swimming spot, Sulug Island is actually a small rocky island with a long sand-spit that faces east. Right now, there are restaurant and diving facilities here. This is the perfect place for a getaway! |
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