This Marine Park with wonderful tropical islands (pulau) is only minutes away from the city, so at least one of the islands is a must to visit when you are in Kota Kinabalu. Nowhere else in the world you will find a cluster of exotic unspoiled islands so close to a city. The Marine Park, comprising five islands Pulau (island) Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. These islands offers white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, reefs in shallow waters, coral gardens, lowland rain forests and nice walking paths.

But that´s not all: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is also an ideal location for beginners that will dive, as well as a perfect spot for more experienced divers. And don’t forget your underwater camera, there are many rare marine creatures such as scorpionfish, blue-spotted rays, bright blue starfish, sea fans, cuttlefish and mantis shrimps, just to mention a few. If you plan to dive, you must contact the dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu.

Gaya Island

Gaya Island

This is a first class destination for trekking as well as swimming, and here you can find one of the most romantic and beautiful beaches in the area, Police Beach also called Bulijong Bay. If you ever have dreamed of a beach with shading palms and tropical...

Mamutik Island

The smallest island that covers six hectares. Another peaceful island with a rich coral and marine life. If you are a novice diver, try to get your first diving lessons here and you will discover another world. At the north-eastern tip of Pulau Mamutik...

Manukan Island

Another island perfect for diving, snorkeling and swimming. Manukan is the most developed of the island in the Marine Park and offers several small beaches. The island has many local visitors at weekends, which means that there are moments that it is...

Sapi Island

Small island with sandy white beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling or diving, where you can see reef fishes shimmering with all the colours of the rainbow. There are hiking trails through the interior, but they also lead to a jetty with barbecue...

Sulug Island

This island is an opposite of Manukan, as it is the less developed. So if you are seeking privacy, go to Pulau Sulug, a more tranquil atmosphere is hard to find. The eight hectares island is rocky, but it has a nice shoreline of sandy beach. At the southern...