Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
National Park Marine park of islands off Sabah, popular for snorkeling
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park comprises five islands off Kota Kinabalu. Day-trippers and divers come for snorkeling, coral reefs, beach picnics and simple island-hopping itineraries from Sabah’s capital.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a marine and island park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, comprising five islands. The park protects coastal forest, beaches, and surrounding coral reefs that support snorkeling and diving.
The island group includes Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug, and Mamutik, with options for beach recreation, snorkeling, and short guided boat trips between islands. Facilities and visitor services are concentrated on some islands, while others remain quieter and less developed.
The park was established in the 1970s to conserve the marine and island ecosystems close to Kota Kinabalu and is managed for both recreation and conservation. Coral reefs and seagrass habitats around the islands support diverse marine life and popular snorkeling sites.
The islands lie a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu; most visitors travel from the city’s ferry terminals for day visits and water-based activities.
- Protected status: Established as a protected marine park in 1974 and managed by Sabah Parks, it conserves coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal forest around the islands.
- Access and activities: Short boat transfers from Kota Kinabalu provide access; snorkeling and dive sites around the islands are the main attractions for day visitors.
What to See #
- Principal islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug, and Mamutik are the five islands that make up the park, varying from the forested largest island to smaller sandy isles with coral-fringed shores.
How to Get to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park #
Ferries to the park depart from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu. Regular boat services run to the five islands (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug) with crossing times of 10-30 minutes depending on the island.
Tips for Visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park #
- Book island transfers and accommodation well in advance during peak season (March-September).
- If intending to snorkel or dive, bring your own gear if possible - rental quality varies across operators.
- Respect park rules: fishing and removing coral or shells is illegal and strictly enforced.
Best Time to Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park #
The dry months from March to September are best for marine activities and island visits; avoid the northeast monsoon for reliable boat services.
Weather & Climate near Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2713 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (258 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (284 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (286 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (339 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (303 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (271 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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