Tunku Abdul Rahman National ParkAbout Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
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.
Nearby Attractions to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 25° - 30° | 33° | 147 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| February | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 83 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 69 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 26° - 32° | 35° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 36° | 258 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 35° | 284 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 35° | 267 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 35° | 269 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 286 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 34° | 339 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 34° | 303 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| December | Acceptable | 26° - 31° | 34° | 271 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
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.