TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP (Snorkelling)

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park consists of five idyllic islands, Sulug, Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi. Out of the five islands, this Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Snorkelling Tour lets you experience two island hopping experiences. Choose from Sapi Island, Manukan Island or Mamutik Island. Snorkel and witness a variety of beautiful fishes and beautiful corals in many sizes.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a protected marine park consisting of five beautiful islands: Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya and Sulug.

Thanks to the conservation and protected status since 1974, nearly 50 square Kilometres (4,929 hectares) of sea and forest in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are well-preserved. They have become the most popular nature destination in Kota Kinabalu. In 2019, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park received over half a million tourists. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is also home to 573 species of fishes and 148 complex coral species and is part of the Coral Triangle, also known as the Amazon of the Seas.

Sapi Island

Sapi Island is considered the most beautiful island and has more fish. However, you can reach deep water only a bit further away from the shore, so non-swimmers need to watch their steps.

The beach is quite crowded during weekends. Roaming monitor lizards are common around picnic tables (safe to ignore). For some adrenaline rush, you can try the Coral Flyer zipline there.

It is a thrill to fly at 55 KM/H to cross the crystal blue sea between islands. Don’t forget to take a selfie while you do it! With a length of 235 Metres, the Coral Flyer zipline between Sapi and Gaya Islands is one of the longest island-to-island ziplines.

Manukan Island

Manukan Island is the most developed island with the best public facilities, for example, toilets, bathrooms, cafes and restaurants, small shops, and chalets. As the second-largest island, Manukan has a long sandy beach with shallow water, so it’s suitable for families with kids. The sea is calm, and swimmers can rest in the shade of Casuarina pine trees along the beach.

Mamutik Island

Mamutik Island at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is the best choice for those who want a less crowded beach for more privacy. Due to stronger waves and the beach being full of corals pieces, which are uncomfortable to walk on, Mamutik Island has fewer visitors. Nevertheless, its scenery is lovely.

Things to do at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Snorkeling

Two-thirds of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a protected sea area. You would know why if you snorkel and see the fascinating underwater garden teeming with hundreds of fishes in various colours and sizes. You will see more than one type of Nemo (clown fish). The east and south sides of Sapi and the sea to the west of Manukan jetty are excellent spots to see the thriving shallow reefs.

Sea Walking or Scubazoo

You can walk or ride an underwater scooter to explore the sea world at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Here you will put on a special glass helmet connected to the air supply, so you can breathe normally in the water and enjoy the view. A group of divers will look after you, so it is safe.

Parasailing

Enjoy the islands from above! With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, relish the time in the skies with this parasailing sport. It is perfect for the adrenaline junkie. Parasailing in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park will be the highlight of your tour.

The park can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit the islands is during the dry months, from March to September. During the wet season, there will be more rain and sometimes rougher seas. Underwater visibility is often less water during the monsoon months, so snorkelling is not as good.