Before the Ice Age, it formed part of the Crocker Range mass of sandstone and sedimentary rock on the mainland. However, towards the end of the Ice Age about one million years ago, the melting ice brought about changes in the sea level and parts of the mainland were cut off by the sea to form the Islands of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. Evidence of this can be seen from the exposed sandstone of the coastline forming the cliffs, caves, honeycombs and deep crevices. The beauty of its natural environment combined with its close proximity to the mainland makes the island group a favorite among picnickers, divers and nature lovers. In a bid to protect the natural environment with its coral reefs, marine life, and its flora and fauna, the islands were gazette as a National Park, beginning with Pulau Sapi and part of Pulau Gaya in 1974 and then embracing the three nearby islands in 1979.

butterfly fish, parrot fish, clown fish in stripes of bright yellow and white, and dragon fish: and/ those of the bigger variety such as the red grouper, barracuda and catfish. Other marine life include molluscs, giant clams, sea cucumbers, the beautiful feather starfish, sea urchins in brilliant hues, cowries shells and scorpion shells.

Pulau Manukan : Shaped like a boomerang, Manukan covers 51 acres and is the second largest island in the group. The southern and eastern coastlines have a number of beautiful beaches - the best stretch being on the eastern tip. The surrounding crystal clear waters is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Trails around the island provide endless hours of exciting trekking in the cool, shady forest.

Facilities such as chalets, a clubhouse, restaurants, souvenir centre, diving centre, a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts are provided to make your stay an enjoyable and fun-filled experience.

• ACCOMMODATION in PULAU MANUKAN

There are 20 units of wooden chalets, situated on the lush green slope overlooking the sea. Set within a garden of swaying palms and vivid tropical blooms, they provide the perfect hide-away for overnight stays or leisurely weekends.

Reservations for accommodation can be made at:

Kinabalu Gold Resorts Sdn. Bhd.
Lot 3.46 & 3.47. 3rd Floor, Block C, Kompleks Karamunsing 88300 Kota Kinabalu.
Tel : 6-088-243629/245742    Fax : 6-088-242861   e-mail: nature@kinabalu.net.my

Mamutik Island and Sapi Island are less developed and hence beaches are cleaner.

Facilities such as changing rooms and toilets; picnic shelters and tables are provided for day trippers. There are no accommodation facilities but overnight camping on the island is allowed with prior permission from the Park Warden.

and Seriapora are a visual delight with their variety, delicate shape and brilliant colors.

Facilities such as changing rooms and toilets; picnic shelters and tables are provided for day trippers.

There are no accommodation facilities but overnight camping on the island is allowed with prior permission from the Park Warden.

• Harm or disturb any plant, animal or other living things.

• Pick, cut, or collect plants, insects, corals, shells, and any other materials, dead or alive.

• Write names on rocks, trees, or shelters.

• Bring pets into the park.

Collecting of any plant, animal or other living or non-living things is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the Director of Sabah Parks. Fishing, however, is permitted with hook and line only.

• Camping :

Adventurous visitors will enjoy an overnight camping trip at Pulau Sapi and Mamutik.  Camping tents are available for rent.

The magnificent white sandy beaches are great for simply relaxing and soaking up a little sunshine! The clear blue coral waters that surround these magnificent islands are ideal for swimming, and for snookers, an adventure into the underwater world awaits! with an unending myriad of colors, shapes and marine life flashing past.

There are marked jungle trails that will take you in to a relaxing stroll, and around the islands, where some pleasant discoveries in nature await you.

The Park was gazette in 1974 and extended to its present size in 1979, so its clear blue waters and natural environment remain pristine. Its easy accessibility makes it a favorite amongst picnickers, divers and nature lovers. Speed boats from major hotels or fishing boats from the harbor-side Central Market can be hired to get to the islands within a few minutes. A new jetty by the Harbor is now ready for even more convenience.

The TAR Marine Park Headquarters is situated on Manukan and there are ranger stations in Gaya, Sapi and Mamutik. Visitors are required to register at the respective stations and a minimal entrance fee is charged.

The best coral reefs are found around Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug while there is a network of jungle or forest trails on Gaya and Manukan. Jetties, picnic shelters and simple camping shelters are available on Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and at Police Beach on Gaya. The corals fringing all the islands are exposed during low tides and provide ample opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. For sports enthusiasts you can do wind surf in the park waters or zoom around the islands on a water jet scooter.

The Park maintains a furnished rest house for rent on Mamutik, and glass-bottomed boats from which to view the corals can also be hired there.

So whatever it is you go for- swim, snorkel, simply laze around on the sandy beaches or dive into a lovely underwater haven for brightly colored coral reef and admire schools of fish some of which you may never have seen before and even turtles- you will find fulfillment in the west coast all the way to the bottom. These islands are open all year round.

All reservations for accommodation can be made through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at tel no. 6 088 243629 fax no. 6 088 259552 or email: info@suterasanctuarylodges.com