Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Sabah,
Malaysia
| Simplified Chinese (GB2312) | Traditional Chinese (Big 5) |
| The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises a group of 5
islands located between 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu. The
park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which
cover the sea. 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. |
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• FLORA AND FAUNA The plant life feature a mix of typical shoreline vegetation such as Pandanus dubius and Podocarpus polystachyus with those of the dipterocarp forests. Representative of the latter group are the Keruing with their narrow crowns of large dark green leaves and unique ridged two- winged fruits. The Seraya, Kapur and Selagan Batu are also to be found in abundance. The only undisturbed coastal dipterocarp forests are on Pulau Gaya, where the Hopea phillipineansis and Quassia borneensis are abundant. The Fish Tail and Nibong Palm flourish in the shady gulleys. The park is home to the bearded pig, scaly pangolin, rats, squirrels and monkeys. Snakes and monitor lizards make up the reptile population. Large birds such as the white breasted sea- eagle, pied hornbill and green heron are found in large numbers. Smaller varieties such as the sandpiper, the pink-necked green pigeon, bulbul, flycatcher, sunbird and swiftlets also flourish within the tranquil park environment. One of the most intriguing birds around is the Megapode or Burung Tambun, a 'chicken look-alike', with large feet and which meows like a cat! It lays its eggs in huge mounds of sand and leaves at the edge of the beach. The fermentation of the leaves produces the heat necessary to incubate the eggs for successful hatching. The best coral reefs are those between Pulau Sapi and Pulau Gaya. The colorful and delicately beautiful corals are living organisms which feed on the plankton floating in the sea. The reefs is home to many different kinds of fish, in all shapes and colors of the rainbow-the 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. |
• PLANNING AN ITINERARY
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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. |
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Pulau Mamutik : The smallest of the group, this island
covers only 15 acres. Nevertheless, it is endowed with
rich coral life which surrounds the island with a
colorful underwater treasure trove. The rare white
distichopora and reddendrophyllia are to be found in the
reef at the north- eastern tip. This is the place for
diving enthusiasts and snorkellers! 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. |
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Pulau Sulug : This 20-acre island, being the least
developed and the farthest away, has an almost untouched
quality making it ideal for those seeking a more
tranquil and deserted atmosphere. The shoreline is
mostly rocky with beautiful patches of reef at the
southern end. Corals such as the Acropora, Echnipora,
Montipora and Seriapora are a visual delight with their
variety, delicate shape and brilliant colors. |
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Pulau Sapi : A small island of 25 acres has the distinct
advantage of having some of the nicest beaches of clean
white sand and sparkling crystal clear water and a
coastline fringed with beautiful coral reefs. It is the
ideal place for snorkeling, diving and swimming. If you
can do neither of this but do not want to be left out in
the discovery of the rich
underwater treasures, take heart - a glass boat
rental service will allow you to see it all just as
closely. Hiking trails through the interior provide an
excellent opportunity for nature appreciation.. |
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Pulau Gaya : The largest island, is located about 15 miles
from Kota Kinabalu. The 3,665 acre island has 16 miles
of shoreline, certain stretches consisting of fine white
sand. Popular beaches include Bulijong Bay and Police
beach, a quarter mile of beautiful sand sloping gently
into the crystal clear bay, perfect for swimming,
snorkeling and diving. The untouched coastal
dipterocarp forest makes it ideal for trekking and
graded nature trails through the inland forest provides
opportunities for a study of the various species of
plant and animal life within . Day use facilities include public shelters, changing rooms and public toilets. |
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• HOW TO GET THERE Daily boat services are available from the Kota Kinabalu jetty to transport visitors to the park and back.
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| • GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS The park was created for the protection of the natural environment, including the coral reefs, marine life and the flora and fauna. Certain guidelines have therefore been created to ensure the conservation of these natural treasures and visitors are advised to observe the regulations which are prominently displayed on all the islands. Visitors are strictly prohibited to engage in any of the following activities: • Hunt or carry firearms, poison, spearguns, and dangerous weapons within the park.
• Harm or disturb any plant, animal or other living
things. |
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Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park 12,185 Acres Lying just 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu is the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman (T.A.R.) Marine Park, consist of 5 idyllic islands:
Merely
minutes
from
Sutera
Harbor's
Marina
by
boat,
covering
some
4,929
Hectares
of
land
and
sea.
The
Islands
were
gazette
as
a
National
Park
in
1974.
Besides
offering
stretches
of
sandy
white
beaches
and
crystal
clear
water,
the
Park
has
some
of
the
most
diverse
coral
reefs
and
marine
life
in
the
world.
Sabah Parks Conservation Fee : Foreigner : Adult - RM 10 Child - RM 6 Malaysian : Adult - RM 3 Child - RM 1
A 32-footer runs regular schedule from Sutera Harbor Marina daily of the year. Please check for the times that suit you. Reservations are required for the returning times. Please bring sufficient money for Entrance Fees to the Parks.
Holiday Packages in T.A.R. Park Child : Age 3 to 12 Infant : Below 3 years old are Free
Sea Sports Activities available at T.A.R. Park
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 |
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| Resorts on this Island | |||
Gayana Island Resort
http://www.pbase.com/afaizal/gayana_island_resort_sabah
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