Sabah Day 8: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug islands, each lined with beautiful beaches with abundant marine life. Speed boats leave for these islands regularly from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. There were many counters but the prices offered seemed to be similar. Return boat ticket was RM17 for one island and RM27 for two islands. Try to negotiate if there are a few of you because that's what my dad did and we only paid RM25 each person for Manukan and Mamutik Islands. We also rented snorkelling masks and life jackets for RM15 each. They were also available on the islands but it was cheaper this way as we could use them on both islands. We also had to paid a terminal fee (I forgot the amount, about RM7 each?)

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Ticketing counter

The boat ride would take about 15 min, depending on which island you are heading. Our first stop was Manukan Island, which was one of the bigger islands. Upon arrival we needed to pay a conservation fee of RM10 each. This would only be charged once regardless of the number of islands you go to.

There were no lockers on the island but plenty of benches to put your stuff on. We jumped into the sea with our snorkelling gears and were surrounded by fish immediately. It was like being inside of an aquarium! Apart from fishes, we were also swimming with a lot of tiny jellyfish that were barely visible and we kept getting stung! It was not terribly painful but definitely not comfortable!

Bumpy boat ride

Fish swimming near the jetty

Ready for snorkelling!

They are not kidding about the jellyfish!

We got picked up at the jetty at 2pm to go to the second island Mamutik. Unlikely Manukan, we could not see any chalet or restaurant and the beach was much smaller. But the water was equally clear and the seabed was covered by spectacular coral reefs. They all had different shapes and colours and the species of fishes were completely different from those in Manukan. I got so excited when I saw Nemo! :P Our camera was not waterproof so we could not take any photographs underwater.

Either Manukan or Mamutik...

One type of coral fish was particularly aggressive and would try to scare you off and bite you if you swim into its territory. My dad was the worst victim among us three!

We took the last boat back to KK ferry terminal at 5pm. I was sooo exhausted but this was definitely one of the highlights of the trip :)