Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Situated in Gaya Bay, 3 kilometers off Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park stands as Sabah’s second national park, dedicated to Malaysia’s inaugural Prime Minister. Established in 1974, it spans 50 sq kilometers, encompassing five islands, surrounding reefs, and sea—a sanctuary for diverse fauna, flora, and marine ecosystems. Geologically linked to the Crocker Range, these islands separated from the massif due to rising sea levels post the last ice age.

Each island’s nomenclature reflects its history and early explorers: Pulau Gaya (‘big’), Manukan (‘fish’), Mamutik (‘for shell collection’), Sapi (‘the sound of a mowing buffalo’), and Sulug (commemorating the ancestry of the Sulu peoples of Sabah). Initially covering Gaya and Sapi, the park expanded in 1979 to include Manukan, Sulug, and Mamutik.

While the administrative center resides on Manukan Island, each of the five islands maintains its administrative offices.

In the morning, departing from Jesselton Point Jetty, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Upon arrival, you’ll find a price list indicating four main charges: Forest Conservation Fee, Camping Fee, Diving Fee, and BBQ Fee. It’s important to note that these fees vary for locals and foreigners.

Our activity today is a day hike, and there are various routes for trekking. We’ve opted for Padang Point as our destination. Along the way, you can encounter a variety of wildlife and plants, and enjoy scenic views of the sea. It’s a fantastic journey offering a glimpse of both nature and the ocean.

After completing the hike, you can either order food and drinks at the restaurant or head to the seaside for some water activities, and you can then take a boat back to Kota Kinabalu for some leisurely exploration.