Off the western coast of Sabah, about 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu by speedboat, lie the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Covering some 4,929 hectares of land and sea, the island of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sulug, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sapi 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.

Colourful beyond imagination, the waters around these islands promise divers and snorkelers good visibility at about 16 metres. Magnificent coral reefs hugging the shoreline afford views of pink and green parrot fish and turquoise moon wrasses, darting around brain coral, staghorn coral, boulder coral, feather stars and sea tans. Easily accessible, these islands are a terrific playground for swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and picnicking. Even the solitude is fabulous!

Accommodation is available on three of the islands. There is an international standard resort on Pulau Gaya offering luxurious chalet accommodation. A res’. house is available on Pulau Mamutik while Pulau Manukan offers several wooden chalets, public shelters, a restaurant and picnic tables.

How To Get There
Tour companies operate ferry services to the islands at regular intervals, Tours may be arranged for sunset cruises, daytime excursions island hopping or diving trips. Departure points are at the jetty in front of the Hyatt Kinabalu lntrnational and the Marina at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort.

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Lying approximately 48 km south of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, is Pulau Tiga Park. Another group of islands designated a National Park in 1978, it comprises Pulau Kalampunian Damit, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Tiga. Spanning an area of 15,864 hectares it supports an assortment of animal and botanical species, as well as a prolific coral garden.

The reefs are easily accessible and contain some species not usually found on the west coast. Within its emerald depths, divers can see delicate sea fans, staghom coral and schools of ‘vibrant coral fish.

The best time to visit the islands is between February and April when it is drier and the seas are calm. A rest house is available with two rooms. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and camping equipment. Permission to camp must be obtained from the Ranger-in-charge at the Sabah Parks.

How To Get There
From Kota Kinabalu, drive 140 km south to Kuala Penyu at the K!ias Peninsula, then board a boat to the islands, The islands are 18km away and about 45 minutes by boat. Some tour agents also organise tours and ferry services to the islands.

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To visit Pulau Layang-Layang is to encounter an oasis of enchanting marine life and tropical allure, Located 165 nautical miles northwest of Kota Kinabalu, the oval- shaped islandis nearly? square kilometres wide and 1.2 square kilometres long. An oceanic atoll in the South China Sea, with a 1,665 to 1,998 netres drop, the island is an exceptional place for the more experienced diver The waters beneath offer fascinating seascapes and marine life, including several diverse species of coral and reef fish. The island is also sanctuary to thousands of migratory birds,

Pulau Layang-Layang has adequate accommodations for those wishing to stay Visitors can choose between chalets or a resort hotel. Those who want to cruise around the island or dive might find it more convenient to check with a tour operator Usually the tour price includes rental of equipment, experienced guides, in addition to accommodations, meals and transportation.

How To Get There
Pulau Layang-Layang is accessible by light aircraft. The flight takes about one hour from Kota Kinabalu.

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Northeast of Sabab lie the Turtle Islands of Pulau Selingan, Pulau Gulisan and Pulau Bakkungan Kecil. Located approximately 40 km from Sandakan, these islands are famed for the Green and Hawksbill turtles, which are found in the surrounding seas and come ashore to nest on the beaches all year round. The Turtle Islands were gazetted a National Park in 1977 to protect the turtles from extinction. The surrounding sea also supports an abundant coral garden. Add to this, pristine waters and unspoilt beachs, the islands are ideally suited for diving, swimming and picnicking.

Accommodation is available’ only at Pulau Selingan. Picnic tables with seats and barbecue stands are also provided but visitors should bring their own food. Permission to visit the Park must be obtained from the Ranger-in-charge at the Sabah Parks.

How To Get There
Fly to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu. At Sandakan, board a launch at the Yacht Club and cruise over to the islands in around three hours. For overnight excursions, charter a speedboat.

Semporna is the departure point to the world’s best dive sites and island-resorts of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai.

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