Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
823 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
304
Average
168
Poor
60
Terrible
33
HappyHammer69
Port Macquarie, Australia931 contributions
Jan 2020
Firstly I'll say that our family all have 20+ dives all over the world over the past 20 years, some of us 40+ dives so we are not beginners but not the most experienced either. We are usually competent able divers but the visibility here was so bad we didn't feel safe diving with our teenagers so we cancelled our second dive. The visibility was maybe 1.5 metres at 5m deep and maybe 2.5m at 16m deep so the dive master could only see the person directly behind him when he turned around.
The island we dived from was very crowded with tourists snorkelling and doing their first dives from the beach. My advice would be to save your money and if you want to dive in Malaysia go to Sipadan Mabul on the other side of Borneo.
The island we dived from was very crowded with tourists snorkelling and doing their first dives from the beach. My advice would be to save your money and if you want to dive in Malaysia go to Sipadan Mabul on the other side of Borneo.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane M
1 contribution
Dec 2019
I recently visited Manukan Island as the second island of a 2 island trip. I ended up leaving the island pretty upset having seen kids throwing stones at a magnificent monitors lizard at the waters edge and then 'adults' pulling at the poor creatures tail after I had reported it to several people including life guards and guys in park uniforms patrolling near the cafe. One chap who was patrolling under the trees said it was not his job to do anything about it. So who's job is it? Is there no proper park rangers responsible for the safety of the animals in a so called "nature resort"
The 2 stars are solely for the beauty of the place.
The 2 stars are solely for the beauty of the place.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joycee Ooi
Penang Island, Malaysia2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Business
The boat transfer system was terrible. The waiting area had no proper system. Transfer from one island to another island was not systematic. During weekends with huge crowd, the boat transfer was so confusing that you might miss the transfer. And the boat transfer was not flexible in timing, you could not choose which island you wanted to spend more time in. With this kind of system, my advice is do not waste your money. But if you insist to visit, one island per day will be a good experience for you.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex C
136 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
This is a disgrace of a national park.
There is plastic everywhere, boats pulling tourists on banana boats and tubing rings, but most depressingly - the reef is ecologically dead or dying. The corals are badly bleached, and mostly dead. The fish population is a fraction of what it should be. And the turtles have understandably gone elsewhere.
It's incredibly sad.
There is plastic everywhere, boats pulling tourists on banana boats and tubing rings, but most depressingly - the reef is ecologically dead or dying. The corals are badly bleached, and mostly dead. The fish population is a fraction of what it should be. And the turtles have understandably gone elsewhere.
It's incredibly sad.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bear4018
Bristol, UK54 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Please note, this is for the general park and not for the tour we were on.
The islands above the waves are beautiful. Green lush thick forested outcrops in azure blue seas. The occasional golden sand beaches with jetties reaching out into the water. Monkeys, birds and two metre long Monitor Lizards can be seen.
However below the waves is a different story. The coral is significantly bleached or dead. There is plastic and other waste abound. There is no sign of any attempt at coordinated clean up or control measures. If you are looking for bright coral reefs, head somewhere else.
We did not see the banana boats or other touristy things going on that other reviews mention but their impact is noticeable.
The islands above the waves are beautiful. Green lush thick forested outcrops in azure blue seas. The occasional golden sand beaches with jetties reaching out into the water. Monkeys, birds and two metre long Monitor Lizards can be seen.
However below the waves is a different story. The coral is significantly bleached or dead. There is plastic and other waste abound. There is no sign of any attempt at coordinated clean up or control measures. If you are looking for bright coral reefs, head somewhere else.
We did not see the banana boats or other touristy things going on that other reviews mention but their impact is noticeable.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael D
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Wow... absolutely terrible, the water was milky and the corals destroyed!!! Thousands people everywhere 🥸 on the beach, in the water. You feel like you visiting a Korea🇰🇷 or going to K-pop concert Ha ha...!!!!!!! I never see so many Korean tourists at one place. Anyway absolutely waste of money!
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eliana P
27 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We did a snorkelling day trip in TARP with kids and thoroughly enjoyed it. Water was clear, lunch was really good and guides were very helpful with the kids. Highly recommend a visit before it is destroyed!!
Too much trash in the water. No one seems to be looking after it - plastic bags, plastic bottles, aluminium cans. If this is not corrected soon the area will be destroyed.
Too much trash in the water. No one seems to be looking after it - plastic bags, plastic bottles, aluminium cans. If this is not corrected soon the area will be destroyed.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda and Brian G
Winnipeg3 contributions
Jan 2020
We went to Islands, MAMUTIK & SAPI. Coral was dead. There was so much garbage on the beach, dirty diapers and plastic everywhere. Even floating in the water. Water was murky and we were unsure how clean it was.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec M
Kauai, HI4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Oceans just FILLED with Garbage . Stopped at an island/beach, THOUSANDS of plastic bottles . Would not recommend for anyone. Do something else in this part of Malaysia , not snorkeling. Government has failed this area miserable .
On positive, water is warm .
On positive, water is warm .
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greatgran
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of a number of islands in the South China Sea off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. It is a magnificient marine park where the diving is apparently world class. We do not dive but the people we spoke to the day we were there were from many different countries and were very impressed with what they saw and were all planning on a return visit. We stayed at the Sutera Resort from where you look out at the islands which are only a 20 minute boat ride away. We spent a day on Manukan Island and for a small cost we had a traditional bar-b-que lunch. It was a wonderful way to spend a day relaxing. It is an experience I would highly recommend to everyone.
Written 13 May 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hey guys, anybody know the cheapest helicopter ride to see the islands, and maybe the city...not the 1 hour ride but enough to see around and take awesome videos..i heard sabah air is the one that can do that....but how much is it? just to experience a heli ride~?
Written 19 April 2018
To my knowledge there is the one hour tour only. You can check out “Shajasa” travel and tours online; for their helicopter tour package.
Priced at MYR1,390 per person this tour is based on 4 people minimum (according to their website):
The package includes:
60 Minutes Helicopter Tour
Experienced Pilot
Air Conditioned Vehicle
English Speaking Driver
Pick Up/Drop Off at Hotel
Hope this helps. Have a great time in KK.
Written 25 April 2018
You can check with Amazing Borneo Tours. They are very accommodating. You can check their website or you can search for Amazing Borneo right here in TripAdvisor
They offer a lot of tour packages and their people are really very helpful.
Written 22 March 2018
Hi Zeeramax, did i correctly understood that the ground tour cost only 10rm for us to be brought to other places to snorkel?
Thanks in advance for the answer
Written 26 February 2018
Hi - I was wondering if Kota Kinabalu is worth the trip. I am thinking of going in September but I do not see any attraction rated 5 stars and see a lot about rubbish. Thanks. Luis.
Written 9 August 2017
Hi Luis, we were there few days ago and what we have to say to you is don't bother! If you want to climb Mt Kinabalu, then probably you could spend a night in KK. Otherwise, consider Semporna. And then tell us how it was, because we didn't go.
Written 22 September 2017
If I have the option should I dive in TAR or Sipadan? If Sipadan is the best is there any other option than TAR? I see it is turning in to a very touristy and polluted place (plastic bottles,etc...)
Written 6 October 2016
Better go to Sipadan if you want to dive. TAR is more to "picnic time with family/ friends" kind of island. Other than that, you can also go to "Pulau Tiga"/ Mabul/ Kapalai/ Langkayan islands.
Written 6 October 2016
Wondering which island to visit while in KK. We're staying at the Rasa Ria, so out of town a ways. Interested in a day tour, snorkeling. I'm a diver, but my traveling companion is not. So snorkeling is fine. We need to rent snorkel gear. One review said to book through beach bums. Any other suggestions? Sounds like we need to get in to town and the harbor early? Thanks.
Written 30 August 2015
Hi there! Looks like you are staying quite a distant from the closest islands of Kota Kinabalu. However, you can maybe arrange tours to visit the Two Island Hopping (choices: Manukan/Mamutik/Sapi Island) which takes you 40 minutes to reach to the jetty or Mantanani Island which takes you 50 minutes to reach to the jetty. Personally, i'd choose Mantanani as it offers both boat dives and boat snorkels for their visitors and the place is BEAUTIFUL! All local operators arrange tours to those islands and you can prebook via email or telephone call. Local agents you can book are Masenang Tours, Exotic Asian Explorers, Kinabalu Heritage, ect. Have a wonderful trip!
Written 17 September 2015
Weekleys
Malaysia
We are a family of 5 travelling to KK 19 - 24 February, how can we buy tickets for a tour to visit with our three children? Thanks.
Written 11 February 2015
Hi. There a lot of touts about on the waterfront offering trips out to the Islands. Beware.
If you walk north along the waterfront you will pass by the Customs Officers building heading to Jesselton Wharf.
As you arrive at the wharf you will see a single story building in front of you.
Enter the building and you will be able to purchase tickets for what ever Island you want to visit.
They will let you know what time the "zip" boats leave for your island.
You will also be advised what time you can be picked up. Assuming you are not staying overnight.
The fares are a heck of a lot cheaper and are clearly advertised.
The Trip to Manakan Island is about 10minutes duration.
You will generally return to Kinabalu with a different driver. But you have already paid the return fare. At the office
Enjoy the visit.
Written 12 February 2015
Hi ! Can you rent snorkel masks to use on the islands?
Longleat
Written 26 December 2014
you can buy a new quality affordable snorkeling set at SunnyReef divers shop, Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Written 30 January 2015
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