| Leisure
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Excursion & Water Sports
Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park
 Lying
just 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabaluis the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman
(TAR) Marine Park, consisting of 5 idyllic islands: Gaya, Mamutik,
Manukan, Sapi and Sulug.
The Par was gazetted 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 harbour-side Central Market can be hired to get to the
islands within a few minutes. A new jetty by the Harbour is ready
for even more convenience.
The TAR Marine Park Headquarters is situated on Manukan and there
are ranger stations on 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 Park maintains a furnished resthouse 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, or dive into a lovely
underwater haven for brightly coloured 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.
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