Tropical forests, beautiful beaches and a magical underwater world
A cluster of five tropical islands is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park,or TAR Marine Park. Most islands are easily accessible for a day trip from Kota Kinabalu,but you can also settle down in one of the beautiful resorts. Here you will find the perfect combination of tropical forests and beautiful beaches.
The magical underwater world
Hidden beneath sea level are the greatest treasures of the marine park: amazing beautiful and healthy coral reefs, a paradise for divers! Then comes that magical moment, when you inhale the first breath of air and descend to the reef...
In the clear seawater, exuberant colours come into their own. You will see sea anemones surrounded by schools of small tropical fish, as well as puffer fish, stonefish, seahorses, sea cats and moray ryes. There are locations where sea turtles are regularly seen, and flat sandy bottoms where rays and blacktip reef sharks swim. In open water are huge schools of barracudas, which seem to move like one big body... magisterial! Are you here in March or April? Then be sure to look for whale sharks. Trained divers can also pick up their hearts from night dives and wreck dives.
If you don't have any diving experience, there is already a lot to enjoy with goggles and snorkel. But you can be initiated here into the wonderful, silent underwater world. Take a test dive, or take a PADI course!