Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park?
What makes it 63% Baby-Friendly: Picnic shelters give shade and calm shallows suit paddling, yet boats have no ramps, trails are sandy and toilets lack changing tables, so bring your own mat, carrier and extra supplies.
Positives:
- Free facilities: Picnic shelters, restrooms and showers are supplied at no cost on main islands.
- Short boat ride: Only 15 minutes from Jesselton Point to Manukan or Sapi with minimal hassle.
Challenges:
- No baby-changing tables: Bring a portable mat; you must change your baby on floors or benches.
- Limited food options: Island cafés offer light snacks but no high chairs; pack your own meals.
What is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park?
- A marine protected area that encompasses five islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and safeguards coral reefs and coastal ecosystems
- A biodiversity hotspot featuring extensive coral gardens, seagrass meadows and mangrove fringes that sustain diverse marine life
- A Sabah Parks reserve governed under national environmental regulations to preserve shoreline forests, white-sand beaches and underwater habitats
What is so special about Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for with baby?
- Short 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.
- Free shaded shelters and basic changing facilities.
- Playground and sheltered spaces for baby care.
- Calm beaches with easy swimming and shaded boardwalk.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 days
Why 1–2 days visit duration is ideal for with baby: A 1–2-day visit lets you enjoy beaches, playgrounds, and a relaxed pace with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Beach relaxation & picnic:
Set up in a covered shelter on Manukan or Sapi with shade and tables.
Tip: Bring a portable changing mat and snacks; early mornings are cooler.
Children’s playground on Manukan:
A small playground next to the beach suitable for toddlers under supervision.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and bring water and sunhat for your baby.
Exhibition centre on Manukan:
Indoor marine displays and seating in the research building.
Tip: Use this quiet space to nurse, change diapers, or cool off away from the sun.
Pulau Gaya plank-walk stroll:
A 0.5 km boardwalk through shaded coastal forest.
Tip: Carry your baby in a sling or lightweight carrier; avoid peak heat hours.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Time your visit: Arrive with the first boat to secure a shelter and avoid midday heat.
- Bring shade: Use a sun umbrella or tent for your baby on the open beach.
- Pack essentials: Include wet wipes, extra clothes, sunscreen and your own water.
Reviews of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Spot
A lot of fun activities; paragliding, undersea walk, Island hopping, snorkelling, banana boat ride and etc.
Eja jeju
A great place to come for healing with family or friends — dining facilities are available, and the island itself is beautiful.
Fenella Dodson
Amazing that they charge a conservation fee, when the water is dirty and full of rubbish. Not good for snorkelling as the coral is very shallow (and mostly dead) so cannot be accessed a lot of the time, although I respect them trying to restrict people, as I’m sure they would stand on and damage it further.
Mikhail
Manukan Island is one of those places that keeps calling you back, and after a decade, I can confidently say it has only gotten better. The improvements over the years are evident, from better facilities to well-maintained beaches, but what remains unchanged is the island’s natural charm. If you’re planning an island-hopping adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is a must-visit stop—and for ...
Salvatore Allegra
Very clean and beautiful place. Just boat service needs to be more organized. Our experience: We visited Manukan (crystal clear water), Sapi (beautiful but not as much as Manukan) and Gaya (Patang Point). In this last island there are hiking trails. In Sapi we rent a Mask and snorkel for RM10 and enjoyed the corals and fish.
When is the best time to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)?
Best conditions are April–October with calm seas and sunny mornings. Expect afternoon showers and rough waters November–March; pack rain cover and sun protection.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip boat tickets (2 adults) | MYR 46 |
| Marine conservation fees (2 adults + baby) | MYR 70 |
| Terminal levy (2 adults) | MYR 14.4 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 130.4 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Address: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Kota Kinabalu)?
About Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+60 88-486 43010 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities