Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Children can snorkel in waist-deep Sapi water, use Manukan playground and ride a glass-bottom boat, but parents must supervise near currents, monkeys and unfenced jetties; no lifeguards or stroller paths.
Positives:
- Free picnic shelters: Use shaded shelters on Manukan and Sapi for meals and breaks.
- Calm shallow waters: Kids can snorkel safely in waist-deep areas on Pulau Sapi.
- Educational exhibits: The Manukan centre offers marine life videos and displays as a rainy-day activity.
Challenges:
- Limited shade areas: Bring hats and umbrellas; some beaches have few trees.
- Basic restroom facilities: Carry wet wipes; no dedicated changing tables are available.
- Weather-dependent boating: Ferry services may be delayed or canceled in rough seas during monsoon.
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 kids?
- Free picnic shelters and playground on Pulau Manukan
- Shallow, safe snorkeling for kids at Pulau Sapi
- Short boardwalk trek on Pulau Gaya for wildlife spotting
- Educational marine exhibits as a useful rain backup
- Optional banana boat ride for older children
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 days
Why 1–2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for island hopping, snorkeling, picnics and a relaxed pace for kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Beach picnic & playground:
Use free picnic shelters and BBQ pits on Pulau Manukan next to the kids’ playground.
Tip: Bring your own food, charcoal and a shade umbrella for midday breaks.
Shallow snorkeling at Pulau Sapi:
Snorkel in waist-deep, calm waters at Area 1 to spot colourful fish safely.
Tip: Rent a full set (mask, snorkel & fins) and life jackets; supervise kids at all times.
Jungle trek & wildlife spotting:
Walk the 0.5 km boardwalk on Pulau Gaya through dipterocarp forest.
Tip: Go early to see long-tailed macaques and birds before the midday heat.
Exhibition centre on Manukan:
Watch free video shows and view marine displays in the research building (9 am–3 pm, closed Mondays).
Tip: Use it as a rain-proof rest stop or educational break for kids.
Banana boat ride:
Enjoy a fun, speedy ride on Sapi or Manukan beaches.
Tip: Check with operators about minimum age (usually 7–8 years) and life-jacket fit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Arrive early: Catch calm morning waters and avoid queues at the jetty.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen: Protect kids’ skin and the coral ecosystem.
- Pack your own snorkel gear: Save on rental fees and ensure proper fit for children.
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)?
Plan visits between March and September for calmer seas and clearer water. During November–February, check weather and boat schedules due to heavy rain.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Boat return tickets (multi-island) | MYR 182 |
| Marine conservation fees | MYR 90 |
| Terminal fees | MYR 21.6 |
| Snorkeling gear rental (4 pax) | MYR 64 |
| Banana boat ride (2 pax) | MYR 100 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 457.6 |
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 kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
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