Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND KOTA KINABALU
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Whenever one enjoys a sunset off KK, the view tends to be improved by the five jungly
humps of Manukan, Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug islands. These swaths of sand, plus
the reefs and cerulean waters in between them, make up
Tunku Abdul Rahman National
Park
(adult/child RM10/6)
, covering a total area of just over 49 sq km (two-thirds of
which is water). Only a short boat ride from KK, the islands are individually quite pretty,
but in an effort to accommodate the ever-increasing tourist flow (especially large numbers
of Chinese), barbecue stalls and restaurants now crowd the beaches. On weekends the is-
lands can get
very
crowded, but on weekdays you can find some serenity. Accommodation
tends to be expensive, but most travellers come here for day trips anyway, and there are
camping options.
Although it's no Sipadan, diving in the park is a popular activity, and the area is con-
sidered a good spot for getting open water certified.
Borneo Dream
( 088-244064;
www.borneodream.com
;
F-G-1 Plaza Tanjung Arum, Jalan Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu)
and Downbelow (
Click here
)
both run diving programs on Pulau Gaya.
PULAU MANUKAN
Manukan is the most popular destination for KK residents and has plenty of facilities. It is
the second-largest island in the group, its 20 hectares largely covered in dense vegetation.
There's a good beach with coral reefs off the southern and eastern shores, a walking trail
around the perimeter and a network of nature trails - if you want to thoroughly explore all
of the above it shouldn't take more than two hours, and you don't need to be particularly
fit. There's little clouds of tropical fish swimming around, many of which can be seen
simply by looking down from the jetty. When you depart the boat you'll likely be pointed
towards a kiosk that hires equipment masks and snorkels (RM15), beach mats (RM5) and
body boards (RM10).
Manukan Island Resort
( 017-833 5022;
www.suterasanctuarylodges.com
; villa
from RM1120; )
, managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, has the only accommoda-
tion on the island. It comprises a restaurant, swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as 20
dark-wood villas, all overlooking the South China Sea and decked out in tasteful Bali-chic
style; the cool stone showers hemmed in by flowering plants are a nice touch.
