Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park ( TAR islands of Sabah, North Borneo )

Christmas Day falls on December 25 and is an occasion for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  In Sabah, many people, even if they are not Christian, give each other gifts, prepare special meals and decorate their homes at this time of year. This is because the Christmas festive falls on the year end school holidays where children enjoy exchanging gifts, setting up wood fire and even decorating Christmas tree.

This Christmas, if you are still contemplating where to  spend your holiday. The isle of islands in Borneo is one of the best options. This near island escapade gives a total opposite feel of winter snow Christmas like Europe; however, these perfects tropical islands provide a memorable vacation island of a lifetime.

Islands of Borneo

TAR Marine Park (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park)

The TAR islands are easily accessible as they are close to Kota Kinabalu - about 15 to 20 minutes boat ride. You can choose to visit one or more of the islands in a day, or spend a night or two to enjoy the tropical moonlight and even night camp fire with your love ones. TAR Marine parks provide a perfect gateway for family gathering.

Pulau Gaya- One of the largest island at the Park at 140 hectares with 25km of shoreline. For divers, the coral reefs along the entire coast of the island are in excellent condition. There is one tropical resort on this island called the Gayana Island Eco Resort. The untouched coastal Dipterocarp forest is ideal for trekking and studying unique species of plant and animal life.

Pulau Manukan - This 51 acres boomerang shaped tropical Island is the second largest of the TAR Marine Park. Manukan has good stretches of beaches especially on the southern coastline. Ideal for snorkeling, diving and camping. There are also accommodations available with excellent facilities. However, due to the popularity of this particular island, the crowd congestion may be slightly noisy in during the day, making it a similarity like the enchanted island of Bali.

Pulau Mamutik - The smallest of the five tropical islands of the Park covering some 15 acres. Rich coral life surrounds the islands. The island has a jetty, a 3-bedroom rest house for rent and quarters for Rangers on the island. There were also sea sports such as banana boat, canoeing as well as water skiing for rent during the day. Mamutik island also serves as the main off shore station for your scuba dive lesson. Other facilities available include changing rooms, toilets, picnic shelters, tables and barbecue pits. There are also fresh water and electricity in the island.

Pulau Sapi - For a small tropical island of 25 acres, Sapi Island has one of the nicest beaches in the Marine Park. Its clean white sand, crystal clear water and teeming coral reefs fringing the shoreline makes it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Day use facilities are available at the island such as a jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets. There are also hiking trails available through the interior which can provide an excellent opportunity for you to appreciate nature in its wild habitat. If you are considering a destination for your children, this is the perfect edutainment island for children.

Pulau Sulug - Sulug Island with an area size of 20 acres is the farthest away from Kota Kinabalu. The tropical island is also the least developed. The shoreline is mostly rocky with beautiful patches of coral at the southern end. The island is however, very popular for those island hoppers who prefer the tranquil and untouched tropical beach atmosphere. Plenty of naughty long tailed Macaque welcomes your arrival. So, be careful with their snatch and begging behavior. This is the calmest and most quiet island and it is always the perfect pit stop for divers.

Perfect Escaped for the young, the young at heart, and the old

These islands are easily access, perfect destination not only for open water divers but also non divers. You can opt for the non diver package and just chill in your cozy room. It all depends how you want your Christmas to be, a romantic and quiet mode, or celebrating it with a warmth gathering among family members.  This is because Sabah is blessed being well known as “Land below the Wind”. These islands are well sheltered from the rough waters of the typhoon belt. Choose your desired island according to your holiday theme; make your way to Jesselton Point at Jalan Pantai, your holiday is just a doorstep away! 

Return to the North Borneo

Shy to say... i am born bread from the west coast of Sabah ( North Of Borneo ) and yet, i did not take time to discover and appreciate how great the nature and wildlife of my own backyard is. well, even majority of sabahan doesnt exactly appreciate their gift of nature, knowing that tuorist came from the other side of the globe just to visit our "land below the wind"

This trip down to Sabah, beside having few important meetings, i have also took the challenge to join " Paddle or Die" motion act---The white water rafting ( Grade III & IV). Taking the challenge with me was Bil- my x-neighbour back in Bangsar Permai. This is a real adrenaline triggered ventures which Bil & i promised to each other that if i jump; he jump too, we made vows and promised, especially Bil, knowing he is going to get married next year, was worried like hell... (actually me too, may be i am getting old, activities like this sometimes freak me out..LOL)


Well, The journey will first take 1-½ hours overland to Beaufort town. From thereupon, we took a 45 min train rides tracks along the Padas River that gives glimpses of the thrills and excitement to come. all paraphenalia are left in the bus, we are left with nothing in hand, we ride through the oldest train in Borneo which passes through the once renowned headhunters' tribe (Murut).

Before the paddle, we were briefed by the Guide leader, who is a Bajau mix phillipine.His sense of humor and security gave everone a very clear picture on paddle safety, emergency self rescue, and the importance of guides command.

Now, after a half day tuor, we finally hook on the bumble bee boat, hang on to our paddle ( not me because i was sitting in the front row middle rank, which function as a safety belt and also sound provider (scream & shout ) .. hahaha )


These rapid carries amusing names such as Merry-Go-Round Rapid, Break Point Rapid, Scooby Doo Rapid, Cobra Rapid, Curve Rapid, Lambada Rapid and Head Hunter Rapid. Each rapid will give you the feel of the motion as what the name means. Splashhh~Splash~ Splash, we paddle, we fall and we drank so much of water...... however the teamwork, the scream of worries has turn out to be fun and joyess. .. In between time i still can chat with Bil, and ask his wish before he die, even the guide was COOL and CALM enough to share his experience with us.. haaa! its sooo sooo much fun and this really splash away my stress, sorrows and worries..


As usual, after paddling, the journey going back to KK was the most tiring and all of us slept like baby...During my journey back, i asked Bil, how does he feel..... he smile and answered :

" I will definitely come again for the next challenge!"