Travel advisory · MalaysiaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Malaysia.The warnings cover only these areas: Eastern Sabah islands and dive sites, Malaysia–Thailand land border.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Eastern Sabah islands and dive sites · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, New Zealand, UK
- Malaysia–Thailand land border · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, France, New Zealand
Also named by one government: Northern and eastern Sabah islands and surrounding waters (France), Sandakan (France), Semporna (France), Sulu Archipelago and intervening sea (Germany), Tawau (France), East coast of Sabah (Germany), North and east coasts of Sabah (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions | Feb 22, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | Oct 16, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise normal safety and security precautions overall (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is five islands in the South China Sea, a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. Coral reefs around the islands make it a day trip for snorkeling.
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Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a marine park of five islands a short boat ride off Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah on the north coast of Borneo. The islands are Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Gaya and Sulug. Gaya is the largest, with the most forest. Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik are the most visited and have the most facilities. Most people visit on a day trip from Kota Kinabalu, and the park is easy to add to a city stay.
The draw is the water. Coral reefs and clear sea around the islands suit snorkeling. Beyond the water, you can walk forest trails on the larger islands and spend a slow afternoon on the beaches. Plan for a half day or a full day. Seas are usually calmer from around March to October, while the northeast monsoon, roughly November to February, can bring rough seas and cancel boats. Check conditions before you go.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park in five
- Buy boat tickets at Jesselton PointBoats to the islands leave from the Jesselton Point ferry terminal in Kota Kinabalu. Confirm the return time with the operator before you board.Getting around
- Carry ringgit for the islandsCarry cash in ringgit for food and drinks on the islands.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before the boatDownload offline maps and your boat times before you leave Kota Kinabalu.Phones and eSIM
- Pack a dry bag for your phoneBoat spray can reach you on the crossing. Keep your phone, cash and passport in a sealed dry bag.
- Get insurance that covers boat transfersCheck that your policy covers boat transfers and water activities. An injured visitor needs a boat back to Kota Kinabalu.Travel insurance
Things to do in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
See all attractions in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Ringgit (MYR)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many nationalities; check Malaysia's immigration department before you fly Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; check whether a service charge is already on the bill
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryMonsoon seas
- FebruaryMonsoon seas
- MarchCalmer seas
- AprilCalmer seas
- MayHot, humid
- JuneCalm seas
- JulyCalm seas
- AugustCalm seas
- SeptemberHot, humid
- OctoberSeas turning
- NovemberMonsoon seas
- DecemberMonsoon seas
Right now in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
04:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today31°24°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed31°24°86%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Thu30°24°100%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri30°24°100%Friday: Rain. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat30°24°100%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun31°24°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Mon30°24°99%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 99%.
Updated 12:16 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 4.057 MYR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Rules for Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, checked
- Check the current Sabah Parks rules on landing, fees and what you may take from beaches and reefs before you travel.Source
- Malaysia enforces strict drug laws, including the death penalty for trafficking; check Royal Malaysian Customs rules before you pack.Source
- Follow the boat crew's safety instructions and wear a life jacket when they are provided.
Plan around Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Entry, regions and getting from the airport to the coast
Read the guideGetting around SabahTaxis, car hire and transfers into Kota Kinabalu
Read the guideMoney and costsRinggit, cards and what the island day costs
Read the guideVisas and entryWhich passports need what before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayKota Kinabalu bases for early boats
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps and boat times when signal drops
Read the guideTunku Abdul Rahman National Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?
Visitors pay park entry fees through Sabah Parks. Check the current amounts and how to pay on the Sabah Parks website before you travel.
Which island should I visit first?
Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik are the most visited islands and have the most facilities. Gaya is the largest of the five and suits a quieter day.
How many days do I need at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?
A day trip from Kota Kinabalu is enough for most visitors, with time to swim and snorkel on two islands.
When is the best time to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?
March to October usually has calmer seas. Boats are cancelled in rough weather, most often during the northeast monsoon from about November to February.
Can I swim and snorkel at the islands?
Yes, you can swim and snorkel from the beaches. Bring your own gear, or ask the boat operator whether rental is available.