Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Home to some of the finest reefs in Borneo, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a pristine location in which school groups can take part in marine conservation and encounter magical species such as turtles.

Located just off the shores of Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) is a national park that emcompasses a huge swathe of ocean, as well as five islands. The largest of these islands is Gaya Island, famed for its excellent quality reefs and vibrant marine life. Some of the smaller islands include Manukan Island, home to thick vegetation and some great walking trails, and also Sapi Island which is considered to have one of the finest beaches in Malaysia.

Groups who venture here will be treated to amazing marine encounters, with species ranging from tiny nudibranch to majestic turtles. You may even encounter the occasional reef shark.

One of the most important features of the TARP is the frequent marine biology and marine conservation projects that are taking place. Students are able to assist in this research, which will usually involve two days of study and two days of fieldwork, where the fieldwork will be beach and snorkelling based. Pupils can also take part in scuba diving if they are a certified diver, and there are opportunities to learn to dive in the marine park for those wishing to gain new skills and discover a seldom-seen underwater world.