TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN MARINE PARK @ KOTA KINABALU

An almost forgotten trip; my family trip to Kota Kinabalu (KK) back in April this year until I came across my 'To Be Posted' folder in my PC. Honestly speaking, I didn't want to post on it cos I barely could remember much about the trip until I went through each and every photos I took. Suddenly, everything came back to me in a flash, as if the trip took place yesterday. I can even remember the packet of nasi lemak we had at LCCT until the last seafood lunch we had in KK before taking a flight home and of course, all the in-between snacks!! Anyway, family trips are rare and precious to me, hence I shall proceed with the post so that in years to come, we can all come back to reminisce all the great fun we had.

Today's post will be on our day trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) Marine Park. The TAR Marine Park comprises a cluster group of 5 idyllic islands namely, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya & Sapi and is well known for diving and snorkeling. The trip was about RM200 per person and it includes pick-up and return from/to hotel, snorkeling gears, bamboo mat and BBQ lunch.

Paul Suk Suk (uncle): Are we ready to go?
Nathan: YESHH!! *2 thumbs up*


The little boy was obviously very excited about the trip. The laughter on his face: PRICELESS!!


Located just 20km from Kota Kinabalu, we reach the first island, Pulau Gaya in less than 10 minutes. We didn't get off to this island as we were told that this island is occupied by illegal Filipinos and is considered as a highly dangerous crime area. There are also other Sabah tribes living here such as the Suluks and Bajaus.


The little boy is not at all impressed with the first stop!


Nathan: Are we there yet? I wanna go snorkelling!!!


After Pulau Gaya, I couldn't remember the sequence of the remaining 4 islands we visited cos from my photos, they all looked the same.


True as it claims, the water is crystal clear with lots of colourful fishes greeting us at the each pier. We spotted lots of big promfret too and guess what I was thinking at that moment? Sadly, fishing is NOT allowed.


Little boy was jumping with joy! We went snorkeling at each islands that we stopped. My underwater camera was purchased after this trip, so no photo of fishy here.


Little boy claimed that his dad is Sandman and it is his job (as a Spiderman) to save the day. Ermm..with the life jacket on, he looked more like a BUMBLEBEE to me.


I really have no idea why my sis is wearing her hat in the water. LOL! She is gonna kill me for putting this photo up. Sorry sis, but this photo is so hilarious. Hahaha!


Lunch was served in Mamutik, or was it Manukan? Anyway, we were told that BBQ lunch will be served and stupid me was expecting a BBQ pit filled with hot burning charcoal awaiting for us to cook our own lunch. Well, that would be the most perfect thing to do on a beach right? Of course, they wouldn't waste time allowing us to do that. All the food was laid nicely on the buffet spread...all precooked. Bummer!!


Carbos to fill up our stomach! Fried meehoon and fried rice.


Grilled prawns, corns, potato wedges and sausages. Prawns were really sweet and I had loads of it.


Grilled chicken wings, lamb and satay. There were also some salads and fruits.


I was hungry and we were having a great time. The meal was nothing fantastic but the company counts. So in conclusion, it was a very good meal.


Little boy was contented too. After lunch, we continued with more snorkeling.


The trip ended with line fishing. I didn't even feel a single bite! We all went back empty handed.


Ahhh.....after posting this up, I yearned for a beach holiday. Do you?