Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah, East Malaysia Part 2/3

Another side of Manukan island

Snorkeling area: the mainland and KK look beautiful from the island.

When I arrived at the island's jetty, I was surprised to see hundreds of fish in the crystalline waters.When I threw them a piece of bread, they went berserk.If you're the type who enjoys being BBQ in the sun, Manukan island will not disappoint. Go snorkeling or...

go scuba diving and earn more bragging rights for your next "teh tarik" (Malay words which loosely means tea drinking) session at the coffee shop or Starbucks.

No gear for snorkeling? Don't despair. They can be rented here at this shop which was the most welcome sight for me as cooked food and drinking water are available here. You see, since I left my room rather early, the shops in KK were still closed.

As mentioned earlier, Manukan island is just within a spitting distance of KK. No long tedious boat ride to your paradise island.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah, East Malaysia Part 1/3

Jesselton Ferry Terminal

The good thing about KK, if you like snorkling and diving, is that the islands are only 15 to 20 minutes away by speedboat. Since boats leave only when they have about 12 passengers, I made sure I was at the ferry point by 9am. Already there was a sizeable crowd. A surprise since it was a weekday. I paid Rm17 at the counter for Manukan Island and at another counter RM6 port fee.

Manukan Island: sandy white beach and crystal clear waters beckon

The Park consists of 5 islands, the largest of which is Manukan Island. It's the most developed with chalets, a restaurant, footpaths, benches, a convenience store (selling cooked food too)  and don't worry if you have a bladder problem as there's a free toilet. (A conservation fee is levied for entrance to the island)

Footpath: for that leisurely stroll

A footpath winds its way through the island. With birdsong to entertain you, and the sea breeze in your face your stress level disappears (until you re-appear on the mainland). A magpie robin flew close to me as if to say Hi!