Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP)

There are not many places in the world that offer a bustling city full of modern facilities and then right on the doorstep, just 8 minutes by speedboat from central Kota KInabalu City a stunning tropical marine paradise.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, locally known as TARP is home to PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.

Based at The Beach House, Gaya Island and surrounded by primary rain forest the centre is a haven for watersports and wildlife lovers.

Offering daily Scuba Diving, PADI Courses, Snorkelling, Skin Diving, Trekking and Camping. A visit to Downbelows Beach House and Scuba Diving Centre is a must when in Kota Kinabalu.

Five beautiful tropical islands make up the land mass of TARP a 49sq km National Park , Pulau Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug and the largest island Pulau Gaya at 15sq km is home to a local stilt village, where good walking trails here through virgin tropical rain-forest.


For Beach Lovers, Snorkelers, Skin Divers, beginners to the sport of Scuba Diving and professionals alike the park offers a great deal.

Tropical waters abundant with diverse and fascinating marine life, sheltered reefs with year round dive access, idilic island paradise settings to relax and while away surface intervals - all this within view of the KK city centre and Mt Kinabalu.

Sapi and Gaya Islands are often our base for the day with all snorkel and dive sites minutes from the tropical island paradise.

Dive sites within the park are predominantly sloping coral reefs, mangrove areas and sand slopes with plenty of fish life and macro subjects - ideal for photographers both beginners and those more advanced.

The park provides an ideal location for conducting PADI dive courses of all levels with many people choosing to complete Open Water Diver, Advanced OW Diver or Refresher courses with us, then continue their journey to Kapalai, Sipadan or elsewhere.

There are two or three resorts within the park with accommodation ranging from MYR 700 per night however we can recommend a 1 million star rated alternative - Camping !!!!


You can plot up on the beach or on the grassy area right next to the Ocean, you can have the island to yourself (and a few local staff). There are basic toilets and showers and BBQ areas in some locations.

We highly recommend camping as an alternative to staying in the resorts or in the city. Should you need to rent a tent we can help to organize it for you, the cost is approximately MYR 60 per night, please contact us.

We have put together a PHOTO ALBUM displaying some of our photography of the area.

Once loaded the album provides a carousel of thumbnails for you to scroll, click and view.

Should you wish to book a days snorkeling, diving, relaxing or just come along for the beach BBQ, please contact us.