Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

On Saturday we rented a boat & driver for a half day & went to the TAR Marine Park for some snorkeling. These islands are one of the most favoured dive destinations in Borneo, consisting of a cluster of islands comprising: Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only 10 – 20 minute speed boat ride from our resort. The five islands of the Marine Park are famous for their shallow waters; sumptuous coral gardens and boast splendid white sandy beaches; and furry friends if your stuff is left unattended on the beach. Check out Bubbles Underwater World for some of Arnie's diving photographs.

First, we went to Sulug which is the least developed of all the isles - back to basics - peaceful & pristine.



After a quick drive by Mamutik which was extremely busy, we moved onto Manukan & stayed for over an hour.



The snorkeling here was magnificent with fish that were extremely rambunctious & playful.



They would get up in your face, suck on your skin (causing me to yelp in surprise 3 times) & chase you playfully. We have some awesome underwater snorkeling film clips where you see the fish racing up to our face & then seconds before reaching your face, they would circle back - over & over.

For more snorkeling photos, go to Bubbles Underwater World

Our next stop was Palau Sapi, which is the only island within the group that has monkeys - how they got to be there is a bit of mystery. We were warned my many not to leave your belongings unattended otherwise, curious George would claim them as his own.

Then our driver took us fishing and everyone caught fish, EXCEPT me. Imagine that, me, a Canadian caught NADDA - hard to believe, I KNOW. We handled over our catch for the day to our driver to take home to his family and we were rewarded with a huge smile of gratitude.

As a thank you for the catch of the day, our driver took us to a secluded beach which was filled with beautiful star fish - everywhere in every directly - truly amazing.