Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a protected area in Malaysia.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park at a Glance

Location
Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
6.000852, 116.022740
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Nearest airport: Kota Belud Airport, 64 km away.

Big Five in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Wildlife in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Home to 64 recorded species including 23 waterbirds, 23 iconic birds, 13 birds of prey, 4 tropical birds, 1 marine & freshwater.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

5 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

luxury

mid-range

Similar Parks in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park for its unique marine experiences?

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October, when the seas are calmer and visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent. Expect clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life across the park's five islands.

What kind of 'safari' or wildlife viewing can I expect at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, given it's a protected area?

While not a traditional land-based safari, the park offers an incredible marine 'safari' experience, showcasing diverse underwater ecosystems. You can expect to encounter colorful reef fish, sea turtles, various coral species, and occasionally reef sharks while snorkeling or diving in its protected waters.

What are the typical costs and main activities for visitors exploring Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park?

Entry to the park typically involves a conservation fee, and boat transfers between islands are the primary cost, varying by island hopping package. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, jungle trekking on Gaya Island, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

How should travelers prepare for the moderate malaria risk when visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park's islands?

Although the risk is moderate, especially on the more forested islands like Gaya, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets if available, especially when staying overnight.

Given its low crowding level, what unique, tranquil experiences can I find within Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park?

With a crowding level of 1/5, you can often find secluded beaches and quiet snorkeling spots, particularly on less-visited islands or during off-peak hours. Enjoy peaceful moments exploring untouched coral gardens, hiking serene jungle trails, or simply relaxing on a pristine beach away from the crowds.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.