KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia offers a variety of marine parks where visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, snorkelling and diving while exploring the country’s rich marine biodiversity.
With more than 800 islands across its waters, over 40 have been gazetted as marine parks to protect marine habitats and aquatic life.
Here are five marine parks worth visiting for your next domestic getaway.
1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah
Located near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is among Sabah’s most accessible marine destinations. A 15- to 20-minute boat ride connects visitors to five islands: Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug.
Visitors can enjoy island hopping, snorkelling and stays at selected resorts on Pulau Gaya and Pulau Manukan.
2. Labuan Marine Park, Labuan
This marine park comprises three islands: Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Rusukan Besar and Pulau Rusukan Kecil.
Accessible by boat from Labuan Marina Jetty, the park is particularly attractive to diving enthusiasts, with several shipwreck diving sites, including the American, Australian, Blue Water and Cement wrecks. Visitors can also stay at a resort on Pulau Rusukan Besar.
3. Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, Johor
Located off the coast of Mersing, this marine park comprises 41 islands grouped into six clusters, including Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Aur and Pulau Pemanggil.
Popular activities include snorkelling, diving and island getaways. Visitors can also explore the Mersing Marine Park Gallery to learn more about marine ecosystems and conservation.
4. Tioman Marine Park, Pahang
Pulau Tioman is the main island of this marine park, which encompasses nine core islands. Visitors can reach Tioman by ferry from Mersing Jetty in Johor or Tanjung Gemok Jetty in Pahang, with journeys generally taking around 90 minutes to two and a half hours.
At the visitor centre in Kampung Tekek, visitors can learn about the area’s marine environment and the islands under its protection.
5. Pulau Payar Marine Park, Kedah
Situated south of Langkawi, Pulau Payar Marine Park consists of four uninhabited islands: Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Kaca and Pulau Segantang.
The park offers snorkelling and diving opportunities, with boat trips from Kuah Jetty taking approximately 45 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to book packages early as visitor slots are limited.
The park also closes annually from March 1 to May 31 for conservation purposes.
Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach escape or an underwater adventure, Malaysia’s marine parks offer opportunities to appreciate the country’s natural beauty while supporting marine conservation.
-TheStar
