Random Thoughts about the Boat to Manukan and TARP Islands

 As of Sunday, 14 August 2011, I've been to Manukan and Sapi.

: Boats depart from Jesselton Point ferry terminal starting from 8:00 AM till 4:00 PM on a more or less half hourly basis, or when there's enough people to fill up one boat.
: Return trips from the islands start at 10:00 AM and the last boat would be 5:00 PM at the very latest, but for many the last boat is either 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM.
: Fares are RM17 per island for the islands of Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik. Gaya and Sulug would be classified under boat charter price, a different category due to the smaller numbers of people going there.
: You can choose from any of the boat operators, the fares are all the same standard price.
: There's a jetty terminal fee of RM7.20 to be paid at a different counter.
: There's also a park fee of RM3 to be paid upon arrival at the first island on your itinerary. You don't have to pay the RM3 again if you visit more than one island.
: Manukan's the largest and most developed island with the most facilities.
: Sapi has a large population of resident monitor lizards. They're not scared of people, they hang around the barbecue pit areas.
: Mamutik's a popular destination for team building excursions.
: TARP stands for Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It covers the islands of Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Sulug.
: There are Filipino immigrant settlements on the eastern side of Gaya facing Kota Kinabalu city. To get there, ask the Filipino people at the Filipino Market, they'll know who to direct you to.
: It's possible to take a day trip to TARP from KL. Take the earliest AirAsia flight from LCCT at 6:50 AM, arrive at KKIA T2 at 9:20 AM. Get a taxi to Jesselton Point, and you're all set. Take any flight after 6:55 PM from KKIA back to KL and you might reach home before midnight.