The park’s islands possess mangrove areas, coastal dipterocarp forest, sandy beaches an attractive coral reefs. Visitor facilities on the islands of Sapi and Gaya are fully operated by Sabah Parks. Facilities on Mamutik, Manukan and Sulug are operated under concession arrangements to private companies. These companies are Borneo Divers and Seasports (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd. On Mamutik; Kinabalu Nature Resorts Sdn. Bhd. On Manukan and our own company, Sulug Island Management Sdn. Bhd. On Sulug. As concessionaires we operate visitor facilities within the guidelines set by Sabah Parks and work closely with Park personnel to ensure that the spirit and the letter of proper park management practices are the order of the day.

The diverse population of corals support hundreds of species of colourful coral dwelling fish and invertebrates and are intermingled with several species of molluscs including giant clams. Octopus can also be found here. Sponges and crinoids are found intermingled with corals or near coral patches and so are several species of marine algae (seaweeds). In or near the habitats created by these one finds a wide variety of interesting creatures including photographers’ favourites such as nudibranchs, lionfish, shrimp, lobsters, anemones, anemone fish, sea horses and a host of others.

Diving activity is year round in TARP and sea surface temperatures are generally in the range of 25-30°C. Average visibility is in the range of 10-15 metres. Sea temperatures are at their lowest between November and February.