Marine park fee: Malaysians vs non-Malaysians
Your group includes both Malaysians and visitors and you want to know who pays what.
At the east-coast marine parks we researched, non-Malaysians are reported to pay six times the Malaysian adult rate [1]. At two Sabah sites the gap is smaller in ringgit but still clear. Plan the fee line person by person, because a mixed group pays a mix.
The island trip cost calculator can hold the result. For the child side of the same fees, see our guide to child marine park fees.
How big is the gap?
Here is the adult rate for each group at the places we checked.
| Place | Malaysian adult | Non-Malaysian adult |
|---|---|---|
| East-coast marine parks (Redang, Perhentian) | RM5 with MyKad [1] | RM30 without MyKad [1] |
| Perhentian, as reported by the press | RM5 [2] | RM30 [2] |
| Sipadan conservation fee | RM50 [3] | RM100 [3] |
| Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah | RM8 [4] | RM25 [4] |
The two east-coast rows use secondary sources, so confirm them. The Sabah Parks figures come from official pages. The ratio is not the same everywhere, so do not scale one park’s gap to another.
What does a mixed group pay?
Take four adults: three Malaysians with MyKad and one visitor without.
On the east-coast schedule, the three Malaysians pay RM5 each, which is RM15, and the visitor pays RM30, so the park line is RM45 [1]. If all four were without MyKad, it would be four at RM30, which is RM120 [1].
The visitor accounts for most of the total. It is fair to tell the visitor in advance, so the fee is not a surprise at the jetty.
What should you ask about ID?
The research separates MyKad holders from others on the east coast, and Sabah parks separate Malaysians from international visitors. It does not settle every case. Ask the operator these questions.
- Which document must each person show?
- How are permanent residents and long-stay pass holders charged?
- Is a child treated by nationality or by the parent?
- Is there a surcharge or discount for seniors, students or disabled visitors?
Keep the written answer with your booking.
A better fit if…
Paying the fee as part of the package may suit you if you want one number up front and the operator has confirmed each traveller’s category. Paying on arrival may suit you better if your group’s documents are still being sorted out. Our guide on whether the fee is included or paid on arrival goes through both.
What else should you check?
- Is the quoted fee for each person at the correct category?
- Is there a separate council or access charge? See hidden costs on island holidays.
- Is the fee charged per day or per visit?
- Will a receipt be provided?
Common questions
How much more do non-Malaysians pay?
At the east-coast parks we researched, the reported adult rate for non-Malaysians is six times the Malaysian rate. At Sabah parks the gap is smaller in ringgit but still clear. Rates change, so confirm the current figure for your group in writing.
Who counts as a Malaysian for the fee?
The east-coast reports separate MyKad holders from everyone else. We have not confirmed how permanent residents, long-stay residents or children without MyKad are treated. Ask the operator which document it needs to see and whether it accepts it for your group.
Is the fee paid to the resort?
The research reports it as paid to the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Trust Fund, often collected at the jetty or through the operator. Whether your package already includes it varies, so ask who collects it and when.
Can a mixed group pay a single fee?
Each person is charged at their own rate, so a mixed group pays a mix. Ask the operator to list each traveller with his or her category and add them up, so the total is checked before you leave.
Sources
- Secondary: ferry booking site (easybookmy) and FMT 2022 report citing Fisheries site (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Free Malaysia Today (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)