Is Pulau Tiga Park right for you?
You want a quieter Sabah park and need to know how to reach it and what it costs.
Pulau Tiga Park is a Sabah marine park north of Kuala Penyu, which Sabah Parks lists as its gateway [1]. It suits travellers who want a quieter park than the busy islands near Kota Kinabalu and are happy to check details before they commit. It suits you less if you want a ready-made package with fixed boat times and a long list of resorts.
Our guide to choosing a Malaysian island helps you compare it with others, and the cost calculator lets you test the sums.
Who might Pulau Tiga suit?
Pulau Tiga may suit curious travellers, families with older children and anyone who wants a short, quieter break in Sabah. Research did not confirm the boat time, stays or activities beyond the fees, so who it suits best is not yet clear. Our comparison of Mantanani and Pulau Tiga for a quiet Sabah trip may help.
A busier but better-documented option is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park off Kota Kinabalu.
How do you get to Pulau Tiga?
Sabah Parks lists Kuala Penyu as the gateway, with the park lying north of the town [1]. Research did not confirm a boat time, a fare or the departure jetty. Ask your operator for those three things, plus the road distance from Kota Kinabalu.
Peninsular Malaysians enter Sabah with a MyKad, with a stay capped at 90 days, per a 2022 report [2]. Verify the rule with Sabah immigration before you fly.
What do the fees cost?
Sabah Parks lists the park fee per person per day: RM20 for an international adult and RM12 for a foreign visitor aged 17 and below [1]. A Malaysian adult pays RM6 and a Malaysian aged 13 to 17 pays RM2 [1]. Visitors aged 12 and below, 60 and above, and disabled visitors are free [1].
The volcanic mud bath is RM10 for an international visitor and RM8 for a Malaysian adult, for the first three hours and each hour after [1]. Ask whether these are inside your price. Our guide on marine park fees, included or paid on arrival shows how to read the line.
When is the season?
Research did not find season dates. Our guide on Sabah islands, seasons and permits explains how to ask. Sea conditions can stop boats on any day, so ask what happens to your booking if the trip is cancelled.
What should you ask before you book?
- Which jetty, and what time does the boat leave on my date?
- How long is the crossing, and how far is the drive from Kota Kinabalu?
- Is the park fee and mud bath in the price?
- Is there a stay on the island, and who runs it?
- Which meals and equipment are included?
- What is the weather cancellation rule?
If you are choosing your first Sabah island, our guide on which Sabah island suits a first Malaysian Borneo trip is a good next step.
Common questions
How do I get to Pulau Tiga?
Sabah Parks lists Kuala Penyu as the gateway to the park, which lies north of that town. Research did not confirm a boat time or fare. Ask your operator for the departure jetty, the crossing time on your date and the road distance from Kota Kinabalu so you can plan the whole day.
How much is the park fee for Pulau Tiga?
Per person per day, Sabah Parks lists RM6 for a Malaysian adult and RM2 for a Malaysian aged 13 to 17, with the fee free for those 12 and below, 60 and above, and disabled visitors. International adults pay RM20. Confirm the current amounts before you travel.
What is the mud bath charge?
Sabah Parks lists the volcanic mud bath at RM8 for a Malaysian adult and RM10 for an international visitor, for the first three hours and each hour after. Ask your operator whether the mud bath is part of your package or a separate charge, and whether children may use it.
Can I stay overnight on Pulau Tiga?
We have not confirmed a stay on Pulau Tiga in our research. Ask any operator who offers an overnight where you sleep, who runs it, what the room type is and whether meals and the boat are included. Get the answers in a written quotation.
Sources
- Sabah Parks (accessed 2026-10-16)
- The Vibes (accessed 2026-10-16)