Kota Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP)

Water Conditions

• Visibility can swing rapidly after rain because many sites are close to shore.
• Currents are usually manageable on sheltered reef sites, but can be stronger in channels and around points on changing tide.

Boat and Surface Safety

• Use a surface marker buoy (SMB) on ascent and safety stops.
• Freedivers and snorkelers should use a float and dive flag when leaving designated swim areas.

Shore Entries

• Watch for fire coral, sharp coral, and sea urchins on shallow reefs.
• Maintain buoyancy and fin awareness to prevent injuries and reef damage.

Wildlife Etiquette

• Keep distance from turtles and any large animals.
• Never touch, ride, or block wildlife.

Emergency Response

• Malaysia emergency number: 999 (general) and 112 (mobile).
• For diving emergencies, administer oxygen if available, monitor the diver, and contact a medical professional as early as possible.

Decompression Illness and Hyperbaric Care

• Kota Kinabalu has hospital infrastructure, and Sabah has hyperbaric capability (including reported hyperbaric services at the Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces Hospital in Sepanggar).

Dive Accident Insurance

• Carry dive accident insurance (for example DAN) that covers evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, and save your policy and emergency numbers offline.