This paper examines sense of place (SOP) as a promising framework for understanding how tourism transforms places.  SOP research examines the relationships people (usually local residents) have to places and the processes of becoming attached to a place. Three main aspects reflected on include the characteristics of the physical environment; the interactions and behaviours within the setting; and place meanings.  Locals often have a strong SOP, but, increasingly it is accepted that tourists may also develop a SOP towards a specific site or destination whilst on holiday, and this may influence their decision to return.  However, the SOP possessed by locals and tourists may not be the same, may indeed conflict and have repercussions. To develop tourism, local recreational spots are often upgraded into tourist sites. When this happens, tourism often changes the character of place. This results in local people losing their SOP, while tourists create topophilic relationships. The paper suggests that nurturing SOP is essential to ensure that both locals and tourists continue to feel sufficiently attached to a place.  In this paper, these ideas are discussed within the context of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.  TARP consists of five islands located 20 minutes away by speed boat from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.  In the past twenty years, the growth of tourism has transformed the marine park from a local picnic ground for the residents of Kota Kinabalu into a must-visit tourist destination.  This paper evaluates the frenetic growth of tourism to this marine park with consideration of a ‘win-lose’ balance sheet for the local residents which includes unaffordable resorts, activities and competition for space versus improved facilities, accessibility and opportunities for recreation.  That the shores of these islands now host more tourists is an example of how tourism transforms and disconnects place.  Some suggestions for how locals might reconnect with this marine park are put forward.  Ultimately, it is essential to consider whether permanent or cyclical attachment is more valued, and worth nurturing.