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Gaya Island is the largest island of the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park which lies just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
There are frequent ferries from the port at Kota Kinabalu over to the island (15 minute journey) and a visit to the island is a lovely day trip or you can stay overnight.
Wildlife of Gaya Island
The island has superb beaches; walking trails through the rainforest where you will see an array of birdlife, wild boar, monitor lizards and possibly some macaque monkeys and great snorkeling. The resort here also has a dive center where you can arrange to do some diving around the other islands of the marine park.
Marine Ecology Research Centre
Gayana Marine Resort has two excellent restaurants which you can use if you are just visiting for the day and it also has a Marine Ecology Research Centre which serves as an education and research facility as well as rehabilitation and breeding center for giant clams, coral and many fish species.
who's been there
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Suggested itineraries featuring Gaya Island
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Gaya Island, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Gaya Island
- Manukan Island 6 kilometers away
- Kota Kinabalu 11 kilometers away
- Kinabalu National Park 58 kilometers away
- Mount Kinabalu 60 kilometers away
- Garama Wetlands 155 kilometers away
- Brunei 171 kilometers away
- Deramakot Forest Reserve 171 kilometers away
- Maliau Basin 190 kilometers away
- Sepilok 214 kilometers away
- Kinabatangan River 217 kilometers away
- Sandakan 226 kilometers away
- Danum Valley 238 kilometers away
- Mulu National Park 250 kilometers away
- Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park 295 kilometers away
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve 313 kilometers away
- Sipadan Mabul and Kapalai Islands 340 kilometers away
- Kapalai Island 357 kilometers away
- Mataking Island 362 kilometers away
Photos of Gaya Island
Our expert guides to exploring Gaya Island
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Gaya Island, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Gaya Island at its best.
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Accommodation choices for Gaya Island
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Gaya Island. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Bungaraya Island Resort
Gaya Island