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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
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Gaya Island by contacting one of our Borneo specialists
- 617-223-4130
- Make an inquiry
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
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![Sunbird at Gaya Island, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunbird at Gaya Island, Malaysian Borneo -
![Sunset cruise from Gaya Island Resort]()
Sunset cruise from Gaya Island Resort
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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What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide ![Proboscis monkeys, Sandakan, Borneo]()
What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide
What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide
This guide features recommendations for things to do in Borneo. It focuses on the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, which offer a lot of variety in a smaller radius than Indonesian Borneo.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Borneo ![Lankayan Island, Malaysian Borneo]()
Honeymoons in Borneo
Honeymoons in Borneo
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Borneo with Audley. Discover some of the best properties, places and wildlife on offer and how we can make your honeymoon in Borneo extra special.
Read this guide -
Luxury vacations in Borneo ![Sapi (left) and Gaya (right) Island, Borneo]()
Luxury vacations in Borneo
Luxury vacations in Borneo
Southeast Asia specialist Shannon explains how to thread luxurious experiences through a trip to Borneo. From personally guided wildlife tours to jungle lodges with spas and private plunge pools, she shares her top recommendations.
Read this guide
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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![Swimming Pool, Gaya Island Resort]()
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 -
![Beachfront villas, Bunga Raya Island Resort]()
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
