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Bungaraya Island Resort on Gaya Island

Visit Gaya Island, Borneo

Visit Gaya Island, Borneo

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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 snorkelling. The resort here also has a dive centre 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 centre for giant clams, coral and many fish species.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Shannon

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Gaya Island by contacting one of our Borneo specialists

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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.

Map of Gaya Island

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Gaya Island

    Photos of Gaya Island

    • 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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      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.

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    • 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.

      8 min read

      Read this guide
    • Luxury holidays in Borneo
      Sapi (left) and Gaya (right) Island, Borneo

      Luxury holidays in Borneo

      Luxury holidays 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.

      6 min read

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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.

    • Swimming Pool, Gaya Island Resort
      Responsible Choice

      Gaya Island Resort

      Gaya Island
      First Class