A quiet escape with incredible beaches
Gaya Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and those seeking a serene escape.
Gaya Island offers a luxurious yet laid-back escape just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. Surrounded by coral reefs and cloaked in dense rainforest, it’s a perfect spot to slow down, soak up nature, and enjoy a more indulgent side of Borneo, all with the mountains of Sabah as your backdrop.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, Gaya Island is just a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland. Resorts here are tucked into the forest or set along quiet beaches, with stilted villas, open-air spas, and ocean-facing restaurants that make the most of the setting.
You can snorkel or dive straight from the shore, explore jungle trails with a guide, kayak through mangroves, or simply relax on soft white sands. It’s also home to a marine conservation centre, and some resorts support active rainforest rehabilitation projects, so your stay can help give back to the island too.
Gaya Island works brilliantly as a stand-alone tropical break or as a relaxing end to a wildlife-focused adventure elsewhere in Sabah. It’s an ideal mix of barefoot luxury, nature, and gentle exploration.
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