Gaya Island Hotels

Gazetted as a national park in 1974, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises a group of five islands situated less than eight kilometres away from central Kota Kinabalu. A stone’s throw away from KK, for years the forests, beaches, and coral reefs at the park have been the holiday escape choice of tourists visiting the city.

Blanketed by undisturbed lowland rainforest, the 15sqkm Gaya Island is the giant of KK’s offshore islands; the closest to KK, the bays on the east coast of the island is dominated by a sprawling stilt village. Housing Filipino immigrants, these cramped confines are built over the shallow waters along with mosques, schools and simple stores.

The rainforest itself is best explored by following the 20-kilometre system of trails that start out on the southern side at Camp Bay and snake across the island. While the beach at Camp Bay is extremely alluring, the coastline of Police Beach in the north routinely draws tourists due to its relatively tranquil atmosphere. If you’re spending the night then head to the pricey but polished Bunga Raya Island Resort – the eye-catching property features fresh-faced timber bungalows sitting on a lush patch of beachfront.