Gaya Island
Largest island with pristine rainforest and luxury resorts
About Gaya
Gaya Island is the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, characterized by lush tropical rainforest, exclusive resort accommodations, and pristine marine environments. It's a destination for those seeking both luxury comfort and authentic nature experiences, with opportunities for diving, jungle exploration, and wildlife encounters.
Most of Gaya Island is privately developed with three luxury resorts. However, public access is available at Padang Point, offering snorkelling, diving, and nature activities. The island's interior is a pristine tropical ecosystem with ancient rainforest, endemic wildlife, mangrove areas, and bird watching opportunities.
Whether you're a resort guest enjoying luxury amenities or a day visitor exploring from Padang Point, Gaya Island offers an immersive nature experience combined with world-class diving and marine exploration.
Activities & Things to Do
Snorkelling
10am - 4pm
Colorful reefs accessible from Padang Point
Diving
By arrangement
Deeper reef dive sites for certified divers
Nature Walks
All day
Jungle trekking through lush tropical rainforest
Zipline
9am - 5pm
Canopy adventure through forest canopy
Kayaking
10am - 4pm
Paddle through mangrove areas and coastal waters
Bird Watching
Early morning
Spot endemic and migratory bird species
Resort Accommodations
Gayana Marine Resort
Luxury resort with dive centre
Visit website →
Bunga Raya Island Resort
Eco-luxury overwater villas
Visit website →
Gaya Island Resort
Premium resort with spa facilities
Visit website →
Note: Resorts offer luxury accommodations with premium facilities. Day visitors can access public areas at Padang Point. Contact resorts directly for guest information and bookings.
Island Facilities
Things to Know Before You Visit
- ◆ Largest island in the marine park - mostly private resorts
- ◆ Limited public beach access outside resort zones
- ◆ Primary public access point: Padang Point
- ◆ Lush tropical rainforest interior with diverse wildlife
- ◆ Deeper reef dive sites suitable for advanced divers
- ◆ Resort guests have exclusive beach and facility access
- ◆ Bird watching opportunities year-round
- ◆ Jungle trekking and nature exploration available
Important Rules & Conservation Guidelines
- • Conservation fee required - Malaysian: RM 8 (Adult) / RM 5 (Child), International: RM 25 (Adult) / RM 20 (Child)
- • No touching or damaging coral reefs
- • No collection of shells or marine specimens
- • Respect wildlife - maintain safe distances
- • No loud noises or disruptive activities in nature areas
- • No fishing or collection of marine life
- • Follow all guide instructions during activities
- • Smoking restricted in natural areas
- • Stay on designated trails during jungle walks
What to Bring
Quick Pricing Guide
1 Island
RM 45 / 40
Adult / Child
2 Islands
RM 55 / 50
Adult / Child
Conservation Fee
RM 8-25
By nationality
* All prices include terminal fee of RM 7.20 (Adult) / RM 3.60 (Child)
How to Get Here
Temporary Location
Ferry operations are temporarily at South Jetty, Kota Kinabalu Port while Jesselton Point undergoes upgrading works.
Current Address: South Jetty, KK Port, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Get directions to South Jetty →From South Jetty (Temporary Terminal) — Approximately 25 minutes by boat to Gaya Island.
Permanent Address: Jesselton Point, Jalan Haji Saman, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The original Jesselton Point terminal will resume operations once upgrading is complete.
Also Explore Other Islands
Explore Gaya Island
Discover tropical rainforest, world-class diving, and luxury resort experiences