Sabah BA (^_^)v ... Gaya Island, Sabah.

WELCOME TO SABAH, Malaysia. I’m your Captain today! In this journay for a natural attractions, we will discover about a place called Gaya Island Sabah. There is a place, accessible only by boat, where all that nature has created, from sheltered coral reefs to protected mangroves, over thousands of years has been preserved by those devoted to its care as its committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimise the carbon footprint within its environment.

Located only 15-minutes off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Pulau Gaya is underlaid by folded sandstone and sedimentary rock and is part of the Crocker Range rock formation of the western coast of Sabah. Exposed sandstone outcrops feature on the coast of this island forming cliffs, caves, honeycombs and deep crevasses along the shore and within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

How to go there? By using Major airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and Royal Brunei operate direct international flights from major destinations around the world to From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate direct flights to Kota Kinabalu. Those traveling to and from Singapore can connect directly to Kota Kinabalu via SilkAir, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.

What can be find here? The sounds and the tastes of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region by exploring miles of hushed, forested trails that reveal ancient ecosystems at every turn as you hike on nature trails. Discover fresh and intimate perspectives on marine life that are best gained with a gaya snorkelling exploration or dive gear programmes. Spend the day fishing on the outer boundaries of the marine park and have your day's catch prepared by chefs that evening. Revel in the rich heritage and culture of indigenous tribes through story telling sessions, culinary, and the handicraft. In this astonishing kingdom, encounters with the island's natural inhabitants are no less than delightfully constant, including sightings of proboscis and Macaque monkeys, hornbills, mouse deers, pangolins and bearded pigs. And here, on the migratory flyway, is a birder's paradise with 622 resident and migratory species of bird recorded for Borneo, with 32 endemic species. Also, with the Deep Sea Fishing Excursion, visitors will be astonished with a species that can be encountered include wahoo, dorado, tuna, giant trevally, barracuda and even rainbow runner. Billfish like marlin and sailfish are rare but can be spotted occasionally however, it is in the next island called Mengalum Island where there will be chartered departs from the Gaya Island.
* Kindly note that shore fishing is strictly prohibited within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Aside from Pulau Gaya, the cluster of four other idyllic islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park boast quiet sandy beaches, clear waters and coral gardens.
Bring along your swimwear and beach essentials or indulge in a personalised picnic basket for a spot of island excursion. Motorised water sports are offered on Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Manukan by local operators and are on cash terms only. Snorkelling equipment can be rented from the Water Sports Centre. This chartered excursion requires a minimum of 4 persons and can accommodate up to 12 persons comfortably.

Place to stay, there is 121 properties available to stay in and around from a 5 STAR to a 1 Star hotel. One of the Top 5 Star hotel in Pulau Gaya that is a High-end luxury meets nature at Gaya Island Resort ( 0.4 km from centre ), it’s a quiet getaway surrounded by coral reefs, sandy beaches and rainforest. For a 4 Star hotel, we suggest Grandis Hotels and Resorts ( 6.1 km from Pulau Gaya ) situated beside the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall in Kota Kinabalu, Grandis Hotels and Resorts houses a rooftop bar with swimming pool, a fitness centre and 24-hour room service. For a 3 Star hotel, we suggest Marina Vacation Condos @ Marina Court Resort Condominium Kota Kinabalu ( 6.2 km from Pulau Gaya ). Just a 2-minute walk from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and Warisan Square, this property offers self-contained units with free Wi-Fi, a kitchen and laundry facilities. For a 2 Star Hotel, we suggesting D'Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu ( 6.1 km from Pulau Gaya ), it’s situated in Kota Kinabalu, D'Borneo Hotel is situated a 5-minute walk from the Waterfront, Warisan Square and Centre Point. It offers free Wi-Fi access in its public areas. Last but not least, for a tourist who prefer saving while spending of course like us backpacker’s, we can stay like in 3 Star -1 Star hotel, as in 1 star, we can go at Hotel Holiday Kota Kinabalu ( 6.2 km from Pulau Gaya ). Hotel Holiday is conveniently located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, within walking distance of large shopping malls and fresh market. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel’s common areas.

That’s all for now. Enjoy the Adventure and Embrace the Challenge while Visiting Malaysia Year 2014. 

We waiting for you with an open hand and smile.