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kallerna CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Gaya Island

Island

Off Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island forms part of a marine park with rainforest, resorts and boat-access beaches; visitors arrive for snorkeling, short hikes and day trips from the city.

Gaya Island Kuala LumpurGeorge TownMalaccaLangkawiKota KinabaluKuchingCameron HighlandsGaya Island
In this guide

Gaya Island essentials

Website: sabahtourism.com
Admission: Entry to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park involves a conservation fee (varies); resort access and activities on Gaya Island vary by operator
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About Gaya Island

Gaya Island is an island off the coast of Sabah in eastern Malaysia and is the largest island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The island is known for its forested interior and marine habitats.

The island’s shoreline includes beaches, coral fringing reefs and small bays used for snorkeling and swimming. A limited number of resorts and guest facilities occupy parts of the coast, and trails lead into areas of lowland tropical forest and mangrove.

Gedong Songo details not applicable here.

Gaya Island lies in the South China Sea off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah; it is part of the offshore island group that makes up the marine park and sits close to other park islands.

  • Significance: Forms the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu and is noted for its lowland tropical rainforest and coral fringing reefs.

What to See#

  • Gaya Island Resort: A private resort on the island that operates high-end accommodation and organizes transfers and activities for guests.
  • Pulau Gaya village: A traditional settlement of stilt houses and local community facilities located on the island’s shore that is inhabited year-round.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gaya Island

Most visitors favour the dry months (Mar-Oct) for beach and snorkel activities.

Dry season
Mar-Oct · 24-31°C
Calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling and island hopping.
Monsoon season
Nov-Feb · 24-29°C
Higher rain chance and choppier seas; some boat services reduced.

Weather & Climate near Gaya Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2570 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 58 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 23° - 28° 26° 137 mm overcast 87% 2.6 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
February Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 78 mm overcast 87% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
March Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 75 mm overcast 85% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Good 24° - 31° 31° 140 mm partly cloudy 83% 1.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.2h
May Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 256 mm overcast 85% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
June Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 262 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
July Good 24° - 30° 30° 244 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.3h
August Good 24° - 31° 31° 255 mm overcast 85% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
September Good 24° - 30° 30° 277 mm overcast 85% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
October Good 24° - 30° 27° 321 mm overcast 87% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
November Good 24° - 30° 27° 283 mm overcast 86% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
December Good 24° - 29° 26° 242 mm overcast 87% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gaya Island

Ferries and speedboats depart Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu, for Gaya Island (about 15-20 minutes). Park entrance/conservation fees are payable at the jetty prior to departure.

Tips for Visiting Gaya Island

  • Ferry from Jesselton Point (Kota Kinabalu) takes about 15-20 minutes - book early in high season.
  • Day visitors must pay park/conservation fees at the jetty before boarding boats to the island.
  • For snorkeling, use operators who follow reef-protection rules and provide briefings.