Gaya Island

Just a 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island is the largest of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, covered mostly by the jungle and edged with quiet beaches and coral reefs.

The island has no roads or villages, just forest trails, wooden walkways and a few resorts tucked among the trees. Gaya Island Resort, included on Llama Travel Borneo holidays, offers villa-style accommodation built into the hillside, with views of the forest or sea. The hotel has a spa, a beachfront restaurant and a private jetty, with a shuttle boat that takes you to the private beach.

Activities are focused around nature, including guided walks with resident naturalists, snorkelling on nearby coral reefs, and kayaking, all of which can be arranged at the hotel. There is also a conservation centre with reef restoration and turtle protection projects that guests can visit.

Days tend to revolve around snorkelling, short forest walks, relaxing by the pool or private beach, and sunset drinks overlooking the South China Sea. Wildlife adds interest, with monitor lizards, macaques and various birds regularly seen around the island.