Pulau Gaya, Tropical island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Malaysia
Pulau Gaya is a tropical island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park featuring dense forests and terrain rising to 300 meters in elevation. The landscape spans a substantial area covered in varied vegetation and natural habitats.
The British North Borneo Company built a harbor on the island, which Mat Salleh attacked and destroyed in 1897. This raid marked a significant turning point in the region's colonial history.
The name Gaya comes from the word "Gayo," meaning big in both the Kadazandusun and Bajau languages spoken here. This reflects how the island is rooted in the identity of local communities.
The island is accessible by boat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu for a short journey. Visitors should prepare for tropical conditions and bring appropriate gear for water and beach activities.
Police Bay on the island has a white sand beach about 400 meters long that slopes gently into the water. The area is known for coral reefs lying just offshore that attract snorkelers and divers.
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