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Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
The largest of the islands by far. Has undergone some development on its northern shores, and has 2 exclusive resorts. Sabah Parks headquarters are further to the south-western, unspoiled part of Gaya island. Sabah Parks HQ and Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures are set in a secluded bay with diving, snorkelling, jungle trekking, wildlife spotting and team building facilities. Gaya has a vibrant eco system both above and below the surface, lots of fauna and flora and beaches which boast no sand flies. Due to its seclusion the island is not overrun by tourists and thus has beautiful, unspoiled corals near the shore. As it is not such a major tourist destination Gaya is the most difficult island to reach. The Gayana Resort and the dive operator will arrange for their customers' transport. Gayana's scheduled boats are for customers only, but if you aren't staying the night, you can by a "day package" for RM60 (ask about it in the Gayana Resort office on the second floor of the ticketing hall at Jesselton Point). Otherwise, you may have to arrange your own boat. To avoid charter prices (RM200 and up), try arriving early in the morning or with a group. The island also has a zipline to Sapi.
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The program focuses on Giant Clam propagation and coral restoration. The Marine Biologists at the center offers insights to visitors to help create awareness on the importance of taking care of the environment. It is open to the public for day trip visits.
It's like Manukan, but smaller and is the second most developed island in the park. It has basic restaurant facilities, toilets (filthy), and snorkelling equipment rental. The Shangri-La hotel resort have their own staff and private beach over on the right of the jetty. There's a jungle trail around the island, and shallow water snorkelling offers some excitement. Where there was coral it has been trampled and stolen by the hordes of Chinese visitors it is very crowded and not at all relaxing. There is a sand bank to the north of the island, which, at low tide, makes it possible to cross over to the south western tip of Gaya island. There is a safe swimming area that is marked by a floating rope buoy line, swim beyond this and you risk being hit by the many fast transfer boats travelling between the islands and K.K. Also has a zipline from Gaya.
One of the most developed islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park due to its 1-km stretch of white sandy beach and pine-tree lined shores. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges have expensive beach and hill-side chalets here for rent, as well as a covered restaurant and a daily beach BBQ buffet spread. Other facilities include a snorkelling equipment rental hut, a small sundry shop, changing rooms. toilets and Scubadoo underwater scooters. Life guards are on duty on the main beach where there are also wooden tables and chairs for picnics. During the holiday season the island can get quite crowded, but makes for interesting people watching. Shallow water corals have all but been destroyed by stampeding holiday makers, but in deeper water and near the jetty area there are still vibrant fish life to be found. For those interested in hiking, there is a 1.5-km "jungle trek" paved walking path which starts from the base of the dock, and leads hikers through the forest to the opposite end of the island. From the end, you can either turn back or clamber down an unmarked path to the beach below. It is possible to walk along the south side of the island all the way back to the dock and the main beach if you don't mind climbing over a lot of rocks (accessibility may depend on the tides; use your best judgment).
Island is also rather underdeveloped but is still accessible by jetty. Basic amenities like public toilet and shower are available. Chalets can be arranged with Sabah Parks if you don't wish to camp. This little island of slightly bigger than a football field is very diver friendly as it's ideal for shore dives, but due to the influx of the tourist hordes to this island, the shallow coral areas have mostly been trampled. Nevertheless, open water dive courses are conducted here with visibility ranging from 4 - 10m. PADI Instructor Examinations are also conducted here. Lifeguards are on patrol during the day. Bring along insect repellent, sandflies are a nuisance!. Gear up and walk to the shore for a dive!
The least developed of the isles with no facilities whatsoever, visitors can opt to camp if they wish to stay overnight. The island is inhabited and dive operators have daily trips there for diving off the corals on the northern shore as it is one of the best site around in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.