Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

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Edited by Travel Weekly


Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity.

The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the perfect launch pad for an unparalleled exploration of Borneo’s natural marvels.

The exclusive Wildlife Wonders experience is designed for avid birders and wildlife lovers seeking an immersive journey into Pulau Gaya’s vibrant ecosystem. Gaya Island Resort’s location, spanning nearly 4,929 hectares with two-thirds covered by water, offers a haven for both indigenous and transient species.

Guests embarking on the Wildlife Wonders package will be greeted each morning by breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and will embark on guided explorations led by the resort’s resident naturalist. Highlights include kayaking through majestic mangrove forests, witnessing twilight bird-watching sessions that reveal the island’s nocturnal avian residents, and delighting in a dawn bird-watching experience.

The itinerary ensures a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing guests to uncover the island’s seven natural wonders, including the possible sightings of Proboscis Monkeys, Red Giant Flying Squirrels, Fireflies, Philippine Megapodes, the nocturnal Boobook Owl, and Sunda Pangolin, as well as the Elephant Foot Yam and Mangrove.

The experience is enhanced by a personal copy of the resort’s in-house publication, Wildlife Wonders at Gaya Island Resort: A Guide to its Feathered Friends and Indigenous Fauna, authored by YTL Hotels’ director of conservation, Justin Juhun. Featuring stunning photography by Cheryl Miller-Yell, Chairman Ang and Ng Siew Hian, along with insightful narratives by Tan Beng Hui and Cheryl Miller-Yell, this guide offers a deep understanding of the quirks and habits of nearly 40 avian species, helping guests identify unique traits in their plumage, calls and behaviours.

Throughout their stay, guests can engage in Gaya Island Resort’s conservation efforts, including turtle rescue and coral reef rehabilitation, enhancing their connection to the natural world. The package starts at $430 for two persons per night with a minimum three-night stay. It includes accommodation in a Bayu Villa with panoramic forest views and a telescope for birdwatching from a “nature window”. It also covers full board and scheduled return boat transfers between Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu and the resort.

With daily nature briefings, twilight and dawn birdwatching excursions, and hands-on activities like mangrove kayaking and planting, the Wildlife Wonders package offers a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Borneo’s wild beauty and foster a profound appreciation for nature.

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