The ferry station for visitors travelling to the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is located in downtown Kota Kinabalu (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug).

Exposed sandstone outcrops still feature the coasts of most of these islands forming cliffs, caves, honeycombs and deep crevasses along the shore.

Gaya Island derived its name from the Bajau word "Gayo" which means big and occupies an area of 15 km2 (3,700 acres) with an elevation of up to 300 metres.

This village is occupied by illegal immigrants from the Philippines and is considered a dangerous, high crime or "no-go" area by the police and KK locals.

The 400 metres (0.25-mile) stretch of white sand, gently slopes out to the sea and makes Police Beach ideal for swimming in the crystal clear water.

The coral reefs along the entire coast of Gaya island are in excellent condition, making it a surprisingly good diving destination, considering its proximity to Kota Kinabalu city.

Out of 5 islands, Manukan features the most developed tourist facilities that includes 20 units of chalets, a clubhouse, and few restaurants and a diving centre.

Infrastructural facilities include support-water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar public telephone.

It is developed with tourist facilities that includes a jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets.

Considered relatively untouched, remote and undeveloped, the 20-acre (8.1 ha) island is more popular with foreign tourists who prefer a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.

In 1974, the major part of Gaya and Sapi islands was gazetted as Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, covering an area of 8,990 acres (36.4 km2).