It doesn't cease to amaze me that there is such a variety of things to do within half an hour of Kota Kinabalu. We met a few lovely people back in the hostel and we decided to go together to one of the islands that we haven't been to yet- the island of Gaya. We didn't really know what to expect, but we have heard that you can do a short jungle trek. After our previous failure of a trek we have come prepared with all our gear. Once the ''captain'' dropped us off at the island he just said that he will pick us up in 4 hours from at a different place. What it meant in practice was that you have to get to the other side of the island, unless you want to get stranded.So off we went. Diving platform of the beach on Gaya The trek wasn't difficult, it was only about 2 k. but in 35 degree heat we were sweating our asses off. The trail was really well looked after, it wasn't like one of those that you have to use your machete to move forward - lol. We seen some beautiful things, we passed mangrove, seen all sorts of small lizards and even seen some makak monkeys. Sweating our asses off Mangrove forrest Almost fell like Harry Potter in the Forbidden Forrest Makak monkeys If you think all monkeys are like cuddly toys, you are very wrong. These little bastards almost attacked us and at one point all four of us started running away from them. We have seen them behind the cafeteria once we got to our destination and there were about 20 of them around, trying to steal some food from the bins. One of them actually looked like a little rat with his ass hanging of the side of a bin with his head deep inside it. Apparently you have to be careful because they even come to the beach and steal your stuff. Guess not all monkeys are the same. Man v Makak When we finally finished the trek the sight was amazing. There was nothing but secluded beach and a sea with no one in. We couldn't understand why there was no one there, there we were, 4 bums chilling on our own private beach when the closest island Sapi was literally heaving with people. Maybe people are too lazy and just want to ken off at the beach and they don't want to trek to get there, but I thought that that was the best thing about it, you almost have to deserve it. There was one cafe there serving food to tourist and to the workers that seem to be building something on the island (even though they were playing cards the whole time we were there)so we had some coffee and some boiled eggs (salmonela, what?) and chilled for the rest of the day in the hammock contemplating how hard the life is. Craig even managed to squeeze a quick run Chillin Sadly I heard that they are building a 5 star resort on this island, so I guess it won't be like this forever so I am really glad we could experience as it is, as we are probably one of the last people that can say that we had a private beach on Gaya Island. Dom x