Things are tough for nature-loving city dwellers, even those of us in Singapore, who live in what is quite arguably the world's greenest concrete jungle. Local parks and reserves may be good for a morning hike or midday picnic, but anything longer requires a trip out of town.
You might be thinking of a day and a half travelling to some far-flung land, a couple of days on a sleeping bag in the wilderness, then the lengthy sojourn back home after: a full work week for what would likely be a less-than-fulfilling experience.
But you don't really have to go halfway around the world to explore nature; after all, Southeast Asia is among the most biodiverse regions in the world, so there's plenty to see even if you stay close to home.
Enter Gaya Island, just off the western coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Surrounded by beaches and tropical wilderness, it is a quiet sanctuary, miles away from the never-ending buzz of city life, yet near enough to not require a full day's travel.
A 2.5-hour flight from Changi Airport gets you to Kota Kinabalu International Airport; from here, it's a quick car ride to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and a short ferry ride before you arrive at Gaya Island's jetty.
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Here, you will be greeted by walls of green on the island's ridges. Many of these run higher than Bukit Timah and some are almost twice as tall - facts made more impressive when one considers that the island itself is 50 times smaller than Singapore.
Interspersing the greenery is Gaya Island Resort, a series of hillside villas that prove you do not need to rough it in the woods just to be properly surrounded by nature.
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Restful in the rainforest
Amenities and activities are in no short supply here. When you are not out exploring, for example, the Spa Village offers various treatments, including an indigenous massage as well as his-and-hers couple's packages.
For food and drink, guests at Gaya Island Resort have several options. There is the all-day-dining venue Feast Village, which offers an extensive menu spanning both regional and international cuisines. Fisherman's Cove and the Pool Bar & Lounge offer sweeping views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu. Japanese restaurant Omakase offers a mostly teppanyaki menu and Tavajun Bay serves charcoal-grilled meals.
Those seeking a more intimate meal can go for a private dining session, such as the Singgah Singgarung. This evening experience showcases native arts, activities and delicacies on the beach, set to Kadazan music. If you are up for it, the dancers are always happy to have more joining them up front.
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Once you have had your fill, head to the Wildlife Centre, where you can find out more about the animals that roam the land and skies of Borneo. Then take a five-minute boat ride to the Marine Centre, where you will see some of the resort's efforts in turtle and coral conservation; you can even try your hand at feeding baby corals in the nursery.
Walk on the wild side
Walking through the resort, you might notice a few unique architectural details. We are told the design of each villa was planned specifically so construction would entail minimal disruption to the local flora. In some spots, ancient-looking trees stand just an inch from a villa wall; in others, holes have been etched into the sides of pathways to allow the forestry to pass through.
Inside, each villa features natural materials and neutral tones, echoing the theme of calm and relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the daylight, sunsets and night skies in, making them all part of the interiors; they also bring in panoramic views of the surrounding foliage and the bay.
For a fully immersive experience, Gaya Island Resort has launched a four-day, three-night adventure for nature enthusiasts.
The Wildlife Wonders package includes guided tours, kayaking trips through the mangrove, as well as day and night birdwatching sessions. Those who sign up for Wildlife Wonders also get a telescope and a pair of binoculars in their villa, which means the nature-watching can continue even off the itinerary.
Complementing all this is a book on the rich biodiversity of Gaya Island. Wildlife Wonders at Gaya Island Resort: A Guide to its Feathered Friends and Indigenous Fauna, written by social scientist Tan Beng Hui, documents the various species that can be found around the resort, with brilliant photographs and notes on each organism's appearance and behaviour.
"Whether they fly, feed, play or grow, or whether they are high up in the canopy, hidden in foliage around the resort, or right under our feet, these wonders frame a perfect island experience," write Tan and Justin Juhun, group conservation director at YTL Hotels, in the book's foreword.
"All it takes is a moment to look or listen to leave with precious memories."
