Pulau Gaya is the largest
island of the Park. It derived its name from the Bajau
word "Gayo"
which means big. Several ridges, rising more than 600 feet and peaking at
1,000 feet, form
the backbone of the 3,665 acres Pulau Gaya. It has 16 miles of shoreline with
beaches
ranging from fine white sandy to pebbly, and mudflats, mangrove and sandstone cliffs.
The
major beach area in Police Beach, a quarter mile of fine white sand sloping gently into
the
bay making it ideal for swimming in usually crystal clear
water. The coral reefs along
the entire coast of the island are
in excellent condition.