Although mostly known for its beaches, my friend and I spent a couple of hours trekking along a neglected pathway through the island’s inland jungle. After spluttering through countless spider-webs, and getting a little too close for comfort to a venomous banded krait, we were delighted to arrive at the luxury five-star resort hidden on the far side of the island – which we promptly snuck into.

After devouring a woodfired pizza and cooling off with some snorkeling, we left our belongings in a hammock and went for a walk along the pier.

If you ever find yourself at Gaya Island, the luxury resort can be accessed via a three-hour trek through snake-infested jungle, or by boat.

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Gaya Island, Borneo