A sand-sculpted bird on the beach, gazing towards Mount Kinabalu.
PULAU Gaya, nestled within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and some 10 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, is a sanctuary of biodiversity.
Named after the Bajau word gayo, meaning “big”, the island is home to towering dipterocarp forests, thriving mangroves, and an astonishing variety of wildlife.
Among its most captivating inhabitants are its birds, now immortalised in the book Wildlife Wonders at Gaya Island Resort: A Guide to Its Feathered Friends and Indigenous Fauna.
The book was first envisioned by YTL Hotels’ group conservation director Justin Juhun, who sought to create a comprehensive guide showcasing the island’s avian diversity.
His vision materialised through the dedication of photographer Cheryl Miller-Yell and writer Tan Beng Hui – both passionate bird enthusiasts.
Over five days on the island, Miller-Yell and Tan embarked on an intensive birdwatching expedition, determined to document as many species as possible.
The entrance to the Gaya Island Resort, some 10 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu.
Armed with cameras and notebooks, they recorded 40 of the roughly 70 bird species found on the island.
Miller-Yell captured stunning images, while additional photographs were sourced from the resort to enhance the book.
However, the process of compiling, writing and curating the 106-page guide took an entire year – a testament to their dedication and attention to detail.
The book is divided into two parts: the first highlights Pulau Gaya’s diverse wildlife, including the red giant flying squirrel, proboscis monkey and the elusive Sunda pangolin. The second part focuses on the island’s birds, from tiny nectarivores to majestic raptors, offering insights into ground-dwelling species, canopy dwellers, and migratory visitors.
For Miller-Yell, an Australian birder and conservation advocate, the project was deeply meaningful.
“We spent five days on the island, waking up early to maximise birdwatching. It was a beautiful environment for this work – birding all day and resting at night.
Tan showing a page from the book featuring the Philippine megapode.
“I hope more people stop and notice the natural wonders around us... and act before they are lost forever,” she said.
Tan, a social scientist with a deep appreciation for nature, echoed this sentiment.
“As a researcher studying the relationship between humans and birds, this project was a great opportunity. Initially, I set out to document the birds, but I ended up learning even more about them.
“For us, it is fascinating to see a resort involved in this kind of conservation. We have not seen anything like it elsewhere,” said Tan.
Tan added that one of the most challenging subjects to capture was the elusive Philippine megapode, a ground-dwelling bird endemic to Borneo and the Philippines.
“The moment it spots humans, it dashes back into the forest. But we were lucky – we spotted one hard at work building its nest.
“We left for lunch and returned hours later, only to find it still working. They are incredibly dedicated.
Juhun (second from left), who mooted the book, thanked Tan (third from right) and Miller-Yell (second from right) for materialising it.
“It is not a typically beautiful bird, but its claws are huge and out of proportion with its body.
To me, the Philippine megapode is a favourite, but every visitor finds their own,” she added.
Both Tan and Miller-Yell believe the book is more than just a guide.
To them, it is a testament to Pulau Gaya’s ecological significance and the commitment to its conservation.
The book invites readers to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and recognise the importance of protecting such irreplaceable habitats.
According to Juhun, the book will be available for purchase at the resort.
Encouraged by the success of this book, Juhun revealed that a sequel is in the works – this time focusing on the island’s wildlife beyond its avian residents.
