Gaya Island Resort

Distinctly Borneo

Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort is located on the beautiful island of Pulau Gaya and reached by the hotels own speedboat in just 10 minutes from Jesselton Point. This resort offers guests a taste of traditional Sabahan architecture blended seamlessly with contemporary design. Relax in your spacious Villa and soak up the tropical jungle scenery that surrounds you.

There is plenty of wildlife on Pulau Gaya, so make sure you visit the Gaya Island Wildlife Centre and take a walk with the resident Naturalist – Justin. If you are lucky you may see the endangered Proboscis Monkeys in their natural environment.

There are two house reefs right in front of the resort, snorkelling equipment can be hired. Coral reef restoration, along with turtle rescue and marine educational programmes are the main projects being undertaken by Scott, the resident Marine Biologist and his team at the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre. Enjoy a guided snorkel trail to learn more about the fascinating coral reefs and the abundant marine life here at Gaya Island.

Meals can be enjoyed at a choice of restaurants and drinks are available at the pool bar looking out over the sea. Savour world cuisine at the Feast Village where Japanese, Korean, Malay and Western flavours can be enjoyed alongside spectacular ocean vistas. The Fishermans Cove offers fresh seafood and a western style menu in a refined, adult-only atmosphere overlooking the sea. Omakase Restaurant specialises in authentic Japanese cuisine and private dining options can be enjoyed on the beach.

To round off the resorts offerings – The Spa Village provides a completely Sabahan experience with its unique Mangrove setting, many different holistic treatments and the use of local ingredients.

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£1,999 per person

Hotel Category

Luxury

Location Type

Away from it all

Recommended For

Adult Orientated

TripAdvisor Review

1848 Reviews

Read reviews

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
121 rooms

Main Facilities

Diving
Fitness facilities
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Watersports
Wifi

Accommodation Type

Boutique
Eco-friendly
Hidden gem
Luxury Collection
Off the beaten track

Board Basis Options

Full Board
Bed & Breakfast

For Families

Babysitting
Family Entertainment
Kid's Pool

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Gaya Island Resort

Away from it all
approx. 30 minutes by road and boat from Kota Kinabalu Airport.

1848 Reviews

80% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1115
Very Good 450
Average 196
Poor 60
Terrible 27

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Oct 19, 2019

Excellent resort - a relaxing end to our holiday

London, United Kingdom

We spent 3 nights at Gaya after a busy 2 weeks exploring Borneo. The staff were exceptionally friendly and nothing was too much for them. The resort was constantly being tidied and maintained and the food / drinks were excellent. We could've happily stayed another couple of nights.

Oct 18, 2019

Amazing service in wonderful location

Reigate, United Kingdom

This hotel is exceptional in the levels of service that they provide. From the minute you arrive by boat at the hotel jetty you are met with smiles. We stayed for 3 nights (and wished we could have managed another couple) after trekking in the jungle and it was just the relaxation we needed. Our room was clean spacious and just the right amount of privacy. The beach was wonderful and the service from the beach boys was outstanding - cold water and clean towels whenever you wanted them. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Can recommend the SPA - wonderful massage and the snorkeling which we really enjoyed However the food in the restaurant was our highlight. Both the Manager Ramesh Krishna and the head Chef were amazing. So attentive and responded to any request we made - in fact we had food specially prepared for us as a treat without even asking! The choice of seafood was brilliant and we were made to feel very special. Cannot recommend this resort highly enough - it should have 6 stars not 5!

Oct 18, 2019

Beautiful resort, incredible staff

Toronto, Canada

This was our first stop in Borneo after flying for 24 hrs, and it was the perfect place to recover. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a charming representative of the resort and presented with a cold towel and lime juice ice. Then a tour of the resort and info about the different restaurants and things to do. We arrived at noon and our room wasn't ready, so we had lunch at the pool area. Because we had to wait 2 hrs for our room, the rep comped our lunch, which was so nice. Our villa, #704, was perfectly located close to the dining area and beach. There's a beautiful lap pool, which is mostly empty, and the beach has silky white sand and warm, clear water. It was gorgeous. Huge comfortable bed, gigantic bathroom with his and her sinks, wonderful shower and humongous bath. There's plenty of closet space too, and Wifi everywhere. We signed up to take the 5 minute boat ride to the resort's private beach at Tavajun Bay and have a grilled satay lunch there. I highly recommend doing this trip as it's so peaceful and relaxing and the lunch is great. We ate one night at the Feast Village, the buffet. Chef Agus was superb and made us slipper lobster, gigantic shrimp, and a whole fish to order. All we had to do was sit down and be served. However, it was too noisy and crowded for us, so we ate dinner the other 2 nights at Fisherman's Cove. There are only about 10 tables, so you need to reserve the night before. The food is fabulous...it's all fresh fish, expertly prepared, served with baby vegetables that look like little jewels. Service here is also perfect. We ate lunch at the snack bar by the pool as the buffet was too much food for us. The hinava fish dish is fantastic. To avoid the breakfast crowds at the Feast Village, we got there when it opened at 7 am and were the only ones there. Such a great selection of breakfast treats, both Malaysian and Western dishes, and an egg station that will prepare any kind of eggs you want to order. They even had my favourite green tea from Sri Lanka. Be prepared to be spoiled here. Even when you sit by the pool, one of the staff comes by constantly with glasses of cold water.

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Gaya Island Resort

Facilities

Swimming Pool

Overlooking the beach, the Gaya Island Resorts 40 metre lap pool features floating cabanas and a wading pool for children. You can also enjoy drinks from the poolside bar.

Spa Village

Set in the mangrove forest, the spa village features six treatment rooms, outdoor decks and space for yoga. A range of treatments are available each utilising only the finest fresh local ingredients. Children below the age of 16 are not permitted in the Spa Village.

Classes and Activities

Enjoy a range of creative classes and activities including Malaysian cooking, dance and Borneo craftwork and immerse yourself in Malay culture. For children there is a storytelling session full of local tales and folklore.

Fitness Centre

The resort offers a fully equipped gym with weight-training and cardio equipment. Alternatively enjoy a brisk walk or a jog around the resort grounds with the sounds of nature.

Sunset Cruise

For a wonderful sunset and a relaxing and romantic evening take the Sunset Cruise, on a 64-foot yacht. You will enjoy light refreshments on board and why not finish the evening off with dinner at Fishermans Cove Restaurant? This is bookable and payable in resort.

Library

The Library has a wide variety of literature available.

Sports & Entertainment

Discover the natural wonders of Borneo and enjoy guided natural walks through the jungle whilst for those that want to enjoy the ocean a wide range of water sports and activities can be organised including diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, yachting and kayaking, among other opportunities. In addition golf and yoga are available.

Gaya Island Resort

Room Types

More images

Suria Suite

Double and Twin: max 4 adults and 1 child

The Suria Suite is a luxurious two-bedroom suite which sits on the hillside and has stunning ocean views. The ground floor consists of a lounge, dining area and outdoor deck. The bedrooms are located on the first floor and both come with en-suites and an outdoor bathrub on the balcony.

Size: 188sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Ironing Facilities
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included

Kinabalu Villa

Double: max 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Kinabalu Villas provide the best views in the resort over the South China Sea. The silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can also be seen on a clear day. All feature an outdoor veranda with day beds, a large open bathroom fitted with an oversized bathtub and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Some connecting rooms are available for families.

Size: 47sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Flatscreen TV
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Sea View
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Canopy Villa

Double: max 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Canopy Villas are set amongst a tropical mangrove on a gently sloping hillside within walking distance from the beach. All feature an outdoor veranda with day beds, a large open bathroom fitted with an oversized bathtub and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Size: 47sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Flatscreen TV
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Bayu Villa

Double: max 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Bayu Villas are set amidst lush rainforest on a hillside. All feature an outdoor veranda with day beds, a large open bathroom fitted with an oversized bathtub and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Some connecting rooms are available for families.

Size: 47sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Flatscreen TV
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Gaya Island Resort

Food & Drink

Feast Village

Feast Village is an all day dining restaurant that offers a range of cuisines from the Asia-Pacific area. The open kitchens showcase a bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian and Western cuisine. Feast Village is located by the lap pool with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach.

Fishermans Cove Restaurant

Fishermans Cove is a beautiful fine dining restaurant located on the resort's rooftop and serves fresh seafood with breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Kinabalu. This restaurant is only available for children over 12 years and a smart casual dress code applies to all diners. Gentlemen must wear long trousers and shoes.

Omakase

Omakase is the hotel's Japanese restaurant and is split over two levels with stunning views over the bay.

Pool Bar & Lounge

The Pool Bar & Lounge overlooks the infinity pool, the perfect place to relax with a refreshment. Light lunches and refreshments are served throughout the day.

Tavajun Bay

Tavajun Bay is a tranquil private beach set in an enclave, a short five minute boat ride from the resort. Open daily for lunch between 12:00 and 15:00 and for beverages until 17:00. You can also arrange private dining here and gourmet picnic baskets.

Board Basis Options

Bed & Breakfast

An extensive buffet breakfast is served at the Feast Village Restaurant.

Full Board

Breakfast is served at the Feast Village Restaurant while lunch can be enjoyed at either Feast Village, the pool bar or Tavajun Bay. Dinner is served at either Feast Village, Omakase or or Fisherman's Cove. Both lunch and dinner include three courses plus mineral water, tea and coffee.

Gaya Island Resort

Family Friendly Facilities

KuRi-KuRi Kids Programme

Keep children entertained with KuRi-KuRi meaning 'play' in the local Bajau language. Half day programmes are available to keep young adventurers occupied with activities and games designed to nurture creativity and educate about the natural surroundings. Programmes are suited for children aged between four to 12 years of age.

Pure Activity Centre

The Pure Activity Centre is designed to satisfy all ages with everything from adventure sports, environmental education and children's activities available. Here you will find a games room with X-Box and Nintendo Wii stations, computer terminals and recreational areas for outdoor movies and other activities. Tribal games can also be enjoyed here.

Children's Swimming Pool

Located next to the main pool there is a small children's section.

Gaya Island Resort

Special Offers

Early booking discount

Early Bird discount

Book 60 days or more prior to arrival to receive up to 10% discount on accommodation

Valid for stays of 3 nights or more travelling 01 April 2020 - 31 March 2021

Blackout dates apply 20 December 2020 - 05 January 2021 and 11 - 21 February 2021

Travelling

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 to Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Offer ends in 469 days

Special offer

Long stay offer

Stay 5 nights or more to receive an additional 10% discount on accommodation and one complimentary 50 minute couples massage per stay

Valid for stays 01 April 2020 - 31 March 2021

Travelling

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 to Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Offer ends in 528 days

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Gaya Island Resort

Distinctly Borneo

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Guide Price

TripAdvisor Review

Hotel highlights

Hotel Gallery

Beach

Beach Barbecue

Spa Village

Villa

Fisherman's Cove Restaurant

Balcony

Spa Village

Fisherman's Cove Restaurant

Balcony

Spa Reception

Hotel grounds

Swimming Pool

Mount Kinabalu

Pool Bar

Mount Kinabalu

Beach

Breakfast

Beach

Lounge

Lap Pool

Restaurant

Feast Village Restaurant

Gaya Island Beach

Gaya Island Jetty

Kinabalu Guest Room

Hotel Features

General Information

Main Facilities

Accommodation Type

Board Basis Options

For Families

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Gaya Island Resort

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Excellent resort - a relaxing end to our holiday

Amazing service in wonderful location

5 Star end to a 5 star trip

Beautiful resort, incredible staff

Fantastic end to a great vacation.

Gaya Island Resort

Facilities

Swimming Pool

Spa Village

Classes and Activities

Fitness Centre

Sunset Cruise

Library

Sports & Entertainment

Gaya Island Resort

Room Types

Suria Suite

Kinabalu Villa

Canopy Villa

Bayu Villa

Gaya Island Resort

Food & Drink

Feast Village

Fishermans Cove Restaurant

Omakase

Pool Bar & Lounge

Tavajun Bay

Board Basis Options

Gaya Island Resort

Family Friendly Facilities

KuRi-KuRi Kids Programme

Pure Activity Centre

Children's Swimming Pool

Gaya Island Resort

Special Offers

Early Bird discount