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

1922 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.

1922 Reviews

80% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1175
Very Good 462
Average 198
Poor 60
Terrible 27

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Jan 21, 2020

Tropical island escape

Bournemouth, United Kingdom

15 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, this resort is a magical blend of stylish comfort & natural beauty. Hillside villas are nestled within the rainforest & are all spacious & beautifully appointed. Beaches are pristine clean & the waters warm & inviting. Local & international cuisine is served on a buffet style at the open kitchen & is delicious. Staff were super efficient. There was a spa on site but didn’t have chance to use it.

Jan 21, 2020

Wonderful end to a delightful stay

Norwich, United Kingdom

This incredible setting in the midst of a marine reserve deserves the support of all who visit. The conservation activists are worthy of total support from listening to Scott talk about coral conservation and engaging in their own developing techniques of coral planting with Butter to Chris’ fantastic snorkelling trip to coral gardens where I saw 5 reef sharks of varying sizes to the large green turtle seen from our returning boat. The highlight had to be the intimate sunset cruise this evening from which we have just returned (photos attached) The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful and a credit to Kath the GM who has moulded a wonderful group of people. The Feast Village run by Ramish and his team of chefs cannot do enough to ensure your stay is 100% enjoyable making food you specifically hanker for

View all

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 375 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 434 days

Room upgrade

Complimentary Room Upgrade

Book 5 nights in a Bayu Villa and receive a complimentary room upgrade to a Canopy Villa

Book 5 nights in a Canopy Villa and receive a complimentary room upgrade to a Kinabalu Villa

Travel dates : 06/01/2020 - 31/03/2021

Blackout dates apply

Travelling

Monday, January 6, 2020 to Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Offer ends in 38 days

Try these inspiring itineraries

Great sample itineraries

13 days

Singapore and Borneo Multi Centre Holiday

Guide Price £1,899 pp

Combine your Southeast Asia multi-centre with city sightseeing, relaxing beaches and wildlife spotting on our Singapore and Borneo multi-centre holiday. Singapore is renowned as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. The glimmering streets are always clean, the...

View Multi Centre

Honeymoons

15 days

Hong Kong and Borneo Multi Centre

Guide Price £1,899 pp

The vibrant city of Hong Kong is the perfect destination to combine with the green and l uscious island of Borneo. Enjoy the bustling street markets or the upmarket malls of Hong Kong, here you'll be sure to find great...

View Multi Centre

Cultural holidays

15 days

Kuala Lumpur, Borneo and Penang Multi Centre Holiday

Guide Price £1,999 pp

For a diverse and exciting multi-centre holiday in Malaysia, we’ve created a trip which includes city sights, wildlife adventure and beaches. Your holiday will begin with a visit to the ultra modern city of Kuala Lumpur . Here you’ll discover...

View Multi Centre

City holidays

11 days

Kuala Lumpur and Borneo Multi Centre Holiday

Guide Price £1,799 pp

From the urban jungle of Kuala Lumpur to the very real jungle of Borneo, this multi-centre holiday is a fantastic way to embrace a trip full of both city sightseeing and sublime natural beauty and wildlife. In Kuala Lumpur, you’ll...

View Multi Centre

City holidays

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

Tropical island escape

Wonderful end to a delightful stay

Excellent experience

Rain forest, beaches and coral gardens

Awesome Holiday

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