Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
1 night
Rooms and Guests
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All Properties in Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
No.5 of Luxury Hotels in Sabah
Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Marine Park, Gaya Island, Sabah 88000, Malaysia
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Within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort Kota Kinabalu rests along the coast of Malohom Bay, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. The resort's architecture respects Sabahan elements; its 120 villas and two-bedroom suite use local materials and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while villa interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance.Yet this is more than just a beautiful beachfront resort in stunning surroundings; with its PURE activities, this is a place for the curious to actively engage or peacefully absorb all Borneo has to offer. Seamlessly integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village, offering a rich tapestry of spa programs that reflect the ancient healing practices of the region while restoring balance to alleviate modern stresses. Dining is a burst of freshness and flavor; exquisite, sensory and sublime. Discoveries, authentic experiences and a sense of intimacy with the natural world all prevail across the land and seascape of this resort, with its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, offering travelers and families an escape that is distinctively Borneo. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimize the carbon footprint within its environment. Therefore, the resort is a walking resort and only minimal motorized vehicles are used for operational purposes.Show More
We Price Match
Last booked 8 hrs ago
Highlights
Airport pick-up available
Superb views
Varied breakfast
Cozy rooms
Sparkling cleanShow More
Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Exclusive Beach Area
Diving
Snorkeling
Spa
Massage Room
Fitness Room
Priority airport pick-up
All Amenities
Property Description
Within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort Kota Kinabalu rests along the coast of Malohom Bay, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. The resort's architecture respects Sabahan elements; its 120 villas and two-bedroom suite use local materials and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while villa interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance.Yet this is more than just a beautiful beachfront resort in stunning surroundings; with its PURE activities, this is a place for the curious to actively engage or peacefully absorb all Borneo has to offer. Seamlessly integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village, offering a rich tapestry of spa programs that reflect the ancient healing practices of the region while restoring balance to alleviate modern stresses. Dining is a burst of freshness and flavor; exquisite, sensory and sublime. Discoveries, authentic experiences and a sense of intimacy with the natural world all prevail across the land and seascape of this resort, with its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, offering travelers and families an escape that is distinctively Borneo. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimize the carbon footprint within its environment. Therefore, the resort is a walking resort and only minimal motorized vehicles are used for operational purposes.
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4.2/5
Very GoodWe enjoyed the trip with the kids. It was lovely hospitality from the resort.
All 161 Reviews
Surroundings
Landmarks: Marine Ecology Research Centre
(820m)
Landmarks: Gaya Island Resort Marine Center
(1.0 km)
Landmarks: Gaya Island
(1.9 km)
Landmarks: Sapi Island
(4.5 km)
Landmarks: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
(4.7 km)
Landmarks: JSK Borneo Reef Sea World
(4.8 km)
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Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
4
Kinabalu Villa
1 King bed
47m² | Floor: 1-2
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Bathtub
Refrigerator
Minibar
Check Availability
4
Canopy Villa
1 King bed
47m² | Floor: 1-2
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Minibar
Check Availability
5
Bayu Villa
1 King bed or 2 Single bed
47m² | Floor: 1-2
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Minibar
Check Availability
5
Suria Suite
2 King bed
188m² | Floor: 1
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Bathtub
Refrigerator
Minibar
Check Availability
Guest Reviews
4.2/5
Very Good
161 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness4.3
- Amenities4.1
- Location4.4
- Service4.2
Average for similar properties in Gaya Island
AI Summary
Conveniently located near KK, the resort boasts beautiful surroundings and easy access via hotel boat. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, diverse breakfast options, and a range of activities, including yoga and snorkeling.
TravelExpert88
January 15, 2025
the room looks aged and need refurbishment, the F&B super expensive
Nils
July 9, 2024
The resort is beautifully located. You get there only by the hotels boat service that charges around 30€ per person for every round trip (5-10min one way). That boat only departs/arrives every 2 hours.
There is a beautiful reef in front of the hotel however the waters in front of the hotel as well as at the private beach are full of plastics and I’ve never seen anyone collecting some. This place could be much more beautiful without that.
Food was very basic at a rather high price. If you compare it to KK restaurants the prices are ridiculous. But because of the boat service’s price you don’t really have the choice to go to the city to get good and reliable food.
All staff were really nice eventhough not always well trained.
Overall we had an average stay. Nothing extraordinarily positive but not too bad on the other hand. Therefore the prices for everything from accommodation to food to activities (almost everything charges extra) has been way too high in our opinion.
Mauimango
January 4, 2025
Gaya Island Resort is a posh way to end a two-week trip of roughing it around Sabah.
Rooms are located in exotic tropical setting, with wildlife nearby. Activities are fun way to explore the island, especially the night walk, when we saw snakes and lizards.
Swimming is relaxing at the pool but not so great in the sea unless you are snorkeling or kayaking. Not too much plastic in the water but it still plagues even this beautiful setting.
Note that once you arrive on the island, you are pretty much isolated from Kota Kinabalu unless you want to pay extra for a boat ride.
Guest User
December 12, 2024
Beautiful hotel with a great breakfast and lovely nearby beach that can be accessed by hotel boat transfer.
The best part was the service, particularly Hani, who was attentive and super helpful throughout via WhatsApp.
Hui
July 25, 2024
The location is good, the cleanliness on the island should be better sein.
Guest User
May 8, 2024
Environment is nice, staffs are welcoming and helpful. Room is spacious and clean, but food is just so so and overpriced. The private beach area is small, and not that clean if you walk a bit far from the beach chair area.
Element188
April 4, 2024
Gorgeous and friendly staff who are able to serve and cater special trip arrangements. Water sport center arrange great boat snorkeling! Must join and be early bird as quota is limited with boat capacity!
Their house reef is beautiful with well-preserved coral garden, though not very big area, do have a great variety of fishes you can see.
The only drawback is, food variety of buffet can be more enhanced or to be more specify in local Malaysian food.
Russell Alexander
February 22, 2024
Great place to stay that is in convenient reach of KK. Enjoyed all of the various activities such as yoga, canoeing, snorkelling and the trek to see Probiscous monkeys. Only negative is the view of from beach contains many ships as it is obviously a shipping lane for freight into and out of KK.
Services & Amenities
Most Popular Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Exclusive Beach Area
Diving
Snorkeling
Spa
Massage Room
Fitness Room
Priority airport pick-up
Additional charge
Bar
Restaurant
Priority airport drop-off
Station Pick-Up Service
Additional charge
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Multi-Function Room
Tour/Ticket Service
24-Hour Front Desk
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Guest Laundry
Outdoor swimming pool
Exclusive Beach Area
Spa
Fitness Room
Bar
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Outdoor swimming pool
Parking
Parking
Transportation
Priority airport pick-up
Additional charge
Station Pick-Up Service
Additional charge
Priority airport drop-off
Station Drop-Off Service
Front Desk Services
Tour/Ticket Service
Front Desk Safe
Wake-Up Call
Concierge Service
24-Hour Front Desk
Languages Spoken
Chinese
Food & Drink
Bar
Health & Wellness
Fitness Room
Massage Room
Spa
Diving
Snorkeling
Activities
Exclusive Beach Area
Fishing
Public Areas
Chinese Instructions
Garden
Cleaning Services
Laundry Service (On-Site)
Additional charge
Dry Cleaning
Additional charge
Ironing Service
Additional charge
Guest Laundry
Business Services
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Fax/Copying Service
Wedding Service
Multi-Function Room
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 15:00–21:00
Check-out: Before 11:00
Front desk hours: 24/7
Check-in is at a different address. Details will be provided after booking.
The property will provide check-in details after booking
Child Policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cots and Extra Beds
For all room types, cots and extra beds cannot be added.
Breakfast
TypeChinese
Opening hours[Mon - Sun] 07:00-10:30 Open
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
Adult | Contact hotel |
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old.
Paying at the Hotel
Property Description
- Opened: 2012
- Number of Rooms: 122
Within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort Kota Kinabalu rests along the coast of Malohom Bay, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. The resort's architecture respects Sabahan elements; its 120 villas and two-bedroom suite use local materials and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while villa interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance.Yet this is more than just a beautiful beachfront resort in stunning surroundings; with its PURE activities, this is a place for the curious to actively engage or peacefully absorb all Borneo has to offer. Seamlessly integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village, offering a rich tapestry of spa programs that reflect the ancient healing practices of the region while restoring balance to alleviate modern stresses. Dining is a burst of freshness and flavor; exquisite, sensory and sublime. Discoveries, authentic experiences and a sense of intimacy with the natural world all prevail across the land and seascape of this resort, with its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, offering travelers and families an escape that is distinctively Borneo. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimize the carbon footprint within its environment. Therefore, the resort is a walking resort and only minimal motorized vehicles are used for operational purposes.