2025 Gaya Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

My stay at Gaya Island Resort was a perfect retreat. Being a local, it’s truly a 360 different aspect of Kota Kinabalu for me. The quiet beaches and stunning views provided a much-needed break, while the natural surroundings made each day calming and peaceful ❤️ This is a place where i would often think about and would want to go back. A perfect place to rewind and relax and a memorable experience that's truly worth sharing. #kotakinabalu #gayaisland

Staying at Gaya Island Resort in Malaysia was a magical and tranquil experience 🌺. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, this resort is where tropical rainforests, white beaches, and clear blue seas meet 🌴🌊. My villa was very luxurious and comfortable, offering an amazing view of the sea 🏡. I enjoyed delicious meals at the restaurant, which served fresh and tasty local and international cuisine 🍣🍤. I participated in various water activities such as snorkeling and exploring coral reefs 🚤. The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly and professional 😊. The spa was amazing as I had a great time relaxing and enjoying body care sessions 💆♀️. It was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to returning to Gaya Island Resort to once again enjoy the natural beauty and luxurious comfort.

It's a really wonderful place. We are so happy to be able to spend time here and wish we had booked a longer stay. After a tropical jungle tour and a long journey by land, we wanted some time to rest. Gaya Island is the perfect place for this. First of all, a big thank you to Rozi, Terence, and the team. They couldn't have been more helpful. I requested a room near the amenities so we wouldn't have to climb the hill too far. Initially, we were given a good way to climb. However, we were offered another room and were able to move the next morning. There was no additional charge for what was essentially an upgrade. As always, it's the little things, the attention to important details, and the staff have a great understanding of what service looks like. I couldn't fault them. They struck a line that was not too friendly but very pleasant and efficient. We didn't dine at the main restaurant, but Rozi was able to open the pool bar for us when we arrived. The food here was delicious. The highlight of the entire trip was a wonderful meal at Fisherman's Cove. Delicious and high-quality cuisine. Don't miss it. Another great meal was the barbecue. It was a good opportunity to see the staff having a good time and once again the food was excellent. Our short stay meant that we didn't take advantage of any of the activities offered. We hope to stay longer next time. Thank you, Gaya Island. You have set the bar very high. I hope the other hotels we stay at in the future are good.

This time, the trip to Malaysia is not long, I decided to take a vacation in Sabah✨, Highly recommend island hopping, not too many people and the water is clear. It fulfilled all my fantasies about the islands😝. Staring at the sea, walking on the beach and building sandcastles⛪, Snorkeling to see fish🐠, and playing some water activities, It's so cool, so relaxing!🎈 As a trip that requires a lot of self-selection, I suggest you take a look at this guide🌟, save money and avoid pitfalls. 👉About Island Hopping: ①There are 5 islands around Sabah, the most popular are Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, I chose the first two. The speedboat will take you to the island for free activities, if there are water activities or island hopping, there will be guides to call. 🏝Sapi Island: Highly recommended here👍The sand is fine, the water is clear and there are many fish. The fish are mainly concentrated near the green buoy a little far from the shore. I played parasailing here. 🏝Manukan Island: There are more people, and there are fewer types of fish than Sapi Island. It is recommended to snorkel under the pier, where there are many fish. I played banana boat and flying fish here. 🏝Mamutik Island: The island is very small and only half of it has been developed, and there are not many people and there are restaurants. If you have time, you can go here another day. ②Island hopping is really not the more islands you go to in one day, the better‼️ Don't get up early, arrive at "Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal" at 10:30 (buy tickets and leave immediately when there are enough people), and take the last boat back at 16:00. It is recommended to choose 2 islands or it is also very good to play slowly on one island, otherwise it is always in transit🚤. 👉Window selection & bargaining Windows 1-3 are a family, I booked here. It is said that window 7 can speak Chinese, but some friends feedback that the service is not good: before playing the banana boat, there is no prompt to change clothes and the boat will turn over, just throw people into the sea🙈. 💰Each window has a uniform price, and cannot be bargained: ①The boat fare is 35RM for one island, and 10RM is added for each additional island. You can add it if you want to book one first. ②The island fee is 25RM/person, no matter how many islands you go to, you only need to pay once, and you must keep the ticket. ③Parasailing full-course Gopro video + photo 65RM/person, no matter how you bargain, it won't work. After watching the film, it was really well recorded, so I bought it.💡It is recommended to download the material locally! 💰Can be bargained: water activities. I said I wanted to play parasailing + banana boat after I arrived on the island, the original 161RM, talked to 100, it is said that there seems to be a deal of 85. 💰Don't rent: life jacket. Whether you can swim or not, ask you if you want it, just say no. Because you must wear a life jacket when taking a speedboat, you can take it to the island to play, and return it when you come back. If you rent it, you will spend more money. 🎒Suggest to bring: Sunscreen/mud, hat, sunglasses, mobile phone waterproof bag, swimsuit, slippers, towel, simple lunch, drinking water.

#timetotravel Recommended to do visit Sabah, as they have a beauty scenery in nature, clean river, seafood market, beauty beach and clear water to swim/aqua activities/mountain/ pasar tamu... KOTA Kinabalu CITY- Activities for seafood hunting, delicious food, souvenirs, muzium attractions, water sports activities at Sapi island/mamutik/Tunku Abdul Rahman park KOTA belud-melangkap campsite, pasar tamu KUNDASANG-Kinabalu mountain for hiking, desa cattle dairy farm Ranau-Tagal luanti fish spa..

Last minute plans with the family led to some contemplation about where to go for a short vacation and relaxing journey. In the end, we decided to stay at Gayana Marine Resort located in Gaya Island, just about 20 minutes boat ride from the mainland. All the accommodations here are above water and you can clearly hear the soothing sound of the sea waves. Rooms are spacious come with a private balcony (be careful that there are monkeys everywhere). The staff are incredibly friendly, food at the restaurant is delicious. Free activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fish feeding, etc. However, to be honest the resort needs a lot of updating especially the bar on the 1st floor (it was closed during our visit), enhancing the bar would allow the place to offer even more to its visitors. We initially planned to depart with the scheduled morning boat on the second day, but we ended up charter a private boat in the evening to extend our time together on the island. Overall, the vacation was enjoyable and pleasant. #trip #vacation #island #staycation #kotakinabalu

About 20 minutes speed boat ride from Jesselton Point Jetty to reach this tropical island. I'm drawn to this beautiful island because of the atmosphere of peace and not so crowded like the other destinations. The quality of service provided by the crew members creating a welcome and enjoyable environment for everyone. Breakfast, lunch & dinner offered and the way they are served are truly delightful. Overall its and absolute perfect escape for relaxation. #island #vacation

Great gateway from the mainland..The place was really nice and clean! And the staff....They are very nice and friendly. Everyone was really courteous, always greets you with a smile and very accommodating. One other thing I liked about the resort is it encourages people to walk as a form of exercise and does not really offer transportation. For those who don't really like walking, I suggest you take the villas nearest to the resort, but the view is not that great. Get the Canopy villa seaview and you will get to see the best sunrise ever! I was really awed and emotional when I saw it. Really, really nice! people let us enjoy our journey..Overall, I love this resort and would like to recommend it to everyone.

Name of Place: Sapi Island/ Pulau Sapi Location :K.K, sapi island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia operating hours : First Ferry reaches here at 830am, last ferry departs at 5pm. My little speedboat departed from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal at 9am and by 925am I have already reached Sapi Island. Sapi Island is the smallest island out of the 3 nearby islands to Kota Kinabalu, I selected to spend my morning here because I have read that this is the island with the clearest water and cleanest beach amongst all 3 islands. True to what I have read, the waters of Sapi Island at a very beautiful colour to it,from far it looked like it was a little emerald lagoon but as you get nearer to the beach then you will see that the waters are pretty clear. When I was there on a Saturday morning , together with me there was only about 6 other local families and we literally had the whole island to ourselves. It was super beautiful.

Sapi island is one of the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. We spent about 50 minutes on Sapi Island and believe me, that was quite enough. The island is small, there is only one beach, nowhere to go. The water on Sapi is greenish-blue, with tints. There are fewer fish than on Manukan, but the bottom is cleaner here. You can go to Sapi from Kota Kinabalu for an hour to explore the Abdul Rahman Marine Reserve. It is probably not worth taking a full-day tour only to this island. Sapi is just a minute away from Gaya Island, it would be logical to visit both of these islands. #bucketlistreboot #malaysia

🤩With views stretching across the South China Sea, and where the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can be seen on a clear day, this place was just awesome and far exceeded my expectations! It was quiet, secluded and felt like paradise - oh take me back! ⛵️The resort has it’s own jetty providing the speed boat transfer from the main island to Gaya island. And if the weather is good, you will have a wonderful 10 minute ride across the sea. The water is fresh, clean and so clear you can really see the local fish swimming free - so it’s great for snorkelling off the beach! 📍Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 💰It’s a little pricey per night but so worth it 🍔 There is ample food and restaurants from the hotel, you can also go back to the mainland if you wish! 😂 Tips: Check your room and view, you won’t be disappointed with the calm tranquility of the sea and sunset #passionpassport #traveltheotherside #theotherside #travelwithme #foodie #sabah #malaysia

1. Address - Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu Highlights - Snorkeling & Island activities Rating - 5/5 Put down all your worries, enjoy the time, the wind, the sea, the sea life, quietness of the island doesn’t sound good for the economic, but as a tourist, you will really fall in love with this power of natural,

#triplocal Head to Tuanku Abdul Rahman marine park to experience Coral Flyer, the longest island-to-island zipline (aka flying fox) in the WORLD. 5-10 mins boat ride to reach Sapi/Manukan islands. New way to enjoy adrenaline rush caused by strong G-force. No age barrier, even my 65 years old dad accomplished this mission.

Can you think of an island that is only a ten-minute speedboat ride from the bustling city, will the sea be so pure and beautiful? Sabi Island is a very popular island in Sabah. In addition to playing with water and sand, snorkeling and deep diving, there are also a variety of marine entertainment projects, such as parasols, flying fish, underwater walks, sea sheep, etc. Wait, the most special and exciting is the volley, and the slamming has completed the leap between the two islands, the friends have played

Sabi Island is the cleanest and most elegant island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park. The island's southeastern end has a better coral reef, close to the coast, suitable for diving. The facilities in the scenic area are perfect, with locker rooms and washrooms. Beach BBQ, diving and camping gear rentals are also available. Here you can take a stroll on the sea, just wear a special helmet without any professional training. Transportation: Travel to Shabbi Island and rent a boat from Kota Kinabalu City for approximately 15-20 minutes. Tickets: Free On Island Free, Island entertainment is subject to a charge. Opening time: all day

🗺️🗺️ [Itinerary] Day 1:shady island Day 2:manukan island Day 3:sulug island Day 4:sapi island Day 5:gaya island Day 6:mengalum island 📍📍 [Must-Visit Attractions] banana boat 🥘🥘 [Must-Try Food] roti cannel 🏠🏠 [Accommodation ] 1.Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu 📷📷 [Photo Spots] beach 📣📣 [Tips] enjoy the trip

Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, is a true paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to experience the rich culture of Malaysia. Whether you’re exploring its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, or climbing the mighty Mount Kinabalu, Sabah offers something for every traveler. Overall,Sabah is a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, offering the perfect mix for any traveler. #kotakinabalu #sabahtrip

Sabah is a place that captures the soul. From magical sunsets to serene beach retreats, every corner of this paradise is a dream come true. 🌅✨ The sunsets here are unlike anything I’ve ever seen! As the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and purple, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty. Tanjung Aru Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re watching the sunset with a refreshing drink or strolling along the shore, it’s a moment you’ll never forget. 🌞 If you’re seeking a tranquil escape, this is the place to be. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, Cabana Retreat offers the perfect blend of nature and luxury. The intimate setting, beautiful gardens, and cozy villas made my stay feel like a personal slice of paradise. 🌿🏡

If you love crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sun-kissed beaches, Sabah is an absolute dream destination! 🌊🌴 Snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: The coral reefs here are absolutely breathtaking, teeming with colorful marine life. I felt like I was swimming through a living aquarium! The visibility was amazing, and the variety of fish was beyond words. 🐠🐟 Pristine Beaches: Whether lounging on the soft sand or exploring the underwater world, the beaches are pristine and perfect for a day of relaxation and adventure. Crystal Clear Waters: It’s like stepping into a postcard. The water is so clear you can see the colorful fish from above the surface! 🌊 Whether you’re an experienced diver or just love to snorkel, this place offers some of the most stunning underwater views I’ve ever encountered. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. 🌞 #SnorkelingInSabah #TunkuAbdulRahmanMarinePark #CoralReefs #BeachVibes

We had 6 days trip to Sabah, Kota Kinabalu! Day 1: took rest and in the evening, we went to nearby Tanjung Aru beach to see the sunset! Day 2: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to visit 5 islands. We visited Sapi, Mamutak and one other island. Snorkeling was the best experience there. Day 3: We drove to Kundasung to visit Kinabalu mountain, Desa dairy farm and rabbit farm, Day 4: We went to Ranau Day 5: We went to Kota Belud! The beaches were very beautiful and amazing! Cabana retreat beach was awesome! Day 6: We came back to Kota Kinabalu and went to floating mosque!

The entire Sapi Island is within walking distance A beach road by the sea The one-way walk from the beginning to the end takes about 3 minutes Less crowded than Mamutik There is a fee of RM$25 for entering the island, but I feel that it does not protect the environment. There is no mandatory payment for the island entry fee. Some employees of shipping companies are also defrauding island fees. Very disorganized selling of itineraries and boat transportation I don't recommend island hopping in Sabah. Riding a speedboat is dangerous. Playing water sports facilities is even more dangerous. Malays seem to lack lifesaving expertise I will never island hop again in Sabah 📍Address: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

An amazing hotel in a fantastic location! The staff was friendly and professional, and the food choices were fantastic. The rooms were very clean with views overlooking the beautiful sea. Great location, fantastic views, rooms are located on the hill (for us it was just ok , but might be troublesome for people with some issues with walking). Great standard of the room. Warm water on the sea and pool. #gayaislandresort

#January travel support event Kota Beach with grandchildren Healthy marine sports Life is now~~#sea walking #snorkeling #Jeselton Pier #Kota Kinabalu free travel

#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere #sabah If you're looking to escape to a hidden paradise, Sapi Island is an absolute must-visit. I joined a day tour departing from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, and it was the perfect way to immerse myself in nature's beauty. The short boat ride gave me a taste of what was to come—crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the island’s untouched beauty. Whether you’re snorkeling in the coral gardens, relaxing on the sun-soaked beach, or exploring the lush trails, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind and embrace the tropical surroundings. The island feels like a slice of heaven—quiet, peaceful, and incredibly scenic. Tips: Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen, wear comfortable footwear for exploring, and don’t forget your waterproof camera for capturing the stunning underwater life.

🎉Hello, friends! Today, I want to recommend a fantastic resort to you - Hibiscus Resort!🌟 First of all, the environment here is simply stunning!🌿 Walking along the paths of the resort, you feel like you're in a huge garden, surrounded by colorful flowers and lush green trees. It lifts your spirits and makes all your worries disappear.😊 Secondly, the resort's facilities are top-notch!🏊‍♀️ Swimming pool, gym, and spa center - all are available and of high quality! Swimming in the pool or enjoying a full-body massage at the spa center is a great pleasure in life!💆‍♀️ Moreover, the food here is also excellent!🍽️ From authentic local specialties to international cuisine, everything is available, and the taste is fantastic! Every meal feels like a feast for the taste buds, leaving you wanting more.😋 Finally, the service at the resort is also first-class!👍 The staff is very warm and attentive, always with a smile, making you feel at home. Whatever your needs, they will do their best to meet them, making your vacation experience even more perfect. In short, Hibiscus Resort is a place you won't want to leave once you arrive!🎉 Come and experience the beauty here with me!🌈

First of all, the beach here is breathtakingly beautiful. 🌊 The sand is fine and soft, and the water is crystal clear, making you feel like you're in paradise. Every morning, you can take a walk on the beach as the sun rises, feeling the sea breeze gently caress your face. It's so relaxing! 🌅 The accommodation is also top-notch. The rooms are spacious and bright, with a warm and comfortable decor style and complete facilities, making you feel at ease and comfortable. 🛌 At night, you can enjoy the beautiful starry sky on the balcony and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. It's truly one of life's great pleasures. ✨ In addition, the hotel's service is super attentive. The staff are warm and friendly, always with a smile on their faces, ready to help you solve any problems. 😊 Whether it's booking a restaurant or arranging activities, they can provide you with professional advice and thoughtful service. In short, Gaya Island Resort is definitely worth experiencing! 🎉 Come and enjoy all the beauty here! 🌟

Today, I want to introduce you to a hidden gem that is often overlooked - Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK. It is the heart of Sabah, so don't just treat it as a transit point. There are so many fun places to explore here! Let's talk about the twin islands of Kota Kinabalu - Sapi Island and Manukan Island. They are must-visit spots when you come here. They are very close to the city center, just a 10-20 minute boat ride away, and you'll find yourself on these beautiful islands in no time. As you step onto the island, you'll be greeted by the stunning sea, a mesmerizing blend of blue and green hues, with a refreshing green tone. Some may think it's not as pure blue as the waters of Semporna, but I love this shade of green. It exudes a tranquil and charming aura, and compared to Semporna, I'm more captivated by the sea of Kota Kinabalu. The charm of Kota Kinabalu is not just in its beautiful seascape, but also in its rich variety of water activities! Take parasailing, for example. Once you're strapped in and slowly lifted into the air, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the emerald sea and the surrounding scenery. It's like having a wonderful dream in the sky, both thrilling and romantic. The banana boat, on the other hand, is all about speed and excitement. As you race across the sea, the splashing water adds to the fun. And then there's the sea walking, where you can transform into an underwater elf, getting up close with colorful fish and the fascinating underwater world. There are so many water activities to choose from, and you can pick according to your budget and preferences, and have a blast. However, there's a little tip for playing here, especially when snorkeling near the shore. Be careful of your feet, as the rocks near the shore are often covered with sea urchins and other marine creatures. If you accidentally step on them, it could be painful. In short, Kota Kinabalu is a place with beautiful scenery and lots of fun. Next time you pass by, be sure to stop and experience its unique charm. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this surprising travel destination, just like I did. Come to Kota Kinabalu and start an unforgettable journey!

Hey, travel enthusiasts! When it comes to Kota Kinabalu, many people may think of it as just a stopover, but that's a big mistake. Today, I'm going to share with you the charm of Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK, is located in the center of Sabah, and there are plenty of fun attractions to explore! The first recommendation is the twin islands - Sapi Island and Manukan Island. These two islands are very close to the city center of Kota Kinabalu, and it only takes 10 to 20 minutes by boat to reach them. Once you arrive on the island, the color of the sea is mesmerizing, with a refreshing green hue. Although it may not be as deep blue as the waters of Semporna, I am particularly fond of the green sea, as it has a unique gentleness and charm. So, compared to Semporna, I prefer the sea of Kota Kinabalu. Moreover, Kota Kinabalu not only offers beautiful sea views but also a wide range of exciting water activities! Parasailing allows you to soar like a bird above the blue sea, enjoying the breathtaking scenery from above. Banana boat rides take you on a thrilling ride across the waves, filling the air with laughter. You can also try sea walking, where you can explore the mysterious underwater world up close and have intimate encounters with various adorable fish. In short, there are plenty of fun water activities to choose from, and you can pick a few that suit your budget and preferences for an unforgettable experience. However, I must remind you to be extra careful when snorkeling near the shore. Why? Because there are often sea urchins and other marine creatures resting on the rocks near the shore, and stepping on them accidentally can be quite painful. So, next time you travel, don't just treat Kota Kinabalu as a stopover. Consider staying for a few days to fully experience its unique charm, visit the twin islands to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and try the exciting water activities. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this charming place and create unforgettable travel memories! Come to Kota Kinabalu and start your exciting journey!