[2024 Gaya Island Stay] Travel Guide for Gayana Marine Resort (Updated Nov)
A Staycation nearby KK City
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
Ron_1215
Explore the Ocean Charm of Kota Kinabalu: Enjoy a Tropical Paradise in Kota Kinabalu.
Visiting Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, is like stepping into a real-life picture book about a tropical paradise. With endless coastlines, clear skies, and vibrant city culture, every corner of this place exudes a unique and captivating charm to visitors. In this guide, let's explore the enchanting scenery of Kota Kinabalu and its diverse range of activities.
1. Transportation Guide
First, arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). The airport is about 7 km from the city center, and a taxi ride to the city center takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around MYR 30. You can also choose the airport bus, which is more affordable, costing around MYR 5 per person.
2. Accommodation Recommendations
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly homestays, there is always an accommodation option for you. Five-star resorts like Gaya Island Resort cost around MYR 1,000 per night. Budget hotels in the city center range from MYR 100-200 per night.
3. Attractions
1. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Take a boat from Jesselton Point, and you'll arrive in just 20 minutes. The entrance fee is around MYR 10, and you'll also need to pay for the boat ride. The park includes five small islands where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters or relax on the beach.
2. Kinabalu Park
Malaysia's highest peak offers a "scenic step-by-step" hiking experience. The hiking permit costs around MYR 50, with additional guide fees.
3. Proboscis Monkey Eco Tour
Explore Sabah's unique wildlife by taking a boat tour through the mangrove forest. The cost is around MYR 200 per adult.
4. Culinary Experience
Kota Kinabalu's night markets are a great place to explore local cuisine. Try Sabah's specialty seafood barbecue and unique-flavored nasi lemak, with an average cost of MYR 20-30 per person per meal. Don't forget to try the local dessert "kaya puff."
5. Personal Experience
Every walk under the blue sky and sea brings a sense of tranquility and the gifts of nature. Snorkeling in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, dancing with colorful fish, brings an indescribable pure joy. The aroma of food and the lively crowd at the night market make you feel the unique urban texture of Kota Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu, with its mesmerizing scenery and diverse activities, has become a tropical paradise for countless travelers. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, this place will bring endless surprises and memories!
StellaSoul_123
Escape to paradise
The moment we stepped onboard the speed boat to the Gayana Marine Resort, we never stop smiling. The welcome we received from the staff blew us away. We never met a grouchy face. This friendly environment is very good for the soul; you feel calm and relax; no need for small talks, just smile, relax and chill. The weather was perfect during our stay - Blue skies, clear waters, plenty of amazing sea creatures, especially the giant calms. You can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, have a wonderful massage and get educated at the Marine Ecology Research Center. We also get to seed a coral to help with the replanting of the many coral reefs. You can also adopt a coral and be a proud parent who send his/her child out to propagate and fill the coral reefs with marine lives.
Tan Lay Lian Cecilia Ernest
Gayana Marine Resort: A healing journey on a dream island.
Gayana Marine Resort: A healing journey on a dream island
In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, there is a place like a paradise on the sea - Gayana Marine Resort.
Start a special journey from Jesselton Point. The hotel thoughtfully provides a free boat at 12:00 pm every day, and a free boat at 11:00 am the next day when leaving the island. You can check in at the pier, and the exclusive guest waiting room is comfortable and pleasant. There is also a butler to escort your luggage all the way, making you feel extremely noble.
A mere 20-minute boat ride will leave the hustle and bustle of the world behind. This is an excellent choice for those travelers who are short on time but yearn for the beauty of Semporna. The ocean village I stayed in was even more amazing. You can go snorkeling directly from the room and have an intimate contact with the sea, which is very convenient.
The terrace of the room is a great place to enjoy the view. When night falls, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves gently lapping against the pillars. The faint sound is like a lullaby of the sea, healing the tired soul. Here, lying flat is a kind of enjoyment, and healing is a kind of daily life.
The hotel's rich activities are the icing on the cake. Fun programs such as kayaking make people eager to try and explore more mysteries of the sea. If you want to snorkel, you can just borrow equipment from the hotel. Whether you are a water sports enthusiast or just want to lazily enjoy the sun and the beach, you can find your own happiness.
During the two days spent at Gayana Marine Resort, time seemed to slow down. Every inch of sunshine, every wave, and every bird song became the most beautiful fragment in my memory. There is no busyness and disturbance here, only blue sky, blue sea, and endless comfort. It is a truly healing journey for the body and mind, making me linger and reluctant to leave.
Oliver Johnson 234
Experience the feeling of staying in a water chalet at the Gaya Island Resort in Malaysia.
If you don't go to Semporna, you must go out to sea in Kota Kinabalu. The coastline of Kota Kinabalu itself is not amazing, and you can only see the more primitive sea when you go out to sea.
The hotel's rooms are simple and elegant, blending traditional Sabah-style decorations, allowing you to immerse yourself in a strong exotic culture. The rooms face the sea and are backed by green hills. Standing on the terrace, you can taste fine wine while feeling the cool sea breeze gently blowing away the fatigue and heat of the day. At night, you can also look up at the starry sky on the terrace and enjoy the rare tranquility and romance.
In addition to the comfortable accommodation environment, Gaya Island Resort is also equipped with a wealth of entertainment facilities and activities. You can snorkel, row or swim in the clear and transparent sea water, and explore the colorful underwater world. The hotel also has a professional diving center, which provides you with deep diving experience and allows you to get close to mysterious marine life.
In addition, the hotel's restaurant is also a major feature. The seafood restaurant (Alu Alu Seafood) is located on the water, in a quiet corner of the resort. In the melodious sea breeze and gentle wave sound, you can taste exquisite Chinese seafood. All ingredients come from the hotel's private organic fishery to ensure that you enjoy the freshest and healthiest delicacies.
🌟Recommended nearby attractions:
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: Gaya Island Resort is adjacent to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which is full of natural wild interest. You can hike in the forest here, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the magnificent scenery of nature.
Gaya Island: As the island where the hotel is located, Gaya Island itself is a fascinating tourist attraction. The sea here is clear and the beach is white and flawless. It is an ideal choice for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Mount Kinabalu: The majestic Mount Kinabalu stands not far from the hotel. This is one of Malaysia's iconic attractions. You can choose to climb and explore, or look up at its majestic posture at the foot of the mountain, and feel the shock and beauty of nature.
In short, with its unique style, excellent service, and rich entertainment facilities and activities, Gaya Island Resort has become an ideal place for your holiday and leisure. Here, you can temporarily forget the troubles of the world and enjoy the gifts of nature and the quiet and far-reaching time.
EthanHenderson15
Gayana Marine Resort: The Maldives of Kota Kinabalu
📍Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
5th Dec. 2022
⏰Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 11:00
One of the famous resorts located on Gaya Island
The room in the picture is an Ocean Villa, where you can jump directly into the sea from your room✨ We recommend either the Palm Resort or the Ocean Villa
▪️Free Boat Service
Jesselton Point ➡️ Resort: 12:00
Resort ➡️ Jesselton Point: 11:00
For other times, it costs more than 250 MYR (approximately 74,000 KRW) one way
▪️Activities
Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fish feeding, etc.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival at the resort!
▪️Caution
Beware of monkeys!! Keep your belongings safe!
여름휴가
Water Villa Vacation on Gaya Island!!
Staying in a water villa means waking up every day and jumping straight into the sea as soon as you open the door (˶‾᷄ ⁻̫ ‾᷅˵)
There are two resorts on Gaya Island. One is near the sea, and the other is near the mangroves.
For the water villa, we chose the Gayana Marine Resort~
When booking, it was noted that there is only one free shuttle boat to the island at 12:00 PM daily.
However, we arrived at the pier around 3:00 PM, and we didn't need to buy a boat ticket.
After checking in at the pier, the staff delivered our luggage to the room.
We then started our vacation mode~
On the island, there are restaurants, swimming pools, a spa, a bar, and an eco-center to visit.
You can also rent various water activity equipment, some for a fee and some for free.
The room was very clean, and the staff were very friendly and kind. Personally, I found the breakfast quite delicious.
If you want to relax during your holiday, I recommend this place to everyone!
祖兒1181
🌴🏖️ Escape to Gaya Island's Overwater Bliss 🌊🛌
Nestled in Malohom Bay, the Gayana Marine Resort is a slice of paradise just a 20-minute boat ride from Sabah's mainland. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves beneath your spacious overwater villa, complete with a private balcony — but watch out for the playful monkeys!
The resort's staff go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, and the on-site dining is a treat for the taste buds. Plus, with complimentary activities like snorkeling and kayaking, adventure is literally at your doorstep. While the resort could use a touch-up here and there, the overall experience is nothing short of rejuvenating.
Remember, the free boat rides are scheduled, but you might just find yourself booking a private one to soak up every last minute on this enchanting island.
#KotaKinabalu #GayanaMarineResort #IslandGetaway
MusicMaven
Water bungalows in Sabah
#kk #sabah #gayaisland #marine #dive #snorkel #ecoland #marineconservation #relaxation #zen ##honeymooners
Getting There - 20 min boat ride from Jesselton Ferry terminal
Attractions - Snorkelling, Kayaking, Diving, Island hopping
Hotels - Private Water bungalows overlooking Mt Kinabalu
Food & Restaurants - No outside food allowed. Dine at Macac Restaurant. Breakfast can be delivered by boat to room.
MissGoodLyfe
Life is not just about the moment, but also poetry and distance. The country of the garden, the pristine beaches, the peculiar islands, the pristine rainforest and the modern city of Malaysia are a poetic distance in my heart. Open up the troubles of life, throw away the annoying trivial things, live your own wonderful, enjoy extraordinary poetry, how exciting and happy! Follow my footsteps, go fly and hug the horse!
This awesome Malaysian trip, comfortable, and comfortable accommodation, can feel professional and caring service everywhere. At noon on the first day, from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, settled in Le Mridien.
Hotel Meimei got a good night's sleep, and immediately the next day was full of energy. There are many islands in Malaysia, each with its own characteristics. We chose two hotels with great water house views as island hopping. After breakfast the next day, we first arrived at Jesselton Point and transferred to the Gayana Marine Resort.
Marine said: "There is no way you could go
imissqingqing.
On the first day in Sabah, you can eat delicious food at the hotel. The hotel can choose Gayana.