Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Gaya Island ~ Reviews, Room Choices & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island, Malaysia, 88000

Gaya Island Resort, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a sanctuary located on Gaya Island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, this resort blends seamlessly with its lush rainforest and stunning coastal views. With a commitment to ecological sustainability, Gaya Island Resort incorporates local materials in its design, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The unique facilities such as the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre and the delicacies found in its five dining options offer guests not just luxury but also an immersive cultural and natural experience.

Location

Located 10 km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Gaya Island Resort can be easily reached via a short speedboat transfer from Jesselton Point. The surrounding area features protected mangroves and coral reefs, enriching the ambiance with nature's beauty. Nearby attractions include Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, known for its diverse marine life and pristine beaches, providing endless exploration opportunities.

Rooms

The resort features a collection of luxurious villas positioned amidst tropical rainforest. Each villa offers panoramic views of the South China Sea or mangrove forests, ensuring a serene escape. Amenities include spacious interiors with contemporary elegance, private balconies, and large open en-suite bathrooms with oversized bathtubs. The design respects local Sabahan elements, creating a unique sense of place.

Eat & Drink

Gaya Island Resort boasts five onsite restaurants that celebrate diverse Asian-Pacific cuisines, with special attention given to sustainable fishing practices. Signature offerings include Asian breakfast soups at Feast Village and unique fusion dishes like the Satay Pizza at Omaske. The tranquil setting also allows guests to enjoy fine dining experiences amid stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Leisure & Business

The resort features a multilevel spa offering traditional treatments mixed with local healing traditions, providing relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can partake in daily activities organized by the PURE activity center, including guided nature walks and coral reef snorkeling. Facilities such as the large pool and gym are also available for relaxation and fitness, making leisure both enjoyable and enriching.

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Canopy Villa Speedboat Transfer & Resort Credit

Max:

2 persons

47 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Canopy Villa

Max:

2 persons

47 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Kinabalu Villa Dining Experience

Max:

2 persons

47 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Landscape view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Gaya Island 2.0 km

Airports

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) 10.0 km

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

Delicious Vegan Options!

“The restaurant exceeded our expectations by offering a diverse and delightful vegan menu that changed daily. Each meal was better than the last!” view full review

Incredible Spa Experience

“The spa at the resort was truly exceptional. I enjoyed three amazing massages and a meditation class that helped me relax profoundly.” view full review

Spacious and Comforting

“Our Canopy Villa was spacious with an enormous bed that was incredibly comfortable, making it hard to get out of in the morning!” view full review

Beautiful Pool Area

“The pool was stunning and the perfect temperature for a refreshing dip to cool off during the sunny afternoons.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Private beach

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Diving
Snorkelling
Yoga class
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Full body massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Terrace
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island, Malaysia, 88000

Map view

Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island, Malaysia, 88000

City landmarks

Malohom Bay Gaya Island

Marine Ecology Research Centre

630 m

Beach

Tavajun Bay

560 m

Highest Point

2.2 km

Harbour

Jesselton Point

4.8 km

Island

Sapi Island

4.4 km

Beach

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

4.2 km

Jalan Gaya

Coral Flyer

4.3 km

Canopy walk and zip lines

3.8 km

Jalan Bukit Bendera

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

5.2 km

Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

4.4 km

Kota Kinabalu Harbor

4.6 km

Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

5.4 km

Market

Gaya Street Sunday Market

5.2 km

KK Esplanade

4.9 km

zipling between islands

4.4 km

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen

I Love KK

4.9 km

Zip line

4.4 km

Square

Marlin Statue

4.9 km

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

4.4 km

Sapi dock

Borneo Sea Walking

4.4 km

Sapi dock

Seasport

4.5 km

Hidden beach

4.5 km

Central road of Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

5.1 km

pulau sapi

Coral Flyer Zipline

4.5 km

Island

Pulau Sapi

4.6 km

Lorong Bank 3

Pillars of Sabah

5.0 km

Jalan Bukit Upper Bendera Likas

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

5.9 km

Point B

4.7 km

Small beach

4.7 km

Island

Kalimantan

4.7 km

Nearby

Malohom Bay Gaya Island

Marine Ecology Research Centre

780 m

Beach

Tavajun Bay

1.1 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience. <br />

86%

liked the resort and would come back

Incredible service

Stunning location

Extra charges for activities

Limited availability of some amenities

8.6/10

Great

Rooms

9.1

Location

9.3

Service

9.8

Dining

8.2

Brent

United States, January 2025

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at this resort, with breathtaking views and beautiful surroundings. The rooms were spacious and very clean, making it a fantastic place to unwind. However, the dining experience had its ups and downs, as some meals didn’t quite meet expectations. There were moments of noise that diminished the luxury feel, which could use some attention. Overall, it was a great experience with lovely staff and beautiful amenities.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were large, airy, and offered stunning views of the rainforest, ensuring a peaceful and serene atmosphere perfect for those amazing Borneo sunrises and sunsets.

Service

9.0

The service was attentive and accommodating, with staff members going above and beyond to ensure our comfort, especially Silih and chef Dolis. They truly enhanced the overall experience.

Location

10.0

The location was superb, nestled amongst the primary rainforest with stunning views all around. It felt like a paradise getaway.

Dining

7.0

Dining options were diverse and generally enjoyable, but I found the experience at Fisherman’s Cove lacking in some areas, as the atmosphere didn't align with the fine dining expectations.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were well-maintained, and the pool area was particularly lovely, though better management of guest behavior could elevate the overall experience.

Parker

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.2/10

I had an incredible stay at this hotel, where the service exceeded all expectations. The staff were genuinely friendly, and it created a warm atmosphere that made me feel at home. The location was absolutely stunning, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the sea. Dining was a highlight with fantastic food, although I wished for a bit more variety. Overall, it was a luxurious escape, but a few more options at the restaurant would have been nice.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were spacious, modern, and provided a breathtaking view of the sea, complete with a walk-in closet and a comfortable office area.

Service

10.0

The service was impeccable, with attentive and accommodating staff who seemed eager to fulfill any request.

Location

8.0

The location is perfect, overlooking beautiful gardens and the sea, yet it could be a bit isolated for dining options outside the hotel.

Dining

9.0

Dining was excellent, featuring delightful dishes prepared by skilled chefs, although the variety remained constant throughout my stay.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were well-maintained, offering plenty of options for relaxation and activities, but I felt there could have been more entertainment options available.

Bill

United States, December 2024

7.8/10

My stay at the resort was a mix of highlights and disappointments. The incredible service from the staff made us feel special, and the location was stunning with beautiful views and plenty of activities. Unfortunately, the dining experience left much to be desired, as the food wasn't up to par and service was slow at times. Additionally, some of the room features were less than ideal, affecting our overall comfort.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were large, airy, and immaculately clean, with lovely amenities and spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu. However, some minor maintenance issues, like gaps in the sliding doors, impacted our comfort.

Service

9.0

Service was excellent overall; the staff was attentive and went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, especially with our dietary preferences.

Location

10.0

The location is breathtaking, nestled next to the jungle and overlooking the sea. It's perfect for nature lovers and has great access to various activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

Dining

5.0

Dining was a bit disappointing, with lukewarm meals and slow service at times. Some dishes were good, but variety and overall quality need improvement.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities, including the pool and spa, were well-maintained and enjoyable. However, access to some areas could be improved, especially for guests with mobility issues.

Eric

United States, November 2024

9.6/10

My stay at Gaya Island Resort was an absolute dream! The stunning natural surroundings made for a beautiful backdrop, and the service was simply top-notch. I appreciated the attention to detail and how the staff made us feel like family throughout our visit. The rooms were spacious and clean, offering incredible views. However, I was a bit surprised by the additional charges for using some facilities, which felt a little off. Overall, it’s a paradise worth visiting!

Rooms

10.0

Our Kinabalu Villa was spacious and impeccably clean, boasting huge views over the bay. It felt more like a mini resort.

Service

10.0

The hospitality was exceptional; we were always greeted with warmth and personal touches that made our stay memorable.

Location

10.0

Nestled amongst lush trees and the rainforest, the location felt like a true escape into nature, making it both beautiful and serene.

Dining

10.0

Dining was a delight with dishes that were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The breakfast buffet was a great start to each day.

Facilities

8.0

The amenities like the snorkeling and conservation center were highlights, though the extra costs for water sports was a little disappointing.

Incredible service

Extra charges for activities

John

United States, October 2024

9.4/10

Our stay at the resort was truly wonderful, set on a beautiful island with incredible service. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable, and the dining options were excellent. However, some activities came at an extra cost, which was a bit of a surprise. Overall, it’s a peaceful escape that we would highly recommend!

Rooms

9.0

The room was spacious and clean, with a stunning view of Mount Kinabalu. The large bathroom and walk-in wardrobe were thoughtful touches that made our stay even more comfortable.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding; every staff member we encountered was genuinely friendly and eager to help. Haziq from concierge was particularly memorable for his thoroughness and kindness.

Location

10.0

Situated on a stunning tropical island surrounded by rainforest, the location was perfect for relaxation and exploration. We loved waking up to the sounds of nature every morning.

Dining

9.0

Dining options were fantastic with a variety of restaurants offering delicious food. Fisherman’s Cove was our favorite, especially dining under the stars.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, including amazing spas and beautiful beach areas. There was a great range of activities available to keep us engaged.

Hudson

United Kingdom, September 2024

9.0/10

I had a wonderful time at Gaya Island Resort, immersed in natural beauty and attentive service, but be prepared for the occasional mosquito and plastic litter on the beach. The rooms were spacious and clean, and I loved the various dining options. Overall, it’s a great escape for those who respect nature.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious and very clean, offering comfortable beds and beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and sea. They were a bit of a walk from the main area, but that added to the serenity.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding! The staff were genuinely friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to make sure we were well looked after throughout our stay. Their dedication to providing a high level of care was evident.

Location

9.0

The resort is nestled in a peaceful island setting, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning marine life. It offers unique activities like nature talks and a chance to engage with local conservation efforts.

Dining

9.0

Dining was a highlight with a great variety and consistently delicious meals. The chefs were incredibly engaging and made our dining experience feel special.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities were impressive, from the clean swimming pool to the spa offerings. There were plenty of activities available, both free and for a fee, making sure there was always something to do.

Stunning natural surroundings

Beach litter

George

United States, August 2024

8.8/10

I had a wonderful time at Gaya Island Resort. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable, and the location was absolutely stunning, surrounded by nature. The rooms were spacious and well-designed, making for a comfortable stay. However, I found some of the bathroom amenities could use improvement, and the distance between facilities could be challenging, especially for families with younger kids.

Rooms

9.0

The villas were incredibly comfortable, with spacious layouts and nice touches that made us feel special. I loved the design and the view from our room.

Service

10.0

The service throughout our stay was exceptional, with every staff member greeting us genuinely and anticipating our needs. A big shoutout to Jack for his fantastic hospitality.

Location

9.0

The resort is beautifully located amidst lush tropical rainforest and the ocean, providing breathtaking views and a serene ambiance.

Dining

8.0

Dining options were plentiful, with an impressive buffet that catered to various tastes. The chefs were eager to make custom dishes, which was a real treat.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities were well-maintained and provided a peaceful environment. I particularly enjoyed the gym and pool area, but the separation between different areas was a bit inconvenient.

Incredible staff

Distance between areas

Logan

United Kingdom, August 2024

9.6/10

My stay at the resort was a breathtaking experience. The beautiful surroundings, coupled with the exceptional service, made it a remarkable getaway. The accommodations were spacious and well-maintained, although the walk to our rooms could be a bit tiring at times. Dining was a highlight, with a wide selection that often left us feeling more than satisfied. Overall, this resort combines luxury with a touch of nature, although some activities could use a bit more focus on guest engagement.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, nestled in lush greenery, and impeccably clean.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding, with every member of the team genuinely invested in making our stay memorable.

Location

10.0

The location is stunning, surrounded by pristine nature and tranquil waters, offering spectacular views.

Dining

10.0

Dining at the resort was a delight, with an incredible variety of freshly prepared dishes and attentive staff.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were well-maintained, featuring a wonderful pool area and easy access to the beach.

Henry

United Kingdom, August 2024

5.8/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Taylor

United Kingdom, July 2024

8.6/10

I had an incredible stay at this Eco Island resort, with stunning views and beautiful rooms that provided a unique escape in the rainforest. The facilities were excellent, especially for families, but improvements could be made regarding sunbed availability by the pool. The dining options were a bit hit or miss, but overall, it was a fantastic experience with attentive service that made our stay relaxing and memorable.

Rooms

9.0

Our room was spacious and beautifully appointed, offering stunning sea views that made every moment worthwhile.

Service

10.0

The service was exceptional and personalized, with the team going above and beyond to cater to our family's needs.

Location

8.0

The location is superb, surrounded by breathtaking nature, but it can be challenging to find sunbeds by the pool as they are often reserved early in the day.

Dining

7.0

Dining options were varied, with some restaurants being excellent, though the main restaurant felt a bit cafeteria-like and could use some improvement.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities, including the swimming pool and private beach, were great for both relaxation and activities.