Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Gaya Island ∞ Discover spa retreats, reviews & deals for 2025

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About Resort

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

“Nestled on a peaceful island with breathtaking views over the South China Sea, this hotel offers a perfect escape for nature lovers.”view full review

Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers a collection of hillside villas with panoramic views of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu, blending elegantly with the tropical environment. This 5-star resort features five on-site dining options, a multi-level spa, and extensive recreational facilities within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Rooms & Amenities

Gaya Island Resort offers elegant villas decorated with local materials, equipped with amenities like a flat-screen TV, minibar, and private balcony with outdoor seating. Accommodations include Bayu Villas, which provide rainforest views, Canopy Villas near the beach, and Kinabalu Villas boasting views across the South China Sea. The luxurious Suria Suite offers two bedrooms and an outdoor bath on the balcony.

Dining Options

Dining options at Gaya Island Resort include Feast Village, serving diverse Asia-Pacific cuisine in a vibrant, interactive setting, and the rooftop Fisherman's Cove, specializing in sustainable seafood. Omakase offers Japanese dining experiences, while the Pool Bar & Lounge provides light refreshments with views of the infinity pool. Private dining experiences and picnics on Tavajun Bay can also be arranged.

Leisure & Conservation

The resort features a 40-meter lap pool with cabanas, a kids' wading pool, and a well-equipped gym overlooking the beach. Guests can enjoy various activities, including snorkeling, guided nature walks, and workshops at the PURE activity center. The Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre promotes conservation efforts such as turtle rescues and coral reef restoration programs.

Services & Transportation

Conference facilities include a 90-square-meter conference room suitable for up to 100 participants, ideal for meetings and private functions. A local tour service can provide excursions to nearby attractions such as the Atkinson Clock Tower and Coral Flyer Zipline. Speedboat transfers from Jesselton Point make travel to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport efficient.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Kinabalu Villa Speedboat Transfer

Max:

2 persons

510 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Landscape view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Canopy Villa Speedboat Transfer & Resort Credit

Max:

2 persons

510 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Kinabalu Villa Speedboat Transfer & Resort Credit

Max:

2 persons

510 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Landscape view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

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Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Centre

Gaya Island 1.2 mi

Airports

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) 6.2 mi

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Really good Culinary Experience

The dining options at Gaya Island Resort are simply amazing! From the extensive breakfast buffet featuring local and international dishes to the live cooking stations at Feast Village, every meal was a delight. Chef Dolis went above and beyond to cater to our dietary preferences, and we especially loved the fresh seafood options available every night. The dinner at Fisherman's Cove was a highlight, with dishes crafted to perfection.

Michele88. United Kingdom, 2024-03-15Read full review on

Heavenly Spa Retreat

The spa at Gaya Island Resort is a true escape into relaxation. I treated myself to a Malay massage, which was nothing short of heavenly. The ambiance was peaceful, and the expert therapists made me feel rejuvenated. I highly recommend indulging in their treatments after a day of exploring. It was definitely one of the highlights of my stay!

Daniela_Sunshine. Australia, 2024-04-30Read full review on

Luxurious Villa Comfort

I stayed in a Kinabalu Villa, and it was absolutely gorgeous! The room offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape and was equipped with a comfortable king-size bed, a spacious bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub, and all the amenities I could ask for. It was a serene retreat that made my stay even more enjoyable!

JohnExplorer. Canada, 2024-05-10Read full review on

Exciting Activities Galore

The activities available at the resort were fantastic! I had the chance to go snorkeling and was lucky enough to see a turtle and a variety of beautiful fish. The nature walk was also very informative and allowed me to explore the lush surroundings. I would recommend booking these activities as soon as you arrive, as they tend to fill up quickly!

Martin_Adventure. United States, 2024-06-20Read full review on

What’s included

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

Landmark

Marine Ecology Research Centre

2100 ft

Beach

Tavajun Bay

1900 ft

Landmark

Highest Point

1.4 mi

Harbour

Jesselton Point

3.0 mi

Island

Sapi Island

2.7 mi

Beach

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

2.6 mi

Landmark

Coral Flyer

2.7 mi

Landmark

Canopy walk and zip lines

2.3 mi

Landmark

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

3.2 mi

Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

2.7 mi

Landmark

Kota Kinabalu Harbor

2.8 mi

Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

3.3 mi

Market

Gaya Street Sunday Market

3.2 mi

Landmark

KK Esplanade

3.1 mi

Landmark

zipling between islands

2.7 mi

Landmark

I Love KK

3.0 mi

Landmark

Zip line

2.7 mi

Square

Marlin Statue

3.1 mi

Landmark

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

2.7 mi

Landmark

Borneo Sea Walking

2.8 mi

Landmark

Seasport

2.8 mi

Landmark

Hidden beach

2.8 mi

Landmark

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

3.2 mi

Landmark

Coral Flyer Zipline

2.8 mi

Island

Pulau Sapi

2.9 mi

Landmark

Pillars of Sabah

3.1 mi

Landmark

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

3.7 mi

Landmark

Point B

2.9 mi

Landmark

Small beach

2.9 mi

Island

Kalimantan

2.9 mi

Nearby

Malohom Bay Gaya Island

Marine Ecology Research Centre

2600 ft

Beach

Tavajun Bay

3800 ft

Reviews and Ratings <br />

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

Richard

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.6/10

My stay at Gaya Island Resort was absolutely fantastic, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The personal attention from the staff was the highlight, and the resort itself is beautifully set amidst stunning natural surroundings. While the dining options were excellent, the beach experience was slightly hindered by marine life conditions. Overall, it was a memorable escape, although I wish I could have enjoyed the private beach more.

Rooms

10.0

The villas were stunning, nestled among lush greenery with all amenities a guest could need. We particularly appreciated the thoughtful touches like mosquito repellent and soothing products.

Service

10.0

The service was out of this world! From the moment I arrived, Amanda and the entire team made me feel at home with their genuine attention and care.

Location

9.0

Located on a gorgeous island surrounded by tropical forest, the resort's location adds an exclusive feel to the experience. However, the access to a private beach can be limited due to natural conditions.

Dining

9.0

Dining at Feast Village was a delight, with an incredible variety of vegan and gluten-free options. The quality and selection kept my taste buds entertained throughout my stay.

Facilities

10.0

Overall, the facilities offered a mix of relaxation and adventure, with complimentary yoga, movie nights, and more. The eco-focused design is commendable.

Alex

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.8/10

The resort is a perfect getaway, offering beautiful surroundings and exceptional service. The villas are spacious and well-equipped, providing a serene retreat. While the resort attracts families and couples alike, which can sometimes disrupt total relaxation, the activities offered and stunning private beach make it a worthwhile destination for peace and enjoyment.

Rooms

10.0

The Kinabalu Villas are incredibly spacious, featuring modern touches like double sinks and a huge bathtub. The balcony view is stunning, perfect for enjoying sunrises.

Service

10.0

The service exceeded my expectations. Staff members were genuinely welcoming and accommodating, particularly during my stay. Rameez and the restaurant crew went above and beyond to make us feel special.

Location

10.0

The resort is situated on a stunning island, just a quick boat ride from the mainland. Its private beach and breathtaking views of the surrounding nature create an unparalleled atmosphere.

Dining

10.0

Dining was a highlight with a diverse menu and delightful presentation. Every meal was a treat, making it hard not to indulge. The staff's enthusiasm added to the pleasant experience.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were well-maintained, from the gorgeous pool to the beautiful private beach. Daily activities offered something for everyone, enhancing our stay.

Hudson

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.6/10

Gaya Island Resort is a stunning retreat nestled in nature, offering breathtaking views and top-notch facilities. The rooms are large and comfortable, with a luxurious vibe. The dedicated staff made every moment special, though the Wi-Fi could use some improvement. Overall, it's a fantastic place for relaxation and adventure, well worth recommending.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are beautifully designed, spacious, and come with stunning views of the sea. I particularly loved the huge bathtub and the comfortable balcony.

Service

10.0

The service was exceptional. Staff members went out of their way to ensure a memorable experience, addressing every need with warmth and care.

Location

10.0

The location is simply breathtaking, surrounded by rainforest with views of Mount Kinabalu. It's close to the beach, making it ideal for relaxation.

Dining

9.0

Dining at the resort exceeded my expectations. The chefs were incredible and willing to accommodate custom requests, resulting in some of the best meals I've ever had.

Facilities

10.0

The facilities are top-notch, featuring beautiful pools and a relaxing spa. Everything is well-maintained and adds to the luxurious experience.

Avery

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.2/10

Overall, my stay at Gaya Island Resort was nothing short of spectacular. The stunning scenery, combined with the exceptional service from the staff, truly made the trip memorable. While the dining experience was generally great, there were occasions of limited seating at some locations, which could be improved. The resort offers a unique experience with a perfect blend of relaxation and activities, making it excellent value for money.

Rooms

9.0

The Kinabalu villa we stayed in was spacious and well-appointed, featuring breathtaking views of the bay. The cleanliness was impeccable, and the beds were comfortable, although the lack of doors in the bathroom area might be a consideration for some.

Service

10.0

The service was top-notch, with staff like Ramesh and Agus truly going above and beyond to cater to our every need, ensuring that we felt valued throughout our stay.

Location

10.0

Gaya Island Resort is set in a stunning location, surrounded by lush greenery and just a speedboat ride away from a serene private beach, ideal for unwinding.

Dining

8.0

Dining at the resort offered a lovely buffet with a great variety of international dishes. However, the seating could become busy, especially during peak times, making reservations advisable.

Facilities

9.0

The amenities available at the resort were fantastic, featuring not only beautiful pools and a lovely beach but also a range of activities to keep us engaged and entertained.

Andrew

United Kingdom, November 2024

9.6/10

Our stay at Gaya Island Resort was unforgettable, nestled in beautiful surroundings with panoramic views of the sea. The staff went above and beyond at every turn, making our experience truly special. Although sometimes the rooms are quite the hike from the main area, it was well worth the effort for the stunning vistas. Dining was a delight, filled with diverse and delicious options, though a few very minor issues kept it from perfection.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were well equipped, offering stunning views over the rainforest and sea. However, they are laid out on a hill which requires quite a walk up numerous steps, not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

Service

10.0

Service was exceptional; from the moment we arrived, staff like Ramesh and Dolis made us feel special. Their attentiveness and genuine care for our comfort was evident throughout our stay.

Location

9.0

The location is perfect, surrounded by lush jungle and breathtaking views. Watching the sunrise from our balcony was a highlight, though we did encounter some ants in the room.

Dining

10.0

Dining was a fantastic experience with a huge selection that could sometimes be overwhelming. The quality of the meals was top-notch, including bespoke dishes prepared by talented chefs.

Facilities

10.0

The facilities were top-tier, from the well-maintained pool to the beautiful restaurants. It felt luxurious and provided everything we needed for a relaxing vacation.

Exceptional staff service

Room accessibility issues

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