Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Exterior photo

Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Nearby photo

Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Amenities photo

Key details

About Resort

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

Near Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Great

8.5

8.4

/10

4.7

4.3

Loved by Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World guests

Friendly staff

Lovely rooms

Delicious breakfast

Fantastic activities

"The hotel has the most splendid in-house reefs and one can spend hours of not days in raptures with the amount of marine life there."

15shirins from India

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"Spectacular natural beauty with sea, sand and jungle."

Gitanjali

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"Room was stunning."

Min from Australia

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Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers beachfront luxury with hillside villas among protected mangroves and coral reefs. This 5-star resort features a large infinity pool, a spa, and multiple dining options, all with complimentary WiFi. Rated 8.7/10 on Booking.com, it's a unique getaway for both relaxation and adventure.

Rooms & Amenities

Each villa at Gaya Island hotel is air-conditioned and features a private balcony with outdoor seating, comfortable bedding, and an oversized bathroom. Villas are designed with contemporary elegance, showcasing views of either the rainforest or the turquoise South China Sea. Amenities include a flat-screen TV, minibar, and complimentary WiFi.

Dining & Leisure

Dining options at the resort include five restaurants ranging from the buffet-style Feast Village to the Japanese Omakase. Guests can enjoy beverages at the Pool Bar & Lounge, which overlooks the infinity pool. Private dining experiences can also be arranged at various venues around the resort.

Recreation & Wellness

The resort features a large infinity pool and a multilevel spa offering traditional and local-inspired treatments. Guests can engage in daily activities like nature walks or deep-sea fishing excursions, organized through the PURE activity center. There's also a gym with views of the beach.

Services & Accessibility

Gaya Island Resort is a walking resort with minimal motorized vehicles, enhancing its eco-friendly practices. The Gaya Lounge facilitates check-in and speedboat transfers to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which is 10 km away. Nearby attractions include the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the Marine Ecology Research Centre.

Must-do experiences

Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park for stunning snorkeling and beaches.
Try the fresh seafood at the Floating Seafood Market in Kota Kinabalu.
Experience the vibrant night market on Gaya Street for local delicacies.
Take a guided tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village for cultural insights.
Enjoy sunset at Signal Hill Observatory Platform for breathtaking views.

Select your room type

Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Kinabalu Villa Speedboat Transfer
2 persons
510 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Canopy Villa Speedboat Transfer & Resort Credit
2 persons
510 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Kinabalu Villa Speedboat Transfer & Resort Credit
2 persons
510 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Diving
Snorkelling
Yoga class
Fishing

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
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

Gaya Island Resort offers a delightful array of dining experiences that intertwine local flavors with Asian influences. Guests can savor seafood delicacies, Japanese specialties, and innovative dishes amid stunning natural settings, providing a culinary adventure that reflects the essence of the region.

Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Restaurant photo

Feast Village

Local, Asian

Ambiance

Casual and inviting

Key Offerings

Guests can enjoy Asian breakfast soups, eggs cooked to order, and fresh pastries, alongside signature dishes like the unique Satay Pizza that marries Malay and Italian culinary traditions.

Reservation

Recommended

Open for breakfast and dinner.

Fisherman's Cove

Seafood

Ambiance

Romantic

Key Offerings

An enchanting spot for seafood enthusiasts, Fisherman's Cove presents fresh catches in a serene atmosphere, ideal for intimate evenings with a stunning sea view.

Reservation

Recommended

Open for dinner.

Omakase

Japanese

Ambiance

Sophisticated and serene

Key Offerings

Offering a selection of authentic Japanese dishes, Omakase provides a culinary experience focused on seasonal ingredients and traditional presentations, perfect for those seeking a taste of Japan.

Reservation

Recommended

Open for dinner.

Pool Bar & Lounge

Cocktail hour

Ambiance

Relaxed and scenic

Key Offerings

Guests can unwind at the Pool Bar & Lounge, enjoying refreshing cocktails and light bites while taking in the breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu from the sundeck. The vibrant infinity pool offers a swim-up bar for added indulgence.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for cocktail hour.

Tavajun Bay

Thai, Local

Ambiance

Casual and breezy

Key Offerings

Tavajun Bay offers a delightful lunch experience featuring the best of Thai and local dishes, ideal for a relaxed midday escape under the sun.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for lunch.

Location

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

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Marine Ecology Research Centre

2100 ft

Island

Sapi Island

2.0 mi

Landmark

Highest Point

3000 ft

Landmark

Coral Flyer

1.9 mi

Beach

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

1.8 mi

Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

1.9 mi

Beach

Tavajun Bay

1900 ft

Landmark

Canopy walk and zip lines

1.6 mi

Landmark

zipling between islands

1.9 mi

Landmark

Zip line

1.9 mi

Landmark

Borneo Sea Walking

2.0 mi

Landmark

TYH Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd

2.0 mi

Landmark

Seasport

2.0 mi

Island

Pulau Sapi

2.1 mi

Landmark

Coral Flyer Zipline

2.0 mi

Landmark

Hidden beach

2.0 mi

Landmark

Point B

2.1 mi

Island

Pulau Sinjataan

2.2 mi

Landmark

Small beach

2.1 mi

Beach

Pulau Sapi Beach

2.2 mi

Landmark

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

2.2 mi

Landmark

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

3.8 mi

Market

Gaya Street Sunday Market

3.8 mi

Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

3.9 mi

Landmark

Kota Kinabalu Harbor

3.6 mi

Landmark

Borneo Trading Post

3.4 mi

Landmark

KK Esplanade

3.6 mi

Landmark

I Love KK

3.6 mi

Square

Marlin Statue

3.6 mi

Nearby

Malohom Bay Gaya Island

Marine Ecology Research Centre

2600 ft

Beach

Tavajun Bay

3800 ft

Explore Gaya Island

Local Experience

Marine Ecology Research Centre

8 minutes' walk

A hub for marine conservation, offering educational tours on local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Highest Point

10 minutes' walk

A breathtaking view point showcasing the beauty of Gaya Island. Great for photography and a quick nature escape.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

10 minutes' drive

A national park comprising several islands, perfect for snorkeling and beach outings with diverse marine life.

Tavajun Bay

7 minutes' walk

Secluded bay known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing and swimming, with stunning sunset views.

Borneo Sea Walking

10 minutes' drive

Unique underwater walking experience among marine life. Book ahead as it's popular among thrill-seekers.

Yoga on the Beach

10 minutes' walk

Morning beach yoga sessions for relaxation and rejuvenation. Locations may vary; inquire at the resort.

Coral Flyer Zipline

10 minutes' drive

Experience the thrills of ziplining between islands. Reservations recommended for an unforgettable experience.

Guided Nature Hikes

10 minutes' drive

Explore lush trails and wildlife on a guided hike. Perfect for family adventures or bonding moments.

Fisherman's Wharf

10 minutes' drive

Casual dining with fresh seafood specialties. Outdoor seating with beautiful sunset views recommended.

The Bourbon Bar

10 minutes' drive

A unique spot for cocktails and local dishes. Cozy atmosphere, must-try craft beers and desserts.

Krafty Kitchen

10 minutes' drive

Artisan café serving Western and Malaysian fare. Great ambiance with a focus on local ingredients.

D'Place Kinabalu

10 minutes' drive

Traditional Kadazan food in a rustic setting. Offers a taste of local culture, vegetarian options available.

Live Music at The Crow's Nest

10 minutes' drive

Enjoy live music performances in a lively atmosphere. Perfect for a night out with friends or couples.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

10 minutes' drive

A waterfront area featuring outdoor performances and local markets. Family-friendly with a vibrant atmosphere.

Sunset Lounge

10 minutes' drive

Relax with cocktails as you watch the sunset, a peaceful retreat with lovely views of the ocean.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

15 minutes' drive

A bustling weekend market offering local crafts, foods, and live entertainment. Great for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre
Gaya Island 9 min · 2300 ft
Airports
Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) 11 min · 4.5 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs MYR 100.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Malay

Year renovated:

2012

Number of rooms:

125

Former name

gaya island resort, kota kinabalu - an slh hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Gaya Island Resort is known for its spacious and clean villas, some boasting stunning views of Kota Kinabalu or the rainforest canopy. Guests often enjoy the free snorkels provided and the chance to explore the beautiful coral reef directly from the beach. While most find the dining experiences excellent, with varied options including a Japanese restaurant and buffet, a few have noted that some public areas could use refurbishment. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Tavajun Bay.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

7.8 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Staff

9.1/10

Comfort

9.0/10

Value for money

7.2/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

Stunning location

Friendly staff

Spacious rooms

Cons

Overpriced transfers

Polluted sea

Francis from United Kingdom

Family with children

Kinabalu Villa

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 16, 2026

7/10

spacious villa double sink private decking scary monkey booked spa

the villa we had, a kinabalu villa, were very spacious. the bathroom include two sink, how lovely! a big bath were also available. the private decking gave a view of kota kinabalu.

the monkeys are a bit scary. i couldn't get any visit to the spa. it seem to be fully booked, and is frustrating. i think you need to book it in advance.

0 Helpful

Alex from United Kingdom

Family with children

kinabalu villa

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

9.5/10

wonderful rainforest retreat!

beautiful wildlife smooth ride clean accommodation great architecture

the resort had lots of monkeys, monitor lizards and other wildlife! the boat transfer to the island was very simple, the ride was smooth. on arrival, staff gave us a tour of the hotel. our kinabalu villa was clean and the architecture was beautiful! we saw hornbills and flying squirrels from our balcony, it was awesome!

the resort was very expensive. food options were average, i paid a premium price.

Facilities

9/10

The pool was a good size, it included a bar and seating area! i noticed sun loungers in front, these faced the bay across to the main island. It was very relaxing.

Location

10/10

location is amazing, it had fine beaches and great snorkeling! i explored the resort. the commitment to conservation was positive, it.

Service

10/10

staff is amazing, always willing to help. a resort manager, terrence, was always helpful. he provided exemplary service, which i really valued !

Dining

9/10

The main restaurant served a huge range of delicious food! i found the main restaurant offered a great range of food options. there were plenty of options to cover our differing appetites. We ate well!

0 Helpful

Olivia from United Kingdom

Couple

Kinabalu Villa

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 14, 2025

9.3/10

lovely staff and activities

helpful staff beautiful room free spray

the resort staff are fantastic. angel was very helpful and gave us pain patches and lotion from her stash when my partner had knee pain. the hotel rooms was beautiful. the hotel give free mosquito spray and bite cream which i appreciate. staff cared about the wellbeing of wild animals.

the resort spa was fully booked. this. future guest should book far in advance if they want to visit the spa.

Rooms

9/10

the villa featured a king size bed and effective air conditioning. a balcony offered a beautiful view. amenities included mosquito spray and bite cream, both were welcome additions.

Location

10/10

boat transfer to the island are very simple. staff provide attentive service. the crossing itself was nice and smooth. on arrival, staff give a tour of the hotel.

Dining

9/10

the resort offer a buffet each night. the chef cooked something especially for me one night because i cannot find anything i want to eat. this was very delicious and accommodating.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

kinabalu villa

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 08, 2025

6/10

mixed experience with some drawbacks

extra boat trip musty smell

the boat trip cost extra, around 40 euros per person for each trip. this seemed steep since other resorts on the island include it. also, i noticed staff members were on their phones quite a bit (maybe they were checking the weather?). i felt this detracted from the supposed 5-star experience i was paying for. the room, while decent, had a slight musty smell, too.

0 Helpful

Harperharper from united states

Couple

canopy villa

5 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 04, 2025

7/10

delicious food range beautiful setting rooms fantastic views hot restaurant water outflow beach cleaning

the canopy villa was superb. i saw hornbills from my balcony and that was a special treat. the main restaurant served a huge range of delicious food (the desserts were amazing!).

fisherman's cove was uncomfortably hot. i was sweating before i even ordered. tuvajun bay felt neglected with a significant outflow of water and trash. the beach needs more regular cleaning (i even picked up some trash myself).

0 Helpful

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