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Gaya Island Resort

5.0 star property
Luxury resort on the beach, with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Gaya Island Resort

Relax by the serene pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
Relax on the lakeside deck with a bench and cushions, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains.
Relax in this serene hotel room with a large bed, ceiling fan, and wall-mounted TV, offering a scenic view.
Guests can enjoy the surrounding forest from the balcony with a black railing.
Relax by the serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and a clear view of the water.

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Free WiFi
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Canopy Villa

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Canopy Villa

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Kinabalu Villa

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Kinabalu Villa

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • 47 sq m
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bayu Villa

View from room

Bayu Villa

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
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About the neighborhood

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

Getting around

  • Putatan Station - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • New WK Dining 新旺角
  • Sushi King
  • 亞燕 Traditional Fried Pork Kuey Teow
  • Sushi Zanmai
  • McDonald's

About this property

Gaya Island Resort

Luxury boutique resort
Take advantage of a beach bar, a poolside bar, and a garden at Gaya Island Resort. This resort is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location, beachfront dining, and snorkeling. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage at the onsite spa. At the 4 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids' meals, and seafood. Yoga classes are offered at the 24-hour gym; the property also has a library, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), babysitting (surcharge), and a front-desk safe
  • Massage treatment rooms, tour/ticket assistance, and a gift shop
  • Luggage storage, wedding services, and concierge services
Room features
All 121 rooms boast comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as perks like free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Pillowtop mattresses and free cribs/infant beds
  • Rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, and bidets
  • LED TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies, electric kettles, and ceiling fans

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Languages

English, Malay

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM on request

Food and drink

  • 4 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A poolside bar

Restaurants on site

  • Feast Village
  • Fishermans Cove
  • Omakase
  • Pool Bar and Lounge
  • Tavajun Bay

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snorkeling
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Full-service spa

  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Spa treatment rooms
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LED TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must transfer to the property via boat and must arrange the transfers by contacting the property before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Gaya Lounge, Jesselton Point Jetty]
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Speedboat transfers (surcharge) are required between Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and Gaya Island Resort. Departure times are as follows: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to Gaya Island Resort: 10 AM, noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM and 9 PM. Gaya Island Resort to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal: 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, and 6:30 PM. Guests who miss the last transfer of the day must board a private charter boat (surcharge). Rates for private charters are MYR 500 from 7 AM to 9 PM, and MYR 700 from 9 PM to 7 AM.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Destination fee: MYR 35 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 1 year of age.
  • Boat transfer per adult: MYR 172.80 (roundtrip)
  • Boat transfer per child: MYR 86.40 (roundtrip), from 2 to 11 years old

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: MYR 140 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Gaya Island Resort
Resort Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort Malaysia/Pulau Gaya
Gaya MalaysiaPulau Gaya

Frequently asked questions

Does Gaya Island Resort have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Gaya Island Resort pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Gaya Island Resort?

This resort doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Gaya Island Resort?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Gaya Island Resort?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Does Gaya Island Resort provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 7:30 AM–9:30 PM on request. A fee of MYR 140 per vehicle applies.

Where is Gaya Island Resort located?

Nestled on the beach, this Gaya Island resort is just steps from Sapi Island and Mamutik Island. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away.

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Gaya Island Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 246 out of 446 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 148 out of 446 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 446 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 446 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 446 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were a group of nature lovers who were using this as a three night stay to get used to the temperature and time change upon arrival in Borneo. Loved the grounds and snorkeling right from the beach. Fantastic nature center staffed by several biologists. The food options were a bit pricey but we were expecting that. The grounds were very birdy and we found two Borean Pit Vipers. The mangrove tour was fantastic. Room is very good quality for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful location and views. Staff were always friendly, helpful and polite. Fantastic range of activities.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gitanjali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Situated in one of the largest underwater national parks. Spectacular natural beauty with sea, sand and jungle. Hundreds of species of marine and island life. Underwater and above ground Activities beautifully curated by YTL staff to blend conservation and fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

hywel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff, the staff, the staff. Such genuine helpful staff quick to resolve any problems. Genuine smiles. The East Malaysians are the best hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Siu Chui

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property has a beautiful setting with the sea and a primary forest as its backdrop. The hotel excursions are excellent with an added inspiration on marine and forest conservation. Coral garden snorkelling and forest trekking are highly recommended. The staff are all genuinely kind and attentive. A very good resort.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Had a lovely stay, would like to have seen more food options and later bar food service. Activities team were great, reception and waiting staff were not very friendly, expected a higher level of service.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Samantha, Li Cheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Villa was nice and spacious. Service was excellent. Food needs to improve
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property itself and rooms were nice, but the resort was way too expensive for what was provided. we did not feel like we got value doe the money. The meals were excessively expensive for what they were, and left us with traveler's diarrhea unfortunately. Very basic tours were extra charges too, as were the transfers in and out from kota Kinabalu. We also stayed way too long. I think max 3 nights would be recommended so you don't get bored.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful location, well organised, excellent food, friendly staff, amazing rooms. Many hidden taxes ... and service charge added even for buffet meal (which was self service ... although did finally remove when challenged). The private beach had a huge rubbish dump just behind the sandy beach. Very disappointing to see on a luxury trip. Great to see the conservation work with rescued turtles and coral. Strange to see complimentary ice lollies being handed out by pool, but only if you agreed to a young waiter taking a photo on his mobile phone ... bizarre.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eiji

Liked: Amenities
It is totally amazing!! The staff are really polite and professional!! But the mosquito are really many. So you should bring medicine lol. If you can go there, you should enjoy their facilities. Especially snorkeling!! The beach in front of pool are really great!! There are clear water and many beautiful fishes. You don’t need to go anywhere, just go to beach with your snorkeling gears!! So I appreciate for your hospitality and great services.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Starting with the positives, Gaya Island Resort is in a wonderful setting. The accommodation is spacious with nice outlooks, though depending where you are you could have quite an uphill hike to your rooms. We had the buffet meals in the dining room and the standard of what was offered was very high. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The service however of the management and reservations team leading up to our visit was appalling. Despite having paid in full we were sent automated messages threatening to cancel our booking and keep any monies already paid. When we replied explaining payment had been made and asking for clarification we simply received the same message again. None of these messages came with a name or contact details. Several attempts to ring the reservations line all concluded the same way i.e. being told all the lines were busy and the phone call was dropped. Expedia's initial attempts to contact the resort also failed but we assume they eventually worked, as we received an email from the resort informing us we should ignore the previous messages. No hint of an apology was offered. On top of this, on two of the days we stayed there was, for different periods of time, no water and no electricity. Regarding the water, on one occasion this lasted for over 9 hours. Finally the cleanliness of the resort in some areas was disappointing. In particular the gym floor was covered in sand and even hairs - very unpleasant.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Mingye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
食事のバリエーションはイマイチ、1泊は短くて感じるが、2泊だと長い感じする。プライベートビーチではビーチは綺麗だけど、すぐ横にプラスチックゴミがたくさんあって、こどもも環境を心配してる
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Godt resort med lidt mangler

Lokation og mad super god. Der er ikke så meget at lave udover sol, vand og afslapning. 3 nætter er passende. Vi manglede vandforsyning i en dag.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Mario

Liked: Cleanliness
Schöne Hotelanlage. Gute Zimmer. Service ok. Preis-Leistung zu hoch.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gjermund

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Minho

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

BisyoAd92

自然環境との調和がすばらしい。部屋の清掃も素晴らしい。
キナバル山と日の出
レストランの屋根で朝食のパンケーキをねらう天狗ざる
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chia Ling,

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Masayuki

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

YEONGJIN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

최고에요

요트값비싼거 뺴곤 완전최고. 처음부터 잘알려줘야지 끝날때 보증금 싹날림 ㅠ
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020