Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island, Sabah, 88000
What's nearby
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - 16 min walk
Getting around
Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.) - 6.5 miles/10.4 km
Putatan Station - 24 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
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
Gaya Island Resort offers a private beach where you can sip a drink at the beach bar, plus you'll have access to on-site snorkelling. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in deep-tissue massages at the spa. Feast Village, one of 4 restaurants, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious resort include a poolside bar, a 24-hour fitness centre and a garden.
Languages
English, Malay
At a glance
Hotel size
121 units
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 11:00 AM
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions
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
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.
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Babysitting*
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
No on-site parking
Transfers
Airport shuttle from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM*
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
4 restaurants
Bar/lounge
Beach bar
Poolside bar
Travelling with children
Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's menu
What to do
On the beach
Yoga classes
Snorkelling
Private beach nearby
Golfing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in reception
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
Built in 2012
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Library
24-hour fitness centre
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Massage/treatment rooms
Banquet hall
Accessibility
No lift (single-level property)
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Be entertained
LED television
Satellite TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Electric kettle
Dressing gowns and slippers
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Soundproofed rooms
Turndown service
Premium bedding
Pillow-top mattress
Free cot/infant bed
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Deep-soaking bath
Separate bath and shower
Rainfall shower heads
Bidet
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Spa
The on-site spa has massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and Thai massages. The spa is open daily.
Dining
Feast Village – This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fishermans Cove – This restaurant specialises in seafood and only serves dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Pool Bar and Lounge – This poolside family restaurant serves lunch and dinner. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Tavajun Bay – This beachfront restaurant only serves lunch. Open daily.
Omakase – This restaurant specialises in Japanese cuisine and only serves dinner. Open daily.
Awards and affiliations
The property is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. 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 (return)
Boat transfer per child: MYR 86.40 (return), from 2 to 11 years old
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of MYR 140 per vehicle (one-way)
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Also known as
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort Resort
Gaya Island Resort Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort Resort Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Frequently asked questions
Does Gaya Island Resort offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Gaya Island Resort?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Gaya Island Resort?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Gaya Island Resort?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at Gaya Island Resort.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Gaya Island Resort?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM on request. The charge is MYR 140 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Gaya Island Resort?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
What is there to do at Gaya Island Resort and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as snorkelling. Additional recreation on-site includes yoga. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Gaya Island Resort also has a 24-hour fitness centre and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Gaya Island Resort?
Yes, there are 4 on-site restaurants, featuring beachfront dining and seafood.
Does Gaya Island Resort have rooms with private hot tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep-soaking bath.
Does Gaya Island Resort have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Gaya Island Resort like?
Gaya Island Resort is a short 2-minute walk from Sapi Island and 16 minutes' walk from Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
Gaya Island Resort Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
8.8/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
24 August 2024
Wonderful location and views. Staff were always friendly, helpful and polite. Fantastic range of activities.
Verified traveller
4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
4 August 2024
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.
Verified traveller
2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
10 April 2024
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.
Lesley
Lesley, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 February 2024
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.
Siu Chui
Siu Chui, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 January 2024
Jane
Jane, 4-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 October 2023
Tracy
Tracy, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
2 October 2023
William
William, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
31 July 2023
Sophie
Sophie, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
16 July 2023
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.
Matthew
Matthew, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
29 October 2022
Villa was nice and spacious. Service was excellent.
Food needs to improve
Samantha, Li Cheng
Samantha, Li Cheng, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 March 2020
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 January 2020
Beautiful Gaya Island Retreat
My family and I stayed at GIR for 2 nights and had a great time. The rooms were enormous (complete with separate areas for walk in robes, bathtub, shower, toilet). Room amenities were excellent, with bug spray and ointment for insect bites. Our rooms had fantastic views across the sea to Mt Kinabalu, beautiful to watch the sunrise every morning. The staff were all very friendly and attentive to our needs. We will absolutely be back again. Thank your GIR for a great time!
Yen Ying
Yen Ying, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
4/10 Fair
9 January 2020
Each room has a bath tub but there were less hot water in the evening. Even after water filled, many aunts was floating.
Verified traveller
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
8 January 2020
suggest book activity or dinner reservation early, before arrive as not many slots
Verified traveller
3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 January 2020
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 January 2020
I loved almost everything. The property and rooms were spectacular. pool was beautiful and the food was fantastic.
The only thing I didn't absolutely love - mattress softness, having to rent watersports equipment rather than it being included
Verified traveller
3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 January 2020
Great hotel and staff. A very relaxing island escape.
Alice
Alice, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 January 2020
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
18 December 2019
The water was clear and beautiful, the staff was extremely welcoming, and the experience was overall very relaxing.
Verified traveller
4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 December 2019
Adam
Adam, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
24 November 2019
Jungle walk and snorkeling .....
.
.................
.
Verified traveller
3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
21 November 2019
Norlida
Norlida, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
17 November 2019
Verified traveller
4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 November 2019
excellent weekend in superb setting near KK
We had an excellent weekend at Gaya Island Resort. An amazing setting so near KK and yet so far away. Without exception staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The food was also perfect with the chef willing to go the extra mile.
Robert
Robert, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 November 2019
Beautiful resort!! And from our room excellent view to the bay and all the pied hornbills, loved it!!!!
A pity that the European and Japanese food were not good, instead of the local food, which was wonderful!