Escape to the beachfront Gaya Island Resort, where relaxation meets adventure. Soak up the sun at the beach bar or by the outdoor pool, indulge in a rejuvenating Swedish massage at the spa, and enjoy yoga classes or a good book from the library. Take advantage of 24-hour gym access and dry cleaning services for ultimate convenience.
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
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.
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
Bathrobes 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
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Resort Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort Malaysia/Pulau Gaya
Gaya MalaysiaPulau Gaya
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.
Have a question?
Beta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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
8.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
24 Aug 2024
Wonderful location and views. Staff were always friendly, helpful and polite. Fantastic range of activities.
Verified traveller
4-night trip
6/10 Good
15 Oct 2024
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.
Amanda
Amanda, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
10 Apr 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 trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 Feb 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
8/10 Very good
4 Aug 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 trip
8/10 Very good
29 Oct 2022
Villa was nice and spacious. Service was excellent.
Food needs to improve
Samantha, Li Cheng
Samantha, Li Cheng, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 Dec 2023
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.
Eiji
Eiji, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
16 Jul 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 trip
8/10 Very good
3 Jan 2025
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.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
8/10 Very good
8 Sept 2024
Schöne Hotelanlage. Gute Zimmer. Service ok. Preis-Leistung zu hoch.