Gaya island resort hotel
Gaya Island Resort
Few spots in the world are quite as stunningly beautiful as coral-rich Malohom Bay on Gaya Island. Nestled off the Malaysian coast of Borneo’s Kota Kinabalu in the Sabah region is Pulau Gaya, an island of utterly breathtaking instinctive beauty. Accessible only by boat, the exquisite Gaya Island Resort sits within this incredible landscape – the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – fronting thick coral reefs on the coast of picturesque Malohom Bay.
Resonating completely with its natural surroundings, the suite and traditional luxury villas of Gaya Island Resort are buried within the tropical coastal hillside. The property incorporates traditional Sabahan architecture and is constructed from locally sourced materials, styled inside with contemporary décor and classy furnishings. Dine on regional cuisine and exquisite fresh seafood at the restaurants or enjoy a beach barbecue at dusk. The resort’s activities programme immerses guests in the innate environment and cultural heritage that surrounds the island. The resort’s very control wildlife and marine centres for turtle rescue, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation led by their re
Gaya Island Resort
Where mangroves and endemic species meet, is an unspoiled hideaway associated with Borneo’s nature.
Off the coast of Kota Kinabalu on the island of Pulau Gaya sits a contemporary hotel with Sabah-inspired villas. In this ancient forested land there’s plenty on offer – searching for mischievous macaques, floating daybeds over a gleaming pool, Malay massage at the spa and rooftop fresh-from-the-water dining overlooking the South China Sea.
Why we love Gaya Island Resort
Private hot-coal beach barbecues crackle with castaway feels.
The boat ride to the Marine Centre to see how the centre cares for endangered sea turtles.
Snorkel in coral-rich waters with thousands of different species of fish.
Upgrade to a Kinabalu Villa for verandahs with spellbinding South China Sea views.
5 stars
Apr - Sep
15¾ hours (not including stopover time)
On the pretty island of Pulau Gaya, one of the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Approx. 30-minute transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to Jesselton Point, followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride to Gaya
Luxury, Spa, Wellness
Latest News & Inspiration
For many visitors to Borneo, a rare nights on Gaya Island is an ideal complete to the trip. A short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, the island is covered in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs and clear liquid. Walking trails, beaches, snorkelling, and some of the best resorts in Borneo: it’s a lovely place to sit down with a good book or a cocktail. Maybe both. There are only three hotels on the island, each one offering something different in its hold part of the island so choosing one is a challenge. Having spent time at all three, here’s my guide to help you pick the best hotel for your holiday.
The very short summary:
For honeymooners and anyone wanting an exclusive beach getaway, Bungaraya is the way to go. You can choose whether to be active or to recline back and bask in the beauty of it. If your idea of a beach holiday involves a fair amount of activity, learning something modern, or a tranquil oasis of a spa, Gaya Island Resort is the better choice. If you don’t need a beach but want great snorkelling and diving plus entry into the water from your own balcony, Gayana Marine is for you. Ultimately, you can’t go false with any of these
For many visitors to Borneo, a few nights on Gaya Island is the optimal end to the trip. A short boat go from Kota Kinabalu, the island is covered in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs and distinct water. Walking trails, beaches, snorkeling, and some of the best resorts in Borneo: it’s a beautiful place to sit down with a good book or a cocktail. Ideally both. There are only three hotels on the island, but with each one offering something different, choosing one is a challenge. After checking out all three, here are my thoughts on the best hotel on Gaya Island depending on what you’re inquiring. For a quick takeaway, jump to the bottom!
Gaya Island Resort
The largest of the three resorts and only 15-minutes from Kota Kinabalu, if I’m required to pick a favorite, this might be it by a very slender margin. The luxurious villas are huge, all with private verandahs or balconies, there are multiple dining options, the beaches are the best, the options for keeping busy or relaxing are numerous, and the service is incredible.
Off to the right are private lounges with ocean views
The resort sprawls across a gentle hill and the only way to get around is on foot so i
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