Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia
About the Gaya Island Resort
Located on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort is a natural sanctuary, 15 minutes off Kota Kinabalu by speed boat. This beautiful beachfront resort in stunning surroundings makes a perfect destination for discerning travellers seeking active engagement or peaceful, uplifting and breath-taking Borneo. Couples, families or curios will encounter distinctive Borneo through authentic experiences and sense of intimacy with nature. The hilly island is covered with lush tropical rainforest with abundance of flora and fauna and has the stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu, visible in the distance. This intimate retreat is fringed with a golden beach, rocky coastal outcrops, and surrounded by coral reefs. Exposed sandstone outcrops on the coast form cliffs, caves, honeycombs and deep crevasses along the shore.
HOTEL FACILITIES
- Baby Sitting
- Car Rental Services
- Children's Pool
- Concierge Desk
- Doctor On Call
- Foreign Exchange Counter
- Gift Shop
- Gym
- Jogging Trail
- Laundry & Valet Services
- Library
- PADI Dive Centre
- Photo Processing Services
- Photography & Videography Services
- Postal/ Courier Services
- Room Service
- Safe Deposit Box
- Swimming pool
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Bayu Villa
- Situated on a hillside amidst lush rainforest, these inviting villas offer a peaceful setting with leafy views ranging from the rainforest canopy to the tropical mangroves. Connecting rooms are available for families.
Canopy Villa
- Set amongst a tropical mangrove on a gently sloping hillside, these villas offer a beautiful outlook and are walking distance from the resort's pristine sandy beach, with a selection of rooms that are located closer to the resort's main facilities.
Kinabalu Villa
- With views stretching across the South China Sea, and where the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can be seen on a clear day, these Kinabalu Villas provide the best views in the resort. Connecting rooms are available for families.
Suria Suite
- Perched on the sloping hillside, the luxurious 188 square metre two-bedroom suite elegantly occupies two levels and offers glorious uninterrupted views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu from a large outdoor verandah with daybeds. The ground floor of the suite features a relaxing lounge area, private dining room, a TV room, a powder room and a pantry that opens out onto an outdoor deck. The suite's first floor is completely dedicated to rest and relaxation. The two spacious bedrooms available both come with separate en-suites, walk-in wardrobes and vanity areas. This haven of absolute luxury is completed by an outdoor bath that leads onto the suite's private balcony that offers breathtaking views.
ACTIVITIES
Entertainment
- Activities
Padi Snorkelling & Dive Programmes
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park lies within The Coral Triangle, known as the world's marine epicentre. Home to diverse marine life exceeding 75% of species known to science with coral gardens found 20 metres from the shore; this underwater realm has over 25 dive spots for all year exploration. Programmes are conducted around 5 islands within the marine park.
- Fishing excursions
Set sail in the wake of the seafaring Bajau Laut, Sabah's marine nomads. Whether a novice or an experienced angler, these exhilarating experiences led by the resort's expert guides allow you to explore the ocean's depths aboard a charter boat. These seasonal activities include refreshments and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers.
- Deep Sea Fishing
Take a chartered trip to Mengalum Island, where history lends itself back in time to the 16th century and is associated with the voyage of Ferdinand Magellan across Asian waters, for a unique fishing excursion. Located about 20 nautical miles away, it is also the pre-designated game fishing area for the annual Sabah International Fishing Tournament whereby participating anglers are restricted to only fishing within 20 miles radius around the island.
Species that can be encountered include wahoo, dorado, tuna, giant trevally, barracuda and even rainbow runner. Billfish like marlin and sailfish are rare but can be spotted occasionally. - Leisure Fishing
A wide variety of marine and inland fishing spots offer a plethora of fish species and present the casual angler with an opportunity to discover one of the world's top fishing destinations. Anglers can test their skills at nearby island waters with depths of more than 150 metres and attempt to catch amberjacks, ruby, kerisi bali or black grouper species.
- Guided Nature Walks
Discover an exceptional botanic reserve, diverse wildlife and a rare, undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forest, found only on this island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Our nature walks offer an environmental education voyage with our Resident Naturalist with limited guests allowed daily to minimise human impact to the wildlife and their habitat.
- Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre
The marine centre advocates 3 key conservation themes - Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration and Conservation Through Education. Our resident marine biologist and dedicated team work together with equally passionate partners, championing initiatives to protect marine life, raise awareness for sustainable seafood choices and aim for pollution-free waters.
- Borneo Craftworks
With over 32 ethnic entities in Sabah, handicrafts lend an insight into the cultural identity and history of each group. Each craft is unique to their ethnicity like brightly hued beadwork for the Rungus while the Kadazandusun are notable weavers using plant fibres to make products. Try creating your own handicraft memento with our complimentary classes.
Restaurants
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Dining at Gaya Island Resort is a burst of freshness and exquisite flavours, sensory and sublime.
- Feast Village
Savour a vibrant, interactive dining experience that offers diverse cuisine from the Asia-Pacific region. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dynamic open kitchens showcase a bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian and Western selections. The location by the lap pool offers stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach.
- Feast Village
Savour a vibrant, interactive dining experience that offers diverse cuisine from the Asia-Pacific region. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dynamic open kitchens showcase a bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian and Western selections. The location by the lap pool offers stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach.
- Fisherman's Cove
Situated on the rooftop with a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu, Fisherman's Cove features a unique symphony of seafood themed dishes crafted by Chef Wai, the pioneer of this locally and internationally acclaimed restaurant, which focuses on sustainable fishing practices and the freshest ingredients. The seaside restaurant welcomes children aged 12 years and above for the comfort of all our guests.
- Omakase
Surrounded by an ancient rainforest, this two-storey Japanese restaurant is perched on a hillside with a stunning view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. Three Japanese omakase-style dining experiences are available under one roof ranging from teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe. These heart-warming dinners will delight guests of all ages.
- Pool Bar & Lounge
Overlooking the resort's tranquil infinity pool and floating cabanas, the Pool Bar & Lounge with its al fresco location and natural light is the perfect place to relax after a swim or relish a casual lunch. In the evenings, enjoy sundowners and light refreshments as the sun sets over Mount Kinabalu.
- Tavajun Bay
A short 5-minute boat ride from the resort, this tranquil private beach is perfect for relaxing under the tropical sun, lulled by a gentle sea breeze. Infused by local and international influences, lunch is a single dish meal made over charcoal embers which changes daily. Alternatively, simply pre-order a personalised gourmet picnic basket.
- Private Dining Experiences
Breathtaking vistas, verdant greenery, waves crashing on the shore, or fresh, salty air to whet the appetite make our private dining experiences a treat for all the senses. Every dining experience is a unique culinary adventure waiting to be explored with indelible memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Wellness
- Spa Village
Spa Village isn't just a place, it's a philosophy
Here, the first breath of inspiration is drawn from the stunning scenery. Paradise itself provides the essential ingredients for all our treatments, and healing lore as old as the land is imparted into every encounter. Promising an experience that honours the healing traditions of the region, each Spa Village delivers an individual and authentic encounter combining the therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients and the healing practices of the area. Coupling these age-old practices together with modern approaches to health and well-being results in a tailored one-of-a-kind experience, delivering award-winning results to our guests. Each Spa Village offers a consistently unique and uplifting opportunity for rejuvenation.
Set amidst lush mangroves, Spa Village Gaya Island is a tranquil hideaway surrounded by distinctive island flora and fauna. From the warm clear waters of Gaya and its rich lowland forests to the high altitude blossoms of Mount Kinabalu, our treatments utilise only the finest fresh local ingredients. A rich tapestry of spa programmes reflects the cultural healing traditions of Sabah's many indigenous people. From the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads, Spa Village Gaya Island is uniquely rooted in ancient tradition while seeking to restore balance to the body and soul
Spa Treatments:
Tadau Kaamatan
A Couples Celebration of Rice (For two persons)
Aki Nabalu
Borneo Vanilla Orchid and Honey Cocoon
Deru Laut
Urutan Pribumi (Indigenous Massage)
Rolling Waves
Ballinese Massage
Malay Massage
Inner-Light Facial - Yoga
The Sanskrit word "yoga" means union. Essentially yoga is a union of mind, body, and spirit through the practice of postures, breathing, and meditation. You will be guided through a series of these practices bringing balance to body and psyche.
- Guided Meditation
Embark on a guided journey through your mind. Discover how to tap into your own healing energy to transform the physical body, remove obstacles in your life and access an inner "stillness". The soothing voice of your guide lulls you into a calm and profoundly relaxed state of being.
- Duet Stretching
Executed properly, stretching can help alleviate pain, speed recovery, prevent injuries and promote flexibility. You and your partner will learn simple techniques assisting each other to stretch every muscle group in the body as well as target specific problem areas such as lower back release.
Payment Details
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Money Exchange - Yes
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Credit Cards Accepted:
American Express
Mastercard
Visa
Diners Club
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