Situated on the island of Pulau Gaya, in a marine conservation area, just a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu is the exclusive Gaya Island Resort
Why you'll love it here
- Nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon
- Keep an eye out for the rare proboscis monkey, along with the island's many other characterful inhabitants
- Explore verdant rainforests and a fine sandy beach with a vibrant house reef
- Take educational hiking trails through the surrounding wilderness
- Set amidst lush mangroves, Spa Village Gaya Island is a tranquil hideaway and the treatments utilise only the finest fresh local ingredients.
Stephanie
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
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- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
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- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
On the beautiful island of Pulau Gaya in Borneo, one of the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with far-reaching views to the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Gaya Island Resort rests along the coast of Malohom Bay, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
Built to beautifully merge with its protected natural environment, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World resort refuses to take centre stage giving way to the century-old jungle, pristine beaches and protected corals. It is luxurious yet understated. Accommodation offered includes hillside villas and a suite with simple décor and a range of modern facilities designed for true comfort offering either mangrove, rainforest or sea views.
You may have seen the Gaya Island resort and the positive environmental impact that the resort has on Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure on ITV.
Privacy at Gaya Island
The resort offers total privacy where guests can relax in the idyllic beach, around the large pool complete with floating cabanas or in the cooling library with a good book. Should you prefer, choose an activity from water sports, snorkelling in the house reef, hiking through the jungle, to cooking lessons.
Following a day of exploration, there is no better way to unwind than with a treatment at the dedicated Spa Village, set amidst lush mangroves. Fresh local Malaysian ingredients are used in every treatment, and the spa programme includes rice scrubs and masks, and age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads.
Dining at Gaya Island Resort
A celebration of flavours from around the world is what guests can expect from the dining scene, and each of the restaurants boasts a unique viewpoint within the resort.
Fisherman’s Cove presents fine dining, seafood-themed dishes and spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu, whilst Omakase is an intimate two-storey Japanese restaurant offering teppanyaki dining experiences, as well as shabu-shabu and nabe upon request.
For something really special, take a short boat ride to Tavajun Bay and enjoy a specially prepared picnic on a private Gaya Island beach.
Please Note: Gaya Island Resort in Malaysian Borneo is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices. As such the resort is a walking resort with minimal motorised vehicles used for operational purposes only.
Room Options
Set deep in the resort’s lush rainforest the Gaya Island accommodation comprises of 120 elegantly designed hillside villas and a two-bedroom suite offering comfort, peace and warmth just a footstep away from a natural wonderland.
Bayu Villa
All of the Villas at Gaya Island Resort are set against the hillside and are the same in size (47 sqm), facilities and decor. Bayu Villas are situated on a hillside amidst rainforest, with views of the rainforest canopy or over the mangroves. Connecting villas are possible.
Canopy Villa
The Canopy Villas are set amongst the tropical mangroves, with a selection of rooms that are located closer to the resort's main facilities..
Suria Suite
The Suria Suite occupies two levels: with a lounge, dining room, TV room and pantry downstairs; features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms upstairs. Ocean views towards Mount Kinabalu can be enjoyed from the large outdoor veranda
Kinabalu Villa
The Kinabalu Villas are also situated hillside amidst the rainforest and enjoy views across the South China Sea towards Mount Kinabalu.Our Advice
- Feast like a local chieftain on skewered fresh local fish grilled campfire-style washed down with the famous Kadazan rice wine, at the weekly Borneo tribal-style beach barbecues.
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Explore the depths of Sabahan cuisine with a cooking class hosted by the skilled chef. Guests will be offered the chance to visit the small market to buy their own produce too.
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The sunsets here are simply mesmerising and there is no better way to see them than with a glass of wine onboard the resort’s own luxury yacht. Take a cruise as the sun sets on another day in paradise.
Borneo travel information
When to visit Borneo
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Aug
Sep
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Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: GMT+8
- Flight time: 18-20 hours
- Recommended airlines: Malaysia Airlines
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
- Tipping guideline: 10% of total bill
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a low risk of malaria in inland areas of Sabah and in the inland, forested areas of Sarawak. There is a very low risk of malaria in the rest of Borneo including the coastal areas of Sabah and Sarawak. There is no risk of yellow fever in Borneo, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Pontianak
- Population: 23,720,000
- National languages: Malay, Indonesian, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type C / G, 220V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Borneo if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Enquire about your stay at Gaya Island Resort
Prices from £1,530 per person for 7 nights
Price is per person, based on 2 adults sharing a double room for 7 nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis, including economy flights and transfers. Price includes relevant offers and is subject to availability.
Stephanie
Travel Specialist
Borneo travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Borneo? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
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