Gaya Island Resort

Coming here for 2nd time. This place never let me Down. Definetly will come here again for the third time.

The boat shuttle service cost RM170 which is overpriced but is covered if you staying there. The spa cheapest cost RM400++. If it cost RM150-200 I thk the resort can make a good deal of revenue. For the beer cost RM30 is really way too much even though I had quite few rounds of 3btls. Overall very happy with the environment, friendliness of staffs, cleanliness and the facilities provided.

A place to be spoiled. However the short boat transfer could’ve been included in the price. Very friendly and professional staff. I noticed a F&B Manger, Mr. Krishna, who was everywhere. He handled out beach towels, making sure everything was great in the dinner restaurant, talking with the people, sweeping floors etc. My friend was sick and he immediately sent some chicken soup to her with room service. I wish more managers could be like him!

We stuck on the sea due to engine problem of the speedboat. The staff didn't call out for help, or arrange another boat to pick us up. As for the resort, the room itself is quiet nice, but we need to walk for a hill to get there. It was really tired every time we tried to go back to our room... Not sure if they have shuttle service, but they didn't mentioned anyway.

We loved our stay at the resort. The rooms and facilities are beautiful and very luxurious. What makes this place special, though, is the warm hospitality and special attention paid by the staff. My only criticism would be that the food is quite expensive.

so private location, friendly staffs, clean and spacious room. everything was perfect to make lovely holiday.

Gaya Island Resort is an example of what a wonderful boutique hotel is. We had such a fabulous time. Our children had such a fabulous time, we want to return again next Christmas. My only real quarrel is that the Mainland Chinese visitors are not aware of global resort etiquette. We had smokers next to us and while the hotel was kind enough to move us (and upgraded our view), we were once again moved to another Mainland Chinese couple who were loud about their Chinese shows and general in room communication. We had to knock on their door to make them aware of how loud they were.

Great getaway from the mainland and only a short 10 minutes transfer by boat. From meeting lovely Eva who welcomed us to the hotel all the staff throughout the hotel were exceptional and super helpful. Room was great and the elevated position rewards you with stunning sea views. Plenty of choice for activities if you like to be active. Rashid and Jamie who took us on the mangrove kayaking and trek to the nearby Tavajun bay provided loads of useful information about the islands wildlife. Snorkeling close to the hotel jetty and to the coral gardens is a must! Also would recommend the sunset cruise and the sunrise breakfast on the beach. Thank Xi for getting up so early to prepare for us and for looking after us so well. Perfect end to a perfect holiday. If we have any niggle it would be the cost of the beer, the cheaper beer isn't always available so you end up paying £5 for a 330ml can. Also the soft seating in the bar could do with replacing as it was quite dirty. Oh and the spa was quite pricy but heavenly if you're on honeymoon or a special holiday and want to treat yourselves. Highly recommend Gaya Island Resort.

The environment and view is excellent. It makes me feel extremely relax here. We can enjoy the sunshine as it just near to the beach on foot.

This place was beautiful, we were here for a wedding. The staff were lovely, the food was generally very good most of the time. I think they could do with more staff on the poolside bar. Also there are a lot of extra costs that they do not make you aware of until you are there, extra charges per night, conservation fees and they charged our group 23 ringgit each for water at dinner without asking if we wanted it yet elsewhere in other restaurants throuughout the resort it is free.

Very happy to recommend this resort a mere 10 minutes boat ride outside of KK. Rooms are beautifully set out although the walk to them can be tiring since they are built into the mountainside. The views are amazing throughout the resort and the private beach was the highlight. We were able to see bearded pigs, monkeys and enormous lizards. There are 3 restaurants with a buffet (125rm) the cheapest with a seafood and Japanese option as well. Be aware there is a dress code of long pants and collar for the higher end. Wifi is available via a personalised wifi device. All in all a beautiful resort that is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu.

Better bring lots of beers if you drink it

Great enviroment! Waiter are nice and polite to every customer!

Our experience at this hotel was ok but not as good as expected. On our first day, we arrived the island at around 2:15 pm and were told our room would only be available at 3 pm so we walked around a bit and waited till our room was available. When we were taken to our room, we were told that our room key is on the way and should arrive in 10 mins. In the end, we had to call to chase them 3 times and the key finally arrived in an hour so that we can finally leave our room for the outdoors. We also requested someone to come clean the cushions on our patio since there were many ants and dirt. The person never showed up. Also, we were told that someone would deliver bubble bath soap to our room but it also never happened until we call to follow up 3 hours later... we felt like we paid for a 5 star hotel but only received 3 star service... This hotel charges a nightly conservation fee so we expected a very clean beach. However, the water at the beach was filled with garbage when we went swimming which was quite disappointing. Can't understand why they don't hire someone to pick up the garbage... Taste of food at restaurant was good but the menu was very limited compared to other hotels. The best part of this hotel was their yoga teacher who was very professional and caring and Justin, the researcher onsite, who took us mangrove kayaking and nature walk and taught us a lot about nature. Justin has deep passion for his work and is very knowledgeable and patient. We really appreciated our time with Justin. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the hotel but is unlikely for us to return given the number of resort choices available in Asia.

Worst breakfast I ever had in my 4+start hotel experience. Paid dinner is good but breakfast included in hotel rate is not. Obviously, the chief is not working in the morning.

Was here for two nights and had an absolutely wonderful time. Staff were very helpful, and everything was well arranged and thoughtful (i.e. providing beach baskets, fun activities, providing snorkeling gear rental and yummy food). Overall we were well impressed with the hospitality.

This was the part of our holiday we were most looking forward to and with the price paid we expected it to be perfect. We had a very smooth check in and arrival, taking us over prior to the scheduled time. We were met at the hotel my Shahrul who showed us to our room, he was very friendly and helpful! Food ordered from the Pool bar upon arrival was not as described and substituted many of the ingredients hoping that we wouldn't notice. Breakfast choice was ok but could of been better, you had to make the tea and coffee yourself which I would expect in a cheaper hotel but not here. We then headed down to the pool... It was literally heaving with no space anywhere! We managed to find a space by the beach and kept looking for a lounger at the pool throughout the day but only found one at 5pm. Next morning a friend managed to save us a lounger at 8am and all spaces were gone by 8:30am! Food on offer was good but the choice is very limited which gets a little repetitive, we noticed others were ordering food not from the menu, we asked about this and they said we could order a pizza but we had to find this out ourselves. Food and drink service was very slow and this was clearly down to a lack of staff. One poor guy on his own making drinks. The room was good, a huge bathroom and dressing area but it was very dark and old in the main bedroom section. I know most of this review is negative but i expected a lot more from my stay, I travel regularly and 9/10 expectations are met or above. This hotel could be so much more. I would like to mention Shahrul and Erom as two very friendly and capable members of staff. Overall, I wouldn't recommend staying here for this price.

loving it here! serenity and peace!

We had a good time.

1) The resort was very nice, the rooms are large and pretty modern. 1 problem I have is the outdoor verandah with the day bed, they should clean it or change the cover, it had mold and mildew stains. 2) Transport back to the main land for a visit was overly expensive about 32 dollars round trip P/P. for a 10 min ride. 3)Food - I my opinion was over priced of the value or the quality of the food. I dont mind paying for Quality food, but dont give me subpar food. Other then these reasons, this place was Great.