Staying in Gaya Island Resort is a MUST”

I highly recommend people to stay at Gaya Island Resort! It is the best hotel in Kota Kinabalu. All the staff are friendly and nice. The room also comfortable and has nice design! Inside the room has a big bath tub and the room is comfortable. The breakfast also delicious and tasty. I recommend people who plan to stay here can try the Sinigang Steamboat as dinner, the seafood is fresh. You don't need to cook the meat or seafood yourselves. Just Sit over there, the waiter will serve you. Overall, I will stay at Gaya Island Resort again when I travel to Kota Kinabalu.

Lovely resort”

We enjoyed our short stay at Gaya Island Resort quite a bit. Since it's on a private island, it's very quiet and doesn't have the big crowds and busy feel that most parts of Kota Kinabalu seem to have. The staff is superb, always eager and willing to help and always smiling. We took the most "economic" room and we were already really impressed with the space. We really enjoyed the complimentary activities (yoga, meditation, nature walk). We didn't try the "fine dining" restaurant but the buffet style restaurant food is decent, and the Tavajun Bay private beach meal was quite delicious.

Very Nice Resort”

After all the hesitations from the reviews that I read, I finally booked myself and my husband for a 3-day stay at Gaya Island Resort. I did make the right choice! The place was really nice and clean! And the staff, my gosh is by far, the best staff I have encountered! Everyone was really courteous, always greets you with a smile and very accommodating. They also let us in our villa earlier since we arrived a bit early, free of charge. One other thing I liked about the resort is it encourages people to walk as form of exercise and does not really offer transportation. Our villa was a bit uphill and though it was a long walk to and from the resto and beach, we didnt really mind. For those who dont really like walking, I suggest you take the villas nearest to the restos, but the view is not that great. The view at the higher areas was AWESOME. Get the Canopy villa seaview and you will get to see the best sunrise ever! I was really awed and emotional when I saw it. Really, really nice! Two downside: the price of the food, specifically at Omakase. Food was great but not worthy of a USD50 rate. Not really 5 star-ish. And the garbage at the sea. Its definitely not the resorts fault but maybe because its pretty near the harbor thats why there were garbage at one side of the beach. Theres a side thats clean too though. Overall, I love this resort. We had really an amazing stay and will definitely come back if given the chance!

FANTASTIC RESORT”

We were traveling with our 16 months old baby to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. We want to make it a ritual to celebrate our anniversary(ies) on an island like we did during our honeymoon. Gaya Island Resort captured our heart when we first saw it advertised on our local airline (Royal Brunei)'s magazine, Muhibbah. Which we decided to go and celebrate there. We chose Kinabalu Villa for our stay. Indeed, it is a magnificent view! Weather was hot yet calm during our stay. We could see Mount Kinabalu in the early mornings, lovely sunrise (captured this time-lapsed! love it!). Although, you have to climb up the hills to get to the villa, but for the best view, why not!! Hospitality from the staffs were fantastic! They even helped me to carry our baby (with umbrella) from the lobby to the jetty. All and all, we really enjoy our stay! We will definitely come back!!

Lovely staffs”

We've stayed in the Gaya island resort for 3 nights. The warm welcome we have received upon arrival made us feel like getting home. The staff- Eugene is still an intern but has provided professional service, we could communicate in both English and Mandarine which made the check-in process much smoothly. Another staff-Jeff from pool bar is very friendly as well! As the resort doesn't has too many rooms, we don't need to share the private pool and beach with the crowd. And we highly suggest the activities which were arranged by the resort, especially the mangrove kayaking. The only con we would say is about the choice of restaurant, there're only 3 restaurants and a pool bar in the resort. However, the experience of dining is beyond average. The breakfast and dinner buffet were very nice, beside this, there're some room to be improved for the teppanyaki set menu. We've been travel a lot and seldom submit review to the hotels we've stayed. But we did enjoy the experience this time and would like to recommend it to everyone!

Away from the crowds ”

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.

Christmas Magic”

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.

Spacious room with big bathtub”

i would said is it a quite place for lovely couples~ Stayed 2 night and have a good times with my boyfriend.But there is few things you have to know before the trips : 1.check in at gaya lounges sutera harbour not Jesselton Ferry Terminal 2.Every 2 hours there is ferry to Gaya Island Resort,make sure you check the ferry departure time with the hotel.(have been waited 1 and half hours) 3.there is conservation fees to go in to the island RM20/day per person (will charged in you final billed) 4. Returned ferry for each person RM 120

The staff were friendly and happy to help at all times. Resort always clean and absolutely stunning.”

The staff, in particular Ramesh the food and beverage manager. Ramesh went above and beyond to make us comfortable during our stay. The kindest and most helpful at all times! Ramesh remembered our names, dietary needs and bent over backwards every day! On our last day Ramesh organised a beautiful lunch for us to say farewell! Mary was also helpful and sweet and nothing was too difficult. Mary is always smiling and efficient. The chef - Agus was extremely accommodating to our dietary needs, being a vegetarian was not an issue. The chef organised fresh food each time we attended the buffet specifically for us. Anything we wanted was available. The service was impeccable from all staff. The resort was stunning and always clean. The rooms were cleaned twice a day and were extremely comfortable. Anything we asked for was provided instantly. I cannot wait for my next stay at Gaya Island! I’ve told all of my friends and family they must visit as honestly, my stay could not have been better.

Ideal for a relaxing break.”

So close to Kota Kinabalu but once on the island you feel like you're in a different world! The staff could not be more helpful and friendly. Incredible variety of food for breakfast, lunch & dinner. I would like a few more free activities such as table-tennis or billiards. The resort could consider electric vehicles to be more eco-friendly in the future. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and will be back.

Litle paradice”

We stayed at Gaya Island Resort 4 nights and it was a perfect holidays. The staff is very kind, always helpful and fun. From the checkin at the marina until the end of our stay everything was perfect. A must-do is the cooking class with the Chef to learn how to cook typical Borneo food. Don't miss as well the private beach and the Thai lunch there, the thai chef is just so nice and her food is amazing. Thank you again for these perfect holidays !!

Wonderful Service Beautiful Location”

Had a 3 nights stay, at the begining I thought it was a bit expensive. However, was worth the price for the quality of service and the amazing place it is in Gaya Island. Nice and spacious rooms, surrounded by incredible nature. The staff was very friendly, even organized a cake for a birthday celebration even i did not arrange it in advance. The restaurants are also excellent, you have a seafood one with fresh selections, a teppanyaki bar with a beautiful view. Swimming pool, beach and outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling diving, paddle board, all well arrange. Recommend this place for a romantic or relaxed few days gettaway from busy city life style.

Excellent”

It was a great stay. I went Gaya Island Resort on my birthday and the staffs gave me big surprises. They treat me a birthday cake and decorate my room with beautiful balloons and a card with every staffs birthday wishes. But I was quite upset too because it was raining heavily for the two days, and many activities have to be cancelled. Anyway, overall is worth to stay!!

THEY TRULY CARE ...”

Gaya Island and Gaya resort are highly recommended. why: 1. the location is idyllic, the island and the surrounding environment is superb 2. the staff is very attentive and always eager to do the extra mille 3. the activities can keep you nicely busy while exploring this paradise on earth 4. the room is spacious, well designed and decorated, and the resorts amenities are satisfactory

Relaxing, Romantic and stunning location”

We had 6 amazing days at Gaya Resort. The location of the resort is just fantastic right on the beach and next to the forest, where we can go for nature walks and watch the wildlife. There are also lots of activites we could do, i.e. snorkeling, kayaking, diving, paddle board, or just relax in swimming-pool, or on the beach. The spa is also really beautiful. The rooms are really big and very clean, however, if you stay in any of the rooms on the back and on the hill like us, then the treck to and back to room is a bit tiring. It would be nice if there was a golf buggy service to the rooms! Good variety of food at the buffet. Unfortunately we could not try the grill restaurant as the dress code was close shoes and my partner did not bring any. Also the distance from the airport to the marina is 20 mins and then there is a speed boat every 2 hours and it only takes 15 mins to the resort, which makes it really easy and convenient. Overall, it was excellent and we highly recommend it!

Perfect mix of wildlife and luxury ”

Excellent. My only critique is that the meals are exorbitantly priced. Much preferred eating with the locals on the mainland at the night market where you can experience the culture and Malaysian food first hand. The resort makes it difficult to avoid purchasing their pricey meals as a 10 min boat trip back to the mainland is 140RM per person. Having said that, loved our stay at Gaya Island Resort and would definitely return!

Fabulous Stay!”

What stands out most about Gaya Island Resort is the staff. Stunning setting apart, they cannot do enough for you. No task too big. They are simply lovely. The hotel is fantastic and so are the facilities. A wonderful stay.

A touch of paradise”

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.

Beautiful eco resort”

Beautiful resort on great island. Staff were very good, rooms were fantastic, we had a kinabalu villa which had a stunning view. Only criticism was the buffet breakfast was quite limited compared with other 5 star hotels, and the water in front of the hotel pool is beautiful, but unfortunately the private beach they have there is a lot of rubbish in that area. They have staff cleaning it but it must be a catchment for the rubbish.

Amazing staff, beautiful rooms, stunning views”

I would highly recommend this place. Perfect for honey moons and gateways where you want to relax in privacy. We stayed in a Canopy Villa and Kota Kinabalu villa. Both were amazing however we preferred Canopy villa situated in a lush rainforest. Staff very friendly and amazing. Only 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu jetty. Overall amazing experience.