About Gaya Island Resort
When you think of Borneo, you think of breathtaking natural beauty and unique indigenous wildlife. Surrounded by a lush canopy of pristine jungle on an island where conservation is paramount, hidden among extraordinary mangroves and sheltered coral reefs, the stunning Gaya Island Resort reflects everything Borneo stands for.
The resort invites you into a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort, warm hospitality, adventurous discoveries, and complete relaxation. Always with respect for the natural environment and the traditional culture of Sabah. Let yourself be amazed and overwhelmed by the symphony of crashing waves, swaying palms, and curious animals living amidst the greenery of the estate.
In the idyllic setting of Gaya Island Resort, the Spa Village is an oasis of authenticity and individuality, where the essential ingredients originate from the surrounding paradise. And be sure to taste the local cuisine at Tavajun Bay, perfect in its simplicity, flavorful in its straightforwardness at the magical private beach.
Gaya offers a sensory experience that you can fully surrender to.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
- Located in the heart of a protected marine park, surrounded by pristine nature
- Elegant accommodations with views of the jungle, the beach, or even Mount Kinabalu on the horizon
- High-quality spa treatments at the Spa Village
- Gastronomic experiences inspired by traditional and local cuisines
- Fantastic facilities for a completely relaxing stay
- Highly proactive role in conservation, coral reef protection, and the rescue of endangered sea turtles
- A range of activities to explore the surroundings
- Exceptional, personalized service
Impression
Your Stay
Gaya Island Resort offers you the unique opportunity to relax in harmony with nature and enjoy refined comfort. A shimmering sea awaits you, with vibrant natural wonders beneath the water's surface. A world of discovery exists in the ancient surrounding rainforest. And an ultimate stay of luxury and wonder welcomes you at this wonderful resort.
Experiences
Visit the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre
In line with the unique location and the active sustainability policy of Gaya Island Resort, the Marine Centre at Tavajun Bay is committed to leadership in marine conservation and advocates for three conservation pillars: Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration, and Conservation through Education. The centre can be reached via a 5-minute boat ride from the resort, or the 45-minute Tavajun Trek.
Spotting Proboscis Monkeys
The unique and rare proboscis monkey, known in Malaysia as proboscis monkey, is endemic to the island of Borneo. As a guest of the Gaya Island Resort, you also have the chance to spot these fascinating and photogenic animals, as several groups live on the island. The resort's specialized guide will take you on the Proboscis Monkey Jungle Trail to the observation platform, where you can try to spot the monkeys. Your best chances are from April to early July.
Kayaking in the Mangroves
Mangroves are various large and expansive types of trees that grow to medium size and thrive in saline habitats along the coastlines in the tropics and subtropics. Gaya Island is blessed with a 100-year-old rare mangrove forest located near the resort. A daily kayaking tour is organized to witness this natural wonder and spot the unique animals that live there, such as mangrove crabs, the Oriental rhinoceros hornbill, monitor lizards, and many other beautiful creatures. A fun and extraordinary experience.
Hotel Information
Accommodations
The accommodations at Gaya Island Resort are gracefully nestled against the lush hills surrounding the resort, offering you the best views of the sea and the surrounding environment. Of the 120 villas, the Bayu Villas are somewhat more hidden amid the greenery, the Canopy Villas overlook the mangroves and are closer to the beach, and the Kinabalu Villas offer the most expansive views. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Kinabalu on the horizon from the mainland. The villas are elegantly furnished and designed with a deep respect for the environment and local culture. There is also a stunning two-bedroom duplex suite, the Suria Suite.
Restaurants
At Gaya Island Resort, culinary experiences await that are just as spectacular as the surroundings. The resort's restaurants and bars offer stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and the vast sea, making every meal not only a delight for the taste buds but also a visual feast. Each restaurant has its own unique ambiance, from elegant fine dining tables to relaxed outdoor seating where a gentle sea breeze is part of the decor. Feast Village provides a lively atmosphere where a variety of international dishes are served. Fisherman's Cove is perfect for a romantic evening, with delicious fresh fish and seafood. For an exciting and authentic Japanese dining experience, you can head up the hill to Omakase. The Pool Bar & Lounge is also a pleasant spot by the sea for light lunches and drinks at sunset.
Swimming pool
Gaya Island Resort features an impressive 40-meter-long pool, perfect for swimming laps, with individual cabanas directly overlooking the beach, making it an ideal spot to relax while listening to the sound of the waves in the background. In addition to the large pool, there is a shallow children's pool where younger guests can safely splash and play. For sun seekers, towels and loungers are available, while those who prefer a shaded spot can unwind in one of the nearby relaxation rooms. Refreshments and light snacks are served at the Pool Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy a cool drink or a tasty snack while overlooking the crystal-clear water of the pool and the expansive coastline.
Spa / Wellness
The Spa Village at Gaya Island Resort focuses on unique healing practices that combine authentic therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients with the cultural healing traditions of the many indigenous peoples of Sabah. These centuries-old practices, combined with the most modern and personalized approaches to health and wellness, result in award-winning outcomes. The wellness center is tucked away amidst the calming surroundings of the mangroves. In this serene setting, the sounds of nature will guide you toward a sense of complete relaxation. The Spa Village offers a fantastic selection of treatments and rituals, from the specialized rice scrubs and masks of the Kadazandusun to the ancient practices of the Bajau seafarers. The ultimate goal is to restore balance to both body and soul.
Beach
The resort offers access to two beautiful beaches. Gaya Island Resort is located right on the beach of Malohom Bay. With all amenities easily accessible, this is an ideal location for a beach walk or relaxing while snorkelling to explore the underwater world just outside the resort. For a wider beach and a more tranquil setting, a 5-minute boat ride takes you to Tavajun Bay, a bay with untouched natural beauty. At Tavajun Bay, a simple yet delicious lunch is prepared daily over a charcoal fire, featuring a different dish each day with a combination of local and international ingredients. The resort also offers the option to bring along a picnic lunch, assembled by yourself.
Child-friendly
Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Gaya Island Resort, but aside from the children's pool, there are no specific facilities other than babysitting services. With nature as your playground, you can explore together, and the guides are happy to share more about the environment and the animals that live there.
Sustainability
'Making a Good Future Happen' reflects the vision of what the YTL Group's sustainability initiatives aim to achieve both internally and externally within the four pillars of their sustainability framework: Marketplace, Environment, People, and Community. It encapsulates the essence of the efforts to be 'A Steward of the Earth' for future generations, and also consolidates the many sustainability initiatives carried out over the past decades within the YTL Group. It is also a reminder that the journey toward a truly sustainable future continues for them and their stakeholders.
Accommodations
The accommodations at Gaya Island Resort are gracefully nestled against the lush hills surrounding the resort, offering you the best views of the sea and the surrounding environment. Of the 120 villas, the Bayu Villas are somewhat more hidden amid the greenery, the Canopy Villas overlook the mangroves and are closer to the beach, and the Kinabalu Villas offer the most expansive views. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Kinabalu on the horizon from the mainland. The villas are elegantly furnished and designed with a deep respect for the environment and local culture. There is also a stunning two-bedroom duplex suite, the Suria Suite.
Restaurants
At Gaya Island Resort, culinary experiences await that are just as spectacular as the surroundings. The resort's restaurants and bars offer stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and the vast sea, making every meal not only a delight for the taste buds but also a visual feast. Each restaurant has its own unique ambiance, from elegant fine dining tables to relaxed outdoor seating where a gentle sea breeze is part of the decor. Feast Village provides a lively atmosphere where a variety of international dishes are served. Fisherman's Cove is perfect for a romantic evening, with delicious fresh fish and seafood. For an exciting and authentic Japanese dining experience, you can head up the hill to Omakase. The Pool Bar & Lounge is also a pleasant spot by the sea for light lunches and drinks at sunset.
Swimming pool
Gaya Island Resort features an impressive 40-meter-long pool, perfect for swimming laps, with individual cabanas directly overlooking the beach, making it an ideal spot to relax while listening to the sound of the waves in the background. In addition to the large pool, there is a shallow children's pool where younger guests can safely splash and play. For sun seekers, towels and loungers are available, while those who prefer a shaded spot can unwind in one of the nearby relaxation rooms. Refreshments and light snacks are served at the Pool Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy a cool drink or a tasty snack while overlooking the crystal-clear water of the pool and the expansive coastline.
Spa / Wellness
The Spa Village at Gaya Island Resort focuses on unique healing practices that combine authentic therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients with the cultural healing traditions of the many indigenous peoples of Sabah. These centuries-old practices, combined with the most modern and personalized approaches to health and wellness, result in award-winning outcomes. The wellness center is tucked away amidst the calming surroundings of the mangroves. In this serene setting, the sounds of nature will guide you toward a sense of complete relaxation. The Spa Village offers a fantastic selection of treatments and rituals, from the specialized rice scrubs and masks of the Kadazandusun to the ancient practices of the Bajau seafarers. The ultimate goal is to restore balance to both body and soul.
Beach
The resort offers access to two beautiful beaches. Gaya Island Resort is located right on the beach of Malohom Bay. With all amenities easily accessible, this is an ideal location for a beach walk or relaxing while snorkelling to explore the underwater world just outside the resort. For a wider beach and a more tranquil setting, a 5-minute boat ride takes you to Tavajun Bay, a bay with untouched natural beauty. At Tavajun Bay, a simple yet delicious lunch is prepared daily over a charcoal fire, featuring a different dish each day with a combination of local and international ingredients. The resort also offers the option to bring along a picnic lunch, assembled by yourself.
Child-friendly
Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Gaya Island Resort, but aside from the children's pool, there are no specific facilities other than babysitting services. With nature as your playground, you can explore together, and the guides are happy to share more about the environment and the animals that live there.
Sustainability
'Making a Good Future Happen' reflects the vision of what the YTL Group's sustainability initiatives aim to achieve both internally and externally within the four pillars of their sustainability framework: Marketplace, Environment, People, and Community. It encapsulates the essence of the efforts to be 'A Steward of the Earth' for future generations, and also consolidates the many sustainability initiatives carried out over the past decades within the YTL Group. It is also a reminder that the journey toward a truly sustainable future continues for them and their stakeholders.
What will your dream trip be?
We design tailor-made journeys for those seeking an extraordinary experience that goes beyond the usual. Our team of talented travel designers and local guides work closely together to create the ultimate travel experience for you, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the destination.
