Gaya Island Resort : Discover The Best 5 Star Island Getaway

Step into a world of unparalleled beauty and adventure at Gaya Island Resort, the crown jewel of Sabah’s island getaways. Nestled amidst pristine shores and surrounded by the captivating wonders of nature, this prestigious 5-star resort offers an extraordinary escape like no other.

From the moment you set foot on its shores, prepare to be mesmerized by pristine beaches caressed by turquoise waters and embraced by lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. Gaya Island Resort beckons adventure seekers, relaxation enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike, promising an enchanting escape that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. Get ready to surrender to the allure of Gaya Island Resort, where every moment is a captivating journey you’ll treasure forever.

Where is Gaya Island/Pulau Gaya?

Gaya Island, also known as Pulau Gaya in Malay, holds the distinction of being the nearest and largest island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP). It is conveniently located a mere 10-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu (KK) city. The island’s name originates from the Bajau language, specifically the word “Gayo,” which signifies its substantial size.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) encompasses a total of 5 islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug, all of which are officially recognized as Sabah’s National Park. To experience Gaya Island, visitors must choose from 3 resorts available; Gaya Island Resort, Bungaraya Island Resort or Gayana Marine Resort – as there are no day-trip tour operators offering visits to the island.

For those who want to find out more on the other 4 islands, make sure to check out our post on Why You Need To Visit Kota Kinabalu Islands, Sabah – Ultimate Guide

If you’re interested on the other resorts on Gaya Island, check out our other posts on it below:-

How do I get to Gaya Island Resort?

In order to reach Gaya Island Resort, your first destination will be Jesselton Point, the primary ferry terminal in Kota Kinabalu city. The journey to this terminal is incredibly convenient and straightforward, as it is situated right in the heart of the city centre. Click here to get directions to Jesselton Point.

If you are planning to rent a car, make sure to check out SoCar as they offer one of the best rates in town.

For those who don’t want to drive around, you can always take any e-Hailing ride such as Grab/Airasia Ride. Click here to get the best rates for AirAsia Ride!

Once you reach the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, walk along the pier till you come across the Gaya Island Resort office. There will be a reception and waiting area inside the office for you. Unlike the other resorts on the island, Gaya Island Resort has a more flexible boat schedule for you to choose from. It takes around 10 minutes via speed boat to get from Jesselton Point to Gaya Island Resort.

Gaya Island Resort Speedboat Transfer:-

From Jesselton Point : 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm | 6pm
From Gaya Island Resort : 11am | 1pm | 3pm | 5pm | 6.30pm

* Depending on your package, speedboat transfer charges may be applicable

Speedboat Transfer Charges:-

From RM 80/per person for 1 way scheduled boat transfer

When is the best time to visit Gaya Island Resort?

In this region of Borneo, where there is no extreme monsoon season, you have the opportunity to visit any of the TARP (KK Islands)/Bungaraya Island Resort at any time throughout the year. However, it’s important to note that from October to March, you may experience heavier rainfall, rougher seas, and reduced underwater visibility.

The ideal period to visit the TARP (KK Islands)/Bungaraya Island Resort is from April to September, as you can anticipate sunnier days for a more enjoyable vacation. Nevertheless, we recommend allowing for a 1-2 day buffer in case of unexpected rain, as the weather in this area can be unpredictable.

How long should I stay at Gaya Island Resort?

The recommended duration for your stay at Gaya Island Resort depends on the amount of time you have available. If you wish to fully enjoy and experience all the activities at the resort while allowing yourself ample relaxation time, we suggest staying for a minimum of 2 nights.

Staying at Gaya Island Resort for a minimum of 2 nights not only offers you an extended period to fully immerse yourself in the resort’s offerings but also provides the opportunity to secure more discounts and better rates. By opting for a longer stay, you can take advantage of special packages and promotions that are often available for multi-night bookings. You can make your reservations either directly through the official website of the resort.

Rooms at Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort offers a selection of captivating rooms that cater to every guest’s desires. The Bayu Villas, nestled amidst lush rainforest on a hillside, provide a peaceful ambience and leafy views of the rainforest canopy and tropical mangroves. The Canopy Villas, situated near a tropical mangrove on a gentle slope, offer a beautiful outlook and convenient access to the resort’s pristine sandy beach.

The Kinabalu Villas boast unparalleled views of the South China Sea and the majestic Mount Kinabalu, making them the resort’s most coveted accommodations. And finally we have the Suria Suite, a luxurious two-bedroom haven, is perched on the hillside, offering breath-taking ocean views. At Gaya Island Resort, all these rooms provide a blend of natural beauty, serenity, and lavish comfort for an unforgettable stay.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, we suggest going for the Kinabalu Villas as you can get the best views of the resort. We celebrated our birthday at Gaya Island Resort and were delighted with the special room arrangement they provided, making our stay even more unforgettable.

In contrast to the other resorts, there is no complimentary buggy service available for guests, necessitating a short stroll to reach your villa. Embrace this chance to relish a leisurely walk amidst the serene embrace of nature.

Food at Gaya Island Resort

At Gaya Island Resort, you can indulge in an exquisite culinary experience that perfectly complements its 5-star service. Delight your taste buds with a plethora of delectable dishes crafted with meticulous attention to detail. From gourmet delights to tantalizing international cuisine, the resort offers an exceptional dining experience that leaves no palate unsatisfied.

Feast Village offers a vibrant and interactive experience with diverse cuisine from the Asia-Pacific region, featuring open kitchens showcasing bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian, and Western selections. Fisherman’s Cove, situated on the rooftop, provides a captivating view of Mount Kinabalu while serving Chef Wai’s renowned seafood-themed dishes made with sustainable fishing practices and the freshest ingredients.

Omakase, nestled in the ancient rainforest, offers 3 Japanese dining experiences, including teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, and nabe, all with a breathtaking view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. The Pool Bar & Lounge is an idyllic spot overlooking the tranquil infinity pool and floating cabanas, perfect for unwinding with casual lunches or enjoying sundowners while witnessing the sunset over Mount Kinabalu.

Tavajun Bay, just a short boat ride away, provides a tranquil private beach setting where guests can relish single-dish lunches infused with local and international influences, cooked over charcoal embers and varying daily. Lastly, the resort offers private dining experiences in picturesque locations that embrace stunning vistas, lush greenery, crashing waves, or invigorating sea air, creating an enchanting feast for all the senses.

What activities are there at Gaya Island Resort?

Gaya Island Resort offers a wide range of activities to ensure a memorable and enriching stay for guests. Dive enthusiasts can embark on PADI snorkelling and dive programs, immersing themselves in the vibrant marine life surrounding the island. For those seeking an adventure on the water, fishing excursions provide the opportunity to try their hand at angling in the pristine waters.

Guided nature walks at Gaya Island Resort provide an immersive experience for guests to explore the island’s rich landscapes and learn about its remarkable ecosystem. Borneo, known as the most biodiverse land in Southeast Asia, is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including over 288 mammal species, 600 bird species, and 15,000 plant species, with many of them endemic.

Gaya Island, with its rare intact primary forest classified as a protected Coastal Dipterocarp Forest, offers a unique setting for nature enthusiasts. Led by the resort’s knowledgeable Resident Naturalist, guests can embark on nature trails that wind through dense vegetation, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna, including camouflaged wildlife.

These guided walks not only provide an opportunity to appreciate the island’s natural beauty but also promote environmental education and conservation, with a focus on preserving the proboscis monkeys, an endangered species found in the rainforest.

Located at Tavajun Bay, the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre plays a central role in conservation initiatives while providing valuable educational programs focused on marine life and coral preservation. Within the marine centre, guests have the unique opportunity to witness the dedicated efforts of the Resident Marine Biologist in rehabilitating and nurturing rescued sea turtles, aiding in their recovery and return to health.

To get to Tavajun Bay, you can either go on a guided hike or take the 5 minutes speed boat ride from Gaya Island Resort jetty. If you would like to have your lunch here, just inform the resort and they will prepare a special picnic BBQ meal for you. Whilst you are here, make sure not to leave any belongings unattended as the monkeys here are quite naughty and almost stole our bag.

Borneo Craftworks showcases traditional craftsmanship, allowing visitors to witness the creation of unique local handicrafts. Yoga sessions provide a tranquil space to rejuvenate both mind and body.

Besides that, Gaya Island Resort is also home to a magnificent 100-year-old rare mangrove forest, thriving with various large and extensive trees that flourish in saline coastal sediment habitats. The Resident Naturalist offers guests the opportunity to explore and appreciate this natural wonder on a daily basis.

Embarking on a kayaking excursion into the ancient mangrove forest reveals delightful surprises, such as sightings of fascinating creatures including mangrove crabs, the oriental pied hornbill, monitor lizards, and other captivating wildlife. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this remarkable ecosystem and create lasting memories of encounters with nature’s wonders.

A sunset cruise offers breath-taking views as the day comes to a close. To complete your evening, you can also partake in the Bajau Laut beach barbecue session, which promises an unforgettable evening of delicious food and cultural performances.

The Borneo Culinary Journey takes guests on a gastronomic adventure, showcasing the flavours and specialties of the region. The “7 Wonders of Gaya” excursion unveils the island’s natural wonders, from hidden beaches (Tavajun Bay) to ancient rainforests. You can also check out the water activities here such as paddle board and kayaking on the island.

Guests can unwind at the swimming pool, stay active at the gym, or relax with a book at the library. To further enhance relaxation, the Spa Village offers a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies. With an array of activities to choose from, Gaya Island Resort ensures a truly memorable and fulfilling experience for every guest.

Useful tips

• Make sure to keep hydrated as it can get really hot and humid on the island
• As food and beverages needs to be transported to the island, you can expect it to be much pricier than in the city
• Look out for the jellyfish while swimming/snorkelling. Jellyfish seasons here generally occur between March to April
• Please help keep the island clean, so others can appreciate them too
• You don’t have to worry about reception as Wifi access is provided throughout the resort
• As the villas are surrounded by the jungle, you can expect to see lots of wildlife moving around
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended as the monkeys here are very naughty and will try to steal your things
• Bring along some mosquito repellent and sunblock
• For more discounts and offers make sure to check out their website as they often come up with new packages

If you’re doing a lot of traveling, then getting a BigPay card is your next smart decision. We have used it for almost all our purchases during our travel in Malaysia and found it helpful. You can save on the currency conversion fee when you use the apps. Just make sure to select the local currency of the country you are in to get cheaper rates. Click here to sign up. Don’t forget to use our referral code GB1RB1XMDE to receive a bonus when you activate the card (only applicable for Malaysians)

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