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A luxury island resort in the midst of the South China Sea that can only be reached by boat
Fringed by a golden beach and backed by lush rainforest, Gaya Island Resort is a welcoming and romantic retreat set on an exotic island in the midst of the South China Sea. Surrounded by a wealth of coral reefs for diving, indigenous flora and fauna for guided nature walks, and with an award-winning spa in a unique mangrove setting, four restaurants, and a lounge bar overlooking the pool, it has a real back-to-nature appeal.
With its exotic island ambiance, Gaya Island Resort is a magical blend of stylish comfort and natural beauty – totally conducive to utter relaxation. Nestled within the rainforest are 121 Hill Villas with a variety of views including mangrove, canopy, tropical rainforest and Mount Kinabalu in the distance.
Settle into one of the spa’s six treatment rooms for a sleep inducing massage after a guided meditation session. Go diving and discover the tropical marine life in the coral reefs, learn about Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre’s turtle and conservation efforts and dine at Fishermans Cove for the freshest seafood dishes on the rooftop under a starry sky.
Spacious air-conditioned villas feature a private verandah with large daybeds and a separate living room whilst ensuite bathrooms have an oversized bathtub.
BAYU VILLAS are set amongst a tropical mangrove on a gently sloping hillside, with king sized bed, beautiful outlook and walking distance from the resort’s pristine sandy beach.
CANOPY VILLAS are situated on a hillside amidst lush rainforest, with a king sized bed (or twins) and a peaceful setting with leafy views ranging from the rainforest canopy to the tropical mangroves.
KINABALU VILLAS have views stretching across the South China Sea, with king sized bed (or twins), and the best views in the resort.
SUIRA SUITE is one-of-a-kind, perched on the hillside with two levels and offers uninterrupted views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu from a large outdoor verandah with daybeds.
3 Restaurants
Pool bar
Private beach restaurant (lunch only)
Spa
Scuba diving and snorkelling
Deep sea fishing
Private dining experiences
Experiences
The Singgah Singgarung Night: gain insights into the Borneo way of life through a Singgah Singgarung prelude experience that showcases native arts, activities and delicacies before your tribal-style beach mangrove barbecue dinner. Melodious Kadazan music sets the mood as you feast on skewered fish grilled campfire-style and fresh produce served with the famous local rice wine, lihing.
Sunset Cruise: get a taste of the seafarer life on a cruise to neighbouring islands on board our private yacht, Little Princess, as the evening beckons. A complimentary soft drink or house wine will be served as you admire the stunning kaleidoscopic golden sunset hues and watch the city skyline lighting up like glittering jewels in the distance.
Gaya Snorkelling Exploration: explore the hidden wonders of the marine world guided by our Resident Marine Biologist, and appreciate the need to protect our environment. Discover the beauty and intricate life beneath the sea without the use of fins to avoid damage to our house reefs. Snorkellers are limited daily to ensure that the marine life is not overwhelmed by human presence.
The Bajau Laut Beach Barbecue: inspired by Mat Salleh and his rebellion on Pulau Gaya, this beachfront experience draws from his Bajau Suluk ethnicity. Fresh bounty from land and sea grilled over hot coals served with vegetables and delicacies celebrates the cuisine of these sea-faring tribes. Wander the twinkling night sky through a telescope and pay homage to their nomadic nature.
The Borneo Culinary Journey: explore the depths of Sabahan cuisine with a cooking class hosted by the resort’s skilled chef. Experience an introduction to local ingredients and fresh produce followed by an interactive cooking session to provide insights into authentic recipes handed down over generations from various ethnic groups. The journey culminates with a communal-style tasting.
Map and travel information
Fly directly from the UK to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Kota Kinabalu.
Gaya Island Resort is on Pulau Gaya, within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park off the coast of Borneo. It is a 10 minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Jesselton Point is a 20 minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:30pm
1 Market Place Mews,
Henley-on-Thames, OXON RG9 2AH