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2 adults, 1 room

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Gaya Island Resort

Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya(Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)See map

NZ$ 439.41per night

This is the cheapest price in 30 days, based on the rates on 31 Oct

Top reasons for booking
Close to the beach
The hotel is near a beach
Great view
Most user reviews comment positively on the view from their room
Friendly staff
According to user reviews, most guests think the hotel service is great
Popular facilities
Beach
Bar
Restaurant
Free WiFi
Fitness center
Spa
4.4/5Great 451 reviews
Reviews summary
Idyllic island escape featuring conservation focus, friendly staff, spacious villas, stunning nature views, high-quality dining, and excellent snorkeling activities.
Exploring the area
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, 1.5km, About 25 mins from hotel by foot
55
Kinabalu Villa
Bed type arranged at check-in

47.0 m²

Partial sea view

38
Bayu Villa
Bed type arranged at check-in

47.0 m²

Non-smoking

Garden view

35
Canopy Villa
1 double bed or bigger

47.0 m²

Garden view

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Reviews

Read all reviews
4.4/5.0

Great

451 reviews
Location
4.1
Services offered
4.6
Cleanliness
4.5
Atmosphere & facilities
4.4
Reviews summary
From real reviews, powered by AI
Overall impression
Idyllic island escape featuring conservation focus, friendly staff, spacious villas, stunning nature views, high-quality dining, and excellent snorkeling activities.
Location
Secluded island within underwater national park, private beach access, stunning natural beauty with sea, sand, primary forest, and close proximity to marine life.
Services offered
Friendly, attentive staff providing genuine smiles, conservation-focused activities, well-organized excursions team, and personalized service.
Cleanliness
Spotless rooms, well-maintained public areas, clean pool, high housekeeping standards, and provided bug spray and ointment.
Atmosphere & facilities
Relaxing atmosphere, spacious villas with modern amenities, beautiful pool, excellent spa, stunning views, and fantastic nature center.
All
With photos
4.5+
3.0+
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Simon
Reviewed: 8 Apr 2026

3.0/5.0

Good

Stayed with family · For friends and family

Could be so much better - this is 3 or 4 start at best - Its missing the finishing touches that enhances guest experience - eg 1 hour for bags to be brought to room, food over priced and average - room aircon is not up to standard, not enough power outlets - in reality only one for guest use in the room, for the money there is better , far better
Thomas
Reviewed: 2 Apr 2025

5.0/5.0

Fantastic

Stayed with family · For leisure

We were a group of nature lovers who were using this as a three night stay to get used to the temperature and time change upon arrival in Borneo. Loved the grounds and snorkeling right from the beach. Fantastic nature center staffed by several biologists. The food options were a bit pricey but we were expecting that. The grounds were very birdy and we found two Borean Pit Vipers. The mangrove tour was fantastic. Room is very good quality for the price.
Gitanjali
Reviewed: 27 Dec 2024

5.0/5.0

Fantastic

Stayed with family · For business and leisure

Situated in one of the largest underwater national parks. Spectacular natural beauty with sea, sand and jungle. Hundreds of species of marine and island life. Underwater and above ground Activities beautifully curated by YTL staff to blend conservation and fun.
hywel
Reviewed: 3 Dec 2024

5.0/5.0

Fantastic

Stayed with family · For leisure

The staff, the staff, the staff. Such genuine helpful staff quick to resolve any problems. Genuine smiles. The East Malaysians are the best hosts.
Amanda
Reviewed: 15 Oct 2024

3.0/5.0

Good

Stayed with partner · For leisure

The property itself and rooms were nice, but the resort was way too expensive for what was provided. we did not feel like we got value doe the money. The meals were excessively expensive for what they were, and left us with traveler's diarrhea unfortunately. Very basic tours were extra charges too, as were the transfers in and out from kota Kinabalu. We also stayed way too long. I think max 3 nights would be recommended so you don't get bored.
Verified traveler
Reviewed: 24 Aug 2024

5.0/5.0

Fantastic
Wonderful location and views. Staff were always friendly, helpful and polite. Fantastic range of activities.
Verified traveler
Reviewed: 4 Aug 2024

4.0/5.0

Great

Stayed with family · For friends and family

Beautiful location, well organised, excellent food, friendly staff, amazing rooms. Many hidden taxes ... and service charge added even for buffet meal (which was self service ... although did finally remove when challenged). The private beach had a huge rubbish dump just behind the sandy beach. Very disappointing to see on a luxury trip. Great to see the conservation work with rescued turtles and coral. Strange to see complimentary ice lollies being handed out by pool, but only if you agreed to a young waiter taking a photo on his mobile phone ... bizarre.
Lesley
Reviewed: 10 Apr 2024

4.0/5.0

Great

Stayed with partner · For leisure

Had a lovely stay, would like to have seen more food options and later bar food service. Activities team were great, reception and waiting staff were not very friendly, expected a higher level of service.
Siu Chui
Reviewed: 14 Feb 2024

5.0/5.0

Fantastic
The property has a beautiful setting with the sea and a primary forest as its backdrop. The hotel excursions are excellent with an added inspiration on marine and forest conservation. Coral garden snorkelling and forest trekking are highly recommended. The staff are all genuinely kind and attentive. A very good resort.
Matthew
Reviewed: 16 Jul 2023

3.0/5.0

Good

Stayed with partner · For leisure

Starting with the positives, Gaya Island Resort is in a wonderful setting. The accommodation is spacious with nice outlooks, though depending where you are you could have quite an uphill hike to your rooms. We had the buffet meals in the dining room and the standard of what was offered was very high. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The service however of the management and reservations team leading up to our visit was appalling. Despite having paid in full we were sent automated messages threatening to cancel our booking and keep any monies already paid. When we replied explaining payment had been made and asking for clarification we simply received the same message again. None of these messages came with a name or contact details. Several attempts to ring the reservations line all concluded the same way i.e. being told all the lines were busy and the phone call was dropped. Expedia's initial attempts to contact the resort also failed but we assume they eventually worked, as we received an email from the resort informing us we should ignore the previous messages. No hint of an apology was offered. On top of this, on two of the days we stayed there was, for different periods of time, no water and no electricity. Regarding the water, on one occasion this lasted for over 9 hours. Finally the cleanliness of the resort in some areas was disappointing. In particular the gym floor was covered in sand and even hairs - very unpleasant.

Overview

Gaya Island Resort

Rooms:121
Floors:2
Star rating:

With a stay at Gaya Island Resort in Gaya Island, you'll be on the beach, and 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Pantai Pulau Mamutik and 19.6 mi (31.6 km) from Dalit Beach. This beach resort is within close proximity of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and International Cruise Terminal Kota Kinabalu.

Description

With a stay at Gaya Island Resort in Gaya Island, you'll be on the beach, and 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Pantai Pulau Mamutik and 19.6 mi (31.6 km) from Dalit Beach. This beach resort is within close proximity of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and International Cruise Terminal Kota Kinabalu.

See all

Exploring the area

Attractions

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

1.5km
See map

Facilities & services

Popular facilities
Beach
Bar
Restaurant
Free WiFi
Fitness center
Spa
General
Non-smoking throughout
Childcare services (additional charge)
Gift shop
No elevator
Wedding services
Airport transportation(additional charge)
Garden
Safety & security
Safety deposit box
Business facilities
Banquet facilities
Cleaning services
Laundry service
Reception services
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Concierge
Tourist info desk
Health & fitness
Outdoor Swimming pool
Food & drink
Poolside bar
Activities
Library
Snorkeling
See all facilities

Property policies

Check-in/out Time

Earliest check-in time:After 15:00 - Before 21:00

Latest check-out time:Before 11:00

Check-in policy

The guest responsible for check-in must be aged 18 or above

Special check-in instructions

Guests must transfer to the property via boat and must arrange the transfers by contacting the property before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. The check-in location differs from the property location. Check-in location: [Gaya Lounge, Jesselton Point Jetty]. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools. Speedboat transfers (surcharge) are required between Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and Gaya Island Resort. Departure times are as follows: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to Gaya Island Resort: 10 AM, noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM and 9 PM. Gaya Island Resort to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal: 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, and 6:30 PM. Guests who miss the last transfer of the day must board a private charter boat (surcharge). Rates for private charters are MYR 500 from 7 AM to 9 PM, and MYR 700 from 9 PM to 7 AM.

Check-in descriptions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards and cash

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

Note: Check-in policies vary by property. Please check carefully before booking

Child Policy

Children at all ages are welcome to stay at this property

Children aged above 3 will be charged as adults at this property

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

Destination fee: MYR 35 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 1 year of age.

Boat transfer per adult: MYR 212 (roundtrip)

Boat transfer per child: MYR 106 (roundtrip), from 2 to 11 years old

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Other fees

Airport shuttle fee: MYR 140 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Food & drinks

Satisfy your appetite at Feast Village, one of the resort's 4 restaurants. Need to unwind? Take a break at the bar/lounge, the beach bar, or the poolside bar for a tasty beverage.

See all policies

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