Gaya Island Resort is a luxurious retreat just off the coast of Kota Kinabulu in Borneo. Backed by lush green forest, and facing sandy shores and cerulean-blue sea, offering beautiful views towards Mt Kinabalu, this is an idyllic place to unwind.
Gaya Island Resort is nestled into a lush hillside, offering wonderful views over the sea towards Mt Kinabalu
Gaya Island Resort has plenty of exciting activities, including walks with the naturalist and kayaking through mangrove forests
The Spa Village is a tranquil haven, with a focus on traditional treatments using fresh, local ingredients
The beach in front of the resort is sandy but slightly narrow, however the resort also has another beach only a 5-minute boat ride away with a restaurant and wider shore
With a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of activities available, and only a 30-minute journey from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort is a great location to start or finish any Borneo itinerary. The island lies within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which is home to a number of coral reefs and plenty of marine life. The resort has two house reefs just off the jetty, which can be explored on guided snorkeling tours or at your own leisure.
The accommodation is located up on the hillside, with 120 villas and one suite. The design is sophisticated and modern yet retains some Sabahan elements, using natural materials. All of the air-conditioned rooms have spacious en-suite bathrooms with large bathtubs, and verandas looking towards the rainforest or sea, furnished with day beds.
Gaya Island Resort has a great choice of restaurants. Feast Village offers a vibrant atmosphere, serving a diverse range of international dishes. Fisherman's Cove is perfect for a romantic evening, offering delicious fresh fish and seafood. For an exciting and authentic Japanese dining experience, head up the hill to Omakase. The Pool Bar & Lounge is also a pleasant seafront spot for light lunches and sundowners.The resort has an enticing 40-meter lap pool down by the beach, and if you go in the opposite direction up the hill you will find the tranquil Spa Village, offering a range of treatments using local ingredients and techniques. The beach directly in front of the resort is on the narrow side, however the idyllic Tavujun Bay is just around the corner, and the resort offers shuttles throughout the day. The resort has a private beach here with its restaurant where lunch is a single dish meal made over charcoal embers that changes daily, or you can bring a gourmet picnic. Gaya Island Resort has its own marine and wildlife centers, providing an interesting and educational opportunity to learn about Borneo's biodiversity. There are some fantastic tours with the resort's naturalist, including walks in the rainforest and kayaking through mangrove jungles.
When to visit
Take the shuttle speedboat over to Tavajun bay for lunch and an afternoon snooze on the sandy beach there.
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Inquire NowGaya Island Resort is located on the stunning Gaya Island on the east coast looking towards Kota Kinabulu with Mount Kinabulu in the distance in Sabah.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Night Safari
Hop into the back of an open-air truck for a night safari; a great time to see nocturnal primates such as the slow loris, flying red squirrel, samba deer, and civets. Your guide will use a strong torch to search for wildlife as you bump along the track.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - “Coffin Cliff” Trek
Trek up to the “Coffin Cliff”, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe, passing through picturesque rainforest and past waterfalls. You will also take in the best views of Danum Valley, and enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural Jacuzzi pool.
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise
In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colors change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.
Tabin - Early Morning Bird Walk
Early in the morning, set off for a walk to try and spot some of the wonderful birdlife that can be found around the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Tabin - Dusk Drive
As the dusk sets in, venture out in the jeep to see if you can spot any of the reserve's daytime wildlife nesting down for the evening, or the nocturnal animals beginning to emerge to search for food and water.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Hornbill Boardwalk
Accompanied by the lodge's in-house naturalist, take a stroll along the Hornbill Boardwalk, keeping a eye out for the wildlife that can often been seen around the property.
Tabin - Lipad Mud Volcano
During your stay at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, visit the Lipad Mud Volcano. This active volcano provides an important mineral salt lick for the many mammals and birds in the area.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Kelenanap Oxbow Lake
Start early this morning and take a boat cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. The early morning is a great time to spot wildlife, and experience the rainforest coming alive as the sun rises.
Tabin - Lipad Waterfall
After breakfast, travel by vehicle to the 'core area' of the reserve, stopping off en route for some wildlife spotting and photography opportunities before starting your trek into the rainforest to visit the Lipad Waterfall.
