Gaya Island Resort
Set within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort sits on one of Borneo’s most untouched island groups, just 10 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point — with speedboat transfers included.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the resort is vehicle-free by design: walking tracks through ancient rainforest connect the villas, and the rhythm of the island sets the pace. Secluded villas overlook the forest canopy and sheltered bays, with the mangroves and coral reefs of the marine park accessible directly from shore.
Coral reef snorkelling, guided nature walks and wildlife encounters — including proboscis monkeys in the surrounding rainforest — sit alongside quieter pursuits. Tavajun Bay is the resort’s private beach, where charcoal-grilled lunches are served at the water’s edge. Fisherman’s Cove serves sustainably sourced seafood with views across to Mount Kinabalu, while the two-storey Omakase restaurant offers teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe from its hillside perch above the bay. For restoration, Spa Village Gaya Island draws on the healing traditions of Borneo.
Set within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort sits on one of Borneo’s most untouched island groups, just 10 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point — with speedboat transfers included.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the resort is vehicle-free by design: walking tracks through ancient rainforest connect the villas, and the rhythm of the island sets the pace. Secluded villas overlook the forest canopy and sheltered bays, with the mangroves and coral reefs of the marine park accessible directly from shore.
Coral reef snorkelling, guided nature walks and wildlife encounters — including proboscis monkeys in the surrounding rainforest — sit alongside quieter pursuits. Tavajun Bay is the resort’s private beach, where charcoal-grilled lunches are served at the water’s edge. Fisherman’s Cove serves sustainably sourced seafood with views across to Mount Kinabalu, while the two-storey Omakase restaurant offers teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe from its hillside perch above the bay. For restoration, Spa Village Gaya Island draws on the healing traditions of Borneo.
Indulgence Upgrade: Select the upgrade to enjoy daily lunch and dinner for two at a selection of onsite venues.
Select your room
Gaya Island Resort is located on Gaya Island, part of an archipelago of five islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. From Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI), make your way to Jesselton Point Jetty (approximately a 20-minute drive; transfers not included) and await your included 10-minute speedboat transfer direct to the resort. See Fine Print for departure times.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
- Feast Village
- Fisherman’s Cove
- Omakase
- Pool Bar & Lounge
- Tavajun Bay private beach dining
- Spa Village
- Swimming pool
- Private beach
- Library
- Kayaking and snorkelling
- Car rental
- Tour service
- Babysitting service
- Wi-Fi
- Check-in: 3pm / Checkout: 11am
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Daily buffet breakfast is served at Feast Village from 7am–10.30am.
- Daily drinks (two drinks per person, per day) are served at Pool Bar & Lounge from 3pm–4pm. Choice of one cocktail, glass of house wine or house beer.
- Package includes one 50-minute massage per person. Guests must be aged 16+. Available at Spa Village between 10am and 2pm, and 5pm and 7pm. Advance booking required.
- The snorkelling experience is available from 8am–6pm. Advance reservations are required by 5pm the day before. Snorkelling activities depend on sea and weather conditions; please refer to the recreation desk for more information.
- The mangrove kayak experience is available from 8am–6pm. Advance reservations are required by 5pm the day before.
- For stays of 5+ nights, one speciality dinner is served at Fisherman’s Cove from 7pm–10.30pm. Advance booking required. Restaurant welcomes guests aged 12 years and above, with resort smart-casual attire.
- Gaya Island Resort is located on Gaya Island, part of an archipelago of five islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. From Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI), make your way to Jesselton Point Jetty (approximately a 20-minute drive; transfers not included) and await your included 10-minute speedboat transfer direct to the resort. See Fine Print for departure times.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings, flights and deposit fee, if applicable, which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 14 days prior to the check-in date. Excludes flight and service fee, if applicable.
- Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
Flexible Cancellation: You can cancel your booking for credit up until 21 days prior to the original check-in date. This can be done via self-service in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Your credit will be valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation. Credits are not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Excludes service fee, if applicable.
Please note this does not apply to flights booked with us. Flight fulfilment is provided by the airline(s) selected at the time of finalising the booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s).
Date Changes: If you need to amend your booking, you can self-service unlimited date changes in your ‘My Escapes’ account up until 21 days before your original check-in date. If you can’t find a suitable date, or still need further assistance, please contact our 24/7 customer service team. Subject to availability and surcharges.
Valid for travel until 29 June 2027 (bookings must be made before 30 May 2027).
Tourism Tax: A Tourism Tax of MYR10 per person, per night, must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in.
Sabah Parks Conservation Fee: A conservation fee of MYR35 per person is charged on the first night of your stay. The fee drops to MYR25 per person for each day thereafter. This amount is payable directly to the hotel at check-in.
Compulsory Christmas Gala Dinner: For stays on 24 December, an additional surcharge of MYR354 per adult (12+) and MYR177 per child (2–11) applies for the compulsory Christmas Gala dinner. Payable directly to the hotel.
Compulsory New Year’s Gala Dinner: For stays on 31 December, an additional surcharge of MYR354 per adult (12+) and MYR177 per child (2–11) applies for the compulsory New Year’s Gala dinner. Payable directly to the hotel.
Blackout Dates & Surcharges: A non-refundable surcharge per room, per night may apply, payable at the time of booking. Dates and prices are identified in the Booking Calendar. Blackout dates may apply.
Indulgence Packages:
- Daily three-course lunch is served at Feast Village, Pool Bar & Lounge or Tavajun Bay from 12pm–3pm.
- Nightly dinner is served at Feast Village from 7pm–10.30pm.
Speedboat Transfers Inclusions & Fine Print:
- Return speedboat transfers between Kota Kinabalu mainland (Jesselton Point Jetty) and the resort island are included in your package. Transfers between the airport and jetty are not included and must be arranged by the guest at own cost.
- Departures from Jesselton Point Jetty to Gaya Island Resort: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 9pm.
- Departures from Gaya Island Resort to Jesselton Point Jetty: 7am, 9am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm.
- Check-in at the Gaya Lounge at Jesselton Point Jetty is required at least 20 minutes before the scheduled speedboat departure time.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.
Images are for illustrative purposes and may not be reflective of the package purchased. See individual offers and packages for details.
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Daily buffet breakfast is served at Feast Village from 7am–10.30am.
- Daily drinks (two drinks per person, per day) are served at Pool Bar & Lounge from 3pm–4pm. Choice of one cocktail, glass of house wine or house beer.
- Package includes one 50-minute massage per person. Guests must be aged 16+. Available at Spa Village between 10am and 2pm, and 5pm and 7pm. Advance booking required.
- The snorkelling experience is available from 8am–6pm. Advance reservations are required by 5pm the day before. Snorkelling activities depend on sea and weather conditions; please refer to the recreation desk for more information.
- The mangrove kayak experience is available from 8am–6pm. Advance reservations are required by 5pm the day before.
- For stays of 5+ nights, one speciality dinner is served at Fisherman’s Cove from 7pm–10.30pm. Advance booking required. Restaurant welcomes guests aged 12 years and above, with resort smart-casual attire.
- Gaya Island Resort is located on Gaya Island, part of an archipelago of five islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. From Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI), make your way to Jesselton Point Jetty (approximately a 20-minute drive; transfers not included) and await your included 10-minute speedboat transfer direct to the resort. See Fine Print for departure times.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings, flights and deposit fee, if applicable, which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 14 days prior to the check-in date. Excludes flight and service fee, if applicable.
- Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
Flexible Cancellation: You can cancel your booking for credit up until 21 days prior to the original check-in date. This can be done via self-service in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Your credit will be valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation. Credits are not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Excludes service fee, if applicable.
Please note this does not apply to flights booked with us. Flight fulfilment is provided by the airline(s) selected at the time of finalising the booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s).
Date Changes: If you need to amend your booking, you can self-service unlimited date changes in your ‘My Escapes’ account up until 21 days before your original check-in date. If you can’t find a suitable date, or still need further assistance, please contact our 24/7 customer service team. Subject to availability and surcharges.
Valid for travel until 29 June 2027 (bookings must be made before 30 May 2027).
Tourism Tax: A Tourism Tax of MYR10 per person, per night, must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in.
Sabah Parks Conservation Fee: A conservation fee of MYR35 per person is charged on the first night of your stay. The fee drops to MYR25 per person for each day thereafter. This amount is payable directly to the hotel at check-in.
Compulsory Christmas Gala Dinner: For stays on 24 December, an additional surcharge of MYR354 per adult (12+) and MYR177 per child (2–11) applies for the compulsory Christmas Gala dinner. Payable directly to the hotel.
Compulsory New Year’s Gala Dinner: For stays on 31 December, an additional surcharge of MYR354 per adult (12+) and MYR177 per child (2–11) applies for the compulsory New Year’s Gala dinner. Payable directly to the hotel.
Blackout Dates & Surcharges: A non-refundable surcharge per room, per night may apply, payable at the time of booking. Dates and prices are identified in the Booking Calendar. Blackout dates may apply.
Indulgence Packages:
- Daily three-course lunch is served at Feast Village, Pool Bar & Lounge or Tavajun Bay from 12pm–3pm.
- Nightly dinner is served at Feast Village from 7pm–10.30pm.
Speedboat Transfers Inclusions & Fine Print:
- Return speedboat transfers between Kota Kinabalu mainland (Jesselton Point Jetty) and the resort island are included in your package. Transfers between the airport and jetty are not included and must be arranged by the guest at own cost.
- Departures from Jesselton Point Jetty to Gaya Island Resort: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 9pm.
- Departures from Gaya Island Resort to Jesselton Point Jetty: 7am, 9am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm.
- Check-in at the Gaya Lounge at Jesselton Point Jetty is required at least 20 minutes before the scheduled speedboat departure time.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.
Images are for illustrative purposes and may not be reflective of the package purchased. See individual offers and packages for details.
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