Gaya Island Resort is situated off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia. Located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a marine conservation area, the resort rests on the largest of five islands; Pulau Gaya. The area is characterized by its clear waters, rich coral beds, rainforests and white powdery beaches. The transfer time from Kota Kinabalu airport is approximately 30 minutes via road and speedboat. The resort was attentively designed to harmonize with its serene location overlooking spectacular views of Borneo's Mount Kinabalu. There are a total of 120 spacious villas. Rooms are luxurious and fitted with all modern conveniences, including WiFi. There is a broad range of onsite dining options including Asian, Western and Mediterranean cuisine, a fresh seafood restaurant (adult only), a bakery and a relaxing lounge bar. The resort’s activity list engages guests with local nature and culture, as well as indulging the senses. Activities include forest trails, yoga, meditation, snorkeling, diving, fishing, story telling, cooking, handicrafts, dance, day trips and more. Other facilities include a spa, swimming pools, shop, library and gymnasium.
Location: Gaya is a stunning tropical island covered in dense virgin tropical rainforest, and part of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, just 10 minutes off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
History: It was about one million years ago that five islands, including Gaya, broke off the mainland, evidence of which can be seen today in the exposed coastline’s exposed sandstone cliffs, caves, and deep crevices.
Service: Guests may check in at Gaya’s own lounge on the mainland, where they are served refreshments and may use the complimentary WiFi, before being whisked away by speedboat to their private villa.
Nestled amongst luscious ancient rainforest surroundings, these beautiful and serene villas effortlessly blend elements of authentic Sabahan culture with contemporary features. Villas measure 155-square-feet (save the Suria suite), and contain a bedroom, writing desk, spacious bathroom, and a verandah.
These villas are set amongst the island's luscious tropical rainforest, and provide views of either the rainforest's thick canopy, or of tropical mangroves. Families will enjoy the ability to stay in connecting rooms.
The Kinabalu Villas were made for those who chase the best views - here, guests will see the best the resort has to offer, with incredible panoramas of the South China Sea, and Mt. Kinabalu in the distance.
This breathtaking 617-square-foot villa sits on a sloping hillside with stunning ocean views. Featuring a spacious verandah complete with day beds, two large bedrooms with en suites, a lounge area, a private dining room, a TV room, a powder room and a pantry with outdoor deck, these villas make good use of their space.
Gaya Island Resort’s long list of activities provided for guests mean that anyone staying here couldn’t possible get bored. From a large pool with pool bar, to a library, retail shop, spa, yoga classes, and more, there is far more to do here than just laze on the beach.
The activity center wears many hats, from being an information center for adventure sports and marine environmental education, to also acting as a children’s activity center. Kids will enjoy the games room complete with video game equipment and computers, as well as the kids pool and other such recreation areas.
A well-stocked library containing literature on the local region, as well as multi-lingual best sellers, is an ideal place for guests to find their next beach read.
The expansive 131-foot beachfront lap pool features floating cabanas, and a separate wading pool for children. Plush sun loungers line the pool's edge, with complimentary towels for guests.
Set deep in the tropical mangroves, the Gaya Island Resort's Spa Village offers an array of treatments inspired by the ancient wisdom of Sabah's healers.
Water lovers will appreciate this center's great selection of watersports equipment, from kayaks, to snorkels, to paddle surfs. Long-sleeved rash guards and small dry bags are also available.
Yoga enthusiasts, or even those who just want to try out the ancient practice, may join in on one of the resort's yoga classes. Guided meditation classes are also available.
Guests may enjoy a meal here any time of day, where the specialty dishes hail from the Asia-Pacific region. Western dishes are also available. Diners will enjoy the lovely beach views, with the majestic Mt. Kinabalu in the distance.
Here is rooftop dining at its finest and freshest, at Fisherman's Cove, where guests can enjoy some of the resort's best food and best views. The seafood-only menu has a vast selection of the freshest catches of the day. Children under 16 are not permitted, and there is a smart-casual dress code.
For those in search of a relaxing, chilled out meal, they need look no further than the resort's poolside bar and lounge, where the cocktails are fresh and delicious, and the snacks light and tasty.
Tavajun Bay takes beach dining to the next level - a five-minute boat ride from the resort, this private beach is ideal for guests who wish to laze away the afternoon under the warm tropical sun, and when the bellies start rumbling, Tavajun Bay provides the ideal dining location. Inspired by the simplicity of Mediterranean dining, guests may enjoy vibrant flavors of single-dish meals that change daily.
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