Gaya Island Resort, Borneo
Chance to get close to Nature
Conservation Resort
Ideal to add to an Asian city break
Chance to get close to Nature
Conservation Resort
Ideal to add to an Asian city break
Chance to get close to Nature
Conservation Resort
Ideal to add to an Asian city break
Tucked amidst protected mangroves, sheltered coral reefs and curled around the pristine sandy coast of Malohom Bay rests Gaya Island Resort. Set on an island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, discover a sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
With its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, this beachfront resort blends harmoniously with the natural environment featuring a collection of hillside villas with views that range from mangrove forests and the surrounding canopy to the outline of Mount Kinabalu. Villa interiors are contemporary and elegant, eco-luxury yet respectful of Sabahan elements.
Discoveries, authentic experiences and a sense of intimacy with the natural world all prevail across the land and seascape of this resort offering travellers and families an escape that is distinctively Borneo.
The resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimise its carbon footprint within the environment. Therefore, it is a walking resort with minimal motorised vehicles used for operational purposes.
Accommodation
Beautifully situated, Gaya Island Resort is set amidst lush rainforest with breathtaking views of the wonders created by nature over thousands of years.
Ancient rainforest and protected mangroves surround the idyllic villas set in the hills. Spacious, tactile and modern yet respectful of local Sabahan elements, each accommodation uses local materials that blend harmoniously with the natural environment. Villa interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance and offer a variety of views including mangrove, canopy, tropical rainforest and the South China Sea. The villas' amenities include comfortable bedding, a writing desk, a powered safe, a flat screen television with satellite channels, a large open en-suite bathroom with an oversized bathtub and two vanity units, and an outdoor verandah with day beds.
Sunset Private Dining
Cooking Class
Gastronomy
The regional cuisine and exquisite fresh seafood prepared by our skilled chefs is a play on the senses, setting the stage for guests to recount the day's adventures with family and friends, new and old.
Be it dining at leisure on your personal verandah space in-villa or a picnic at your chosen nook or the simple pleasure of gathering around a crackling barbecue pit on the beach at dusk, these experiences form another facet of treasured memories to take home.
Feast Village
Savour a vibrant, interactive dining experience that offers diverse cuisine from the Asia-Pacific region. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dynamic open kitchens showcase a bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian and Western selections. The location by the lap pool offers stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach.
Fisherman's Cove
Situated on the rooftop with a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu, Fisherman's Cove features a unique symphony of seafood themed dishes crafted by Chef Wai, the pioneer of this locally and internationally acclaimed restaurant, which focuses on sustainable fishing practices and the freshest ingredients.
Omakase
Surrounded by an ancient rainforest, this two-storey Japanese restaurant is perched on a hillside with a stunning view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. Three Japanese omakase-style dining experiences are available under one roof ranging from teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe. These heart-warming dinners will delight guests of all ages.
Pool bar & lounge
Overlooking the resort's tranquil infinity pool and floating cabanas, the Pool Bar & Lounge with its al fresco location and natural light is the perfect place to relax after a swim or relish a casual lunch. In the evenings, enjoy sundowners and light refreshments as the sun sets over Mount Kinabalu.
Tavajun Bay
A short 5-minute boat ride from the resort, this tranquil private beach is perfect for relaxing under the tropical sun, lulled by a gentle sea breeze. Infused by local and international influences, lunch is a single dish meal made over charcoal embers which changes daily. Alternatively, simply pre-order a personalised gourmet picnic basket
Private dining experiences
Breathtaking vistas, verdant greenery, waves crashing on the shore, or fresh, salty air to whet the appetite make our private dining experiences a treat for all the senses.Every dining experience is a unique culinary adventure waiting to be explored with indelible memories to treasure for a lifetime.
The Wellbeing Difference
Reconnect to a PURE world, the island, and the pace at which you choose to experience its endless wonders, is yours.
Padi snorkelling and dive progammes
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park lies within The Coral Triangle, known as the world’s marine epicentre. Home to diverse marine life exceeding 75% of species known to science with coral gardens found 20 metres from the shore; this underwater realm has over 25 dive spots for all year exploration. Programmes are conducted around 5 islands within the marine park.
Fishing Excursions
Set sail in the wake of the seafaring Bajau Laut, Sabah’s marine nomads. Whether a novice or an experienced angler, these exhilarating experiences led by the resort’s expert guides allow you to explore the ocean’s depths aboard a charter boat. These seasonal activities include refreshments and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers.
Guided Nature Walks
Discover an exceptional botanic reserve, diverse wildlife and a rare, undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forest, found only on this island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The nature walks offer an environmental education voyage with the Resident Naturalist with limited guests allowed daily to minimise human impact to the wildlife and their habitat.
Experience a distinctive journey of exploration through natural encounters within the resort.
Proboscis Monkeys
Red Giant Flying Squirrels
Twilight Fireflies
Elephant Foot Yam
Mangrove Kayak
Bearded Pigs
Nocturnal Wonder
Red Giant Flying Squirrels
Spa Village isn't just a place, it's a philosophy.
Here, the first breath of inspiration is drawn from the stunning scenery. Paradise itself provides the essential ingredients for all the treatments, and healing lore as old as the land is imparted into every encounter. Promising an experience that honours the healing traditions of the region, each Spa Village delivers an individual and authentic encounter combining the therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients and the healing practices of the area. Coupling these age-old practices together with modern approaches to health and well-being results in a tailored one-of-a-kind experience, delivering award-winning results to their guests. Each Spa Village offers a consistently unique and uplifting opportunity for rejuvenation.
Set amidst lush mangroves, Spa Village Gaya Island is a tranquil hideaway surrounded by distinctive island flora and fauna. From the warm clear waters of Gaya and its rich lowland forests to the high altitude blossoms of Mount Kinabalu, the treatments utilise only the finest fresh local ingredients. A rich tapestry of spa programmes reflects the cultural healing traditions of Sabah's many indigenous people. From the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads, Spa Village Gaya Island is uniquely rooted in ancient tradition while seeking to restore balance to the body and soul.
The marine centre advocates 3 key conservation themes - Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration and Conservation Through Education. The resident marine biologist and dedicated team work together with equally passionate partners, championing initiatives to protect marine life, raise awareness for sustainable seafood choices and aim for pollution-free waters.
Resort Marine Centre
