If you’re seeking peace, quiet, and total seclusion, Gaya Island Resort certainly delivers. Nestled within a protected marine park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, this small boutique hotel is an ideal escape from the chaos of city life. Accessible only by boat, it feels truly remote. Even if that off-the-grid vibe can also feel a little restrictive.
There are no shops on the island (come prepared with snacks or anything you can’t live without), so you have no choice but to wine and dine at one of the four on-site restaurants offering local and international dishes. The scenery is stunning, with an infinity pool to die for, but this is very much not a party island. During our visit, the whole resort had basically shut down by 11pm, with no music, no lights, and not a single staff member in sight. All I could hear was the sound of crashing waves — definitely relaxing, but maybe not the holiday spirit some crave.
Why stay at Gaya Island Resort?
For a full-blown digital detox, utter stillness, and the chance to disappear into the wild, a trip to Gaya Island Resort is very compelling. At the heart of the resort lies a stunning pool surrounded by hordes of comfortable sunbeds and shaded cabanas. One thing is immediately clear: this hotel is all about relaxation.
It makes sense, then, that it has become a favourite among people who have completed the Mount Kinabalu trek. Here, they can put their feet up, rest their weary heads, and fully immerse themselves in the serenity of island life.
What are the rooms like at Gaya Island Resort?
Before I got to my room, I had to brave a climb. Some of Gaya Island’s suites are perched high on top of a hillside, which means they’re quite the walk from the main facilities (I later found out that there were some other rooms located closer to ground level). Once there, though, the rooms are undeniably impressive. Built on stilts and surrounded by treetops, they offer jaw-dropping views and a sense of privacy. The interiors are spacious and stylish, with vaulted ceilings, absolutely huge bathtubs, and balconies with wooden loungers looking out over the South China Sea. The bed itself is cushy and inviting, with high-quality linens and soft pillows that make it impossible not to sink into. Everything feels perfectly in tune with the rustic surroundings.
What are the best things to eat at Gaya Island Resort?
Here’s where things get a little patchy. The resort’s four restaurants are a mixed bag, to say the least. Feast Village, which serves daily buffet-style breakfast and dinner, is pretty reliable. Mornings offer an array of Malaysian dishes, alongside a choice of eggs cooked fresh to order, plates of tiny pastries, breads, and a display of changing fruits. Evenings bring trays of pasta, rice, curries, and noodles that you can mix and match or enjoy on their own. It all tastes nice enough, if a little school dinner-ish, but trust me, stick with it and don’t stray.
Dinner at one of the other restaurants can set you back much more. And for what? At The Fisherman’s Cove, which promises fresh seafood and an ocean view, the dishes tasted stale and samey. We were also unexpectedly joined by several rats scurrying beneath our table – not exactly welcomed guests, but I guess that’s what you get when dining in the heart of nature. The Japanese restaurant, Omakase, where the chef prepared dishes right in front of us, was an improvement. The meat flew up into flames, and the bowls of miso soup were comforting. But still, not quite worth the premium price.
What are the best things to drink?
Happy Hour runs from 4 until late (with only an hour’s break in between) so if you want to drink, you have plenty of time to do it. The cocktail menu features some decent classics; think refreshing mojitos, tangy margaritas, and fruity mai tais, that pair nicely with the island vibes. The wine list leans toward the more expensive side, so if you want it, be prepared to pay for it. If you’re after something non-alcoholic, there are fresh juices in the morning which go down a treat.
What is the service like at Gaya Island Resort?
The staff I encountered at Gaya Island were warm and pleasant. But more often than not, they seemed to be anywhere but where guests needed them. The main bar was frequently unattended, and when staff did appear, service was slow, with many people left waiting. There definitely seemed to be a serious case of understaffing, despite the team’s sunny demeanour.
What are the facilities like at Gaya Island Resort?
For such a small resort, Gaya Island Resort offers a surprising amount to keep you busy. A board in the front reception lists the activities running each day. During my stay, I visited a private beach, went snorkelling, and even kayaked through the mangroves — during a heavy downpour, no less. It was impossible to forget that the resort is set deep in nature. The sea is teeming with coral, tropical fish, and other marine life, while monitor lizards roam freely along the shore. While in the mangroves, our guide showed us the exact spot where her kayak had been tipped over by a king cobra earlier in the year; she narrowly escaped unharmed, which wasn’t exactly the most comforting anecdote, considering she was meant to be looking after us.
Still, if you thrive on adventure, Gaya Island is an unforgettable playground. The resort also offers jungle treks with in-house naturalists, spa treatments at its hillside spa village, and evening outdoor film screenings. Whether you're seeking thrills or simply want to unwind surrounded by rainforest and reef, there’s plenty to fill your time.
What’s the area like around Gaya Island Resort?
Gaya Island is a feast for the eyes. With the ocean surrounding the resort, you wake each morning to sweeping views of turquoise water, the distant mountain peak of Mount Kinabalu, and lush rainforest. The island forms part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, so the surrounding waters are protected and rich in marine life. Just across the bay lies the city of Kota Kinabalu, visible from certain high points on the site but feeling a world away. It’s the kind of place where the air hums with cicadas, and the sunsets turn the entire coastline gold.
Why you should you book a stay at Gaya Island Resort?
If you want to swap the hustle and bustle of Malaysia’s cities for a slice of tranquillity, Gaya Island Resort is just the place. Follow our advice and bring your own food and drinks (you’ll save a small fortune), then relax into the quiet rhythm of the island. It won’t be for everyone, but if you’re just after some good views, a plush pillow, and a slower pace, this hotel has got you covered.