Gaya Island Resort

Rooms

The spacious rooms have a smart, modern decor that also makes use of local materials and elements in their design. Each offers an outdoor veranda with day beds and amenities such as a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities and a safe.

Location

Gaya Island Resort is located on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. It overlooks the white sand beach, backed by lush rainforest, while the two house coral reefs lie just offshore. The hilly landscape is covered with an abundance of plants and is home to much of the island's unique wildlife, while the stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu is visible in the distance. The resort's private beach at Tavajun Bay is five minutes away by speedboat.

Food and drink

Feast Village, located by the lap pool, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu has a range of diverse dishes from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, with three kitchens and a wine cellar.

Fisherman's Cove is on the resort's rooftop and has far reaching views out over the sea, serving fresh seafood. A fine dining option, it caters for guests aged 16 and over.

Omakase is a two-storey Japanese restaurant perched on the hillside, with a fantastic view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. It serves three types of Japanese omakase-style cuisines, including teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe.

Tavajun Bay is a short five minute boat ride from the resort, set on a tranquil private beach. Here they serve up single dishes in skillets that are cooked on charcoal fires, with menus changing daily. Another alternative is to order a personalised gourmet picnic and spend the afternoon relaxing with a few of your favourite snacks.

Pool Bar Lounge has a contemporary and casual setting, with a floating upper deck platform overlooking the lap pool — perfect for enjoying a light lunch or cocktails.

Families

Families are welcome at the resort, which offers a kids' club. Babysitting can be arranged for a fee and there's a good choice of family rooms.

Facilities and activities

The hotel's 40 metre pool overlooks the beach, but if you can tear yourself away from your lounger there's plenty to do, from guided jungle walks to exploring the coral gardens with a marine biologist. There's a range of non-motorised water sports available, and a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht is a lovely way to end the day.

Accessibility

Some of the rooms can be around ten minutes from the resort's main facilities, and the walkway is steep in parts. If you have any concerns with the walking involved, please do speak to your specialist.