‹›
299 USD
Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel in Kota Kinabalu
🌍 Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Marine Park
● Center: 6 km
Book now!
Rooms and prices
2 guests
Check availability
+ 47 sq.m.
Bayu Villa
Air conditioning, minibar and bath
Trip.com
Booking
View more
deals
deals
Agoda
+ 47 sq.m.
Canopy Villa
Air conditioning, minibar and bath
Beds:
Trip.com
Booking
View more
deals
deals
Agoda
+ 47 sq.m.
Kinabalu Villa
Air conditioning, minibar and bath
Trip.com
Booking
View more
deals
deals
Agoda
4 x + 3 x 188 sq.m.
Suria Suite
Air conditioning, minibar and bath
Beds:
Trip.com
Booking
View more
deals
deals
Agoda
Description
Hotel opened in 2012. In this hotel 122 rooms, 2 floors.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: For all room types, cribs and extra beds cannot be added.
- Breakfast: Chinese Buffet [Mon - Sun] 07:00-10:30 Open Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
- Deposit Policy: Deposit required The deposit is determined based on the number of rooms you book. The charge is MYR 800.00 (approx. US$204.46) per room. This property accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards On the day of check-out
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Paying at the hotel: JSB, UnionPay, MasterCard, Visa, AmericanExpress
- Check in time: 15:00. Check out time: 11:00.
official partner of
Trip.com
Services and facilities
Internet
- Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
- Parking
Transportation
- Airport pick-up
- Airport drop-off
Restaurant
- Restaurant
Business services
- Multi-function room
- Fax/copying service
- Wedding service
- Conference room
Front desk services
- Concierge service
- Safe at front desk
- Luggage storage
- Wake-up call
- Tour and ticket booking service
Languages spoken
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Food & drink
- Bar
Public areas
- No smoking in public areas
Health & wellness
- Spa
- Diving
- Gym
- Massage room
- Sunbathing area
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Foot bath
Activities
- Private beach area
- Fishing
Cleaning services
- Laundry room
- Dry cleaning
- Ironing service
- Laundry service (on-site)
Street view
Video: Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - a Small Luxury Hotels of the World | Malaysia 🌟
Map
Reviews
30.04.2026
Back again after a year and honestly, it felt like coming home to a little slice of paradise. I didn’t realize I missed this much.
From the moment we arrived, everything just clicked. Huge shoutout to Hurin, Ying, Alam, and Jenny for remembering me (still impressed!) and for the kind of welcome that makes you feel like more than just a guest. Every greeting came with warm smiles and genuine conversations, it’s those little moments that stay with you.
Rachel also deserves a special mention for her attentiveness and thoughtful assistance throughout our stay. And that photo frame? Such a heartfelt touch, we’re definitely keeping that forever.
What I love most about this place is the peacefulness. It’s the kind of quiet that lets you actually breathe, slow down, and just be. And the farewell at the dock still touches my heart, somehow making goodbye the hardest part every single time.
If there’s one small note for management, it would be to consider upgrading the shower amenities and toiletries to something more premium to better match the overall experience and pricing.
That said, it doesn’t take away from how special this place is to me. Already looking forward to my next visit. See you again soon.
From the moment we arrived, everything just clicked. Huge shoutout to Hurin, Ying, Alam, and Jenny for remembering me (still impressed!) and for the kind of welcome that makes you feel like more than just a guest. Every greeting came with warm smiles and genuine conversations, it’s those little moments that stay with you.
Rachel also deserves a special mention for her attentiveness and thoughtful assistance throughout our stay. And that photo frame? Such a heartfelt touch, we’re definitely keeping that forever.
What I love most about this place is the peacefulness. It’s the kind of quiet that lets you actually breathe, slow down, and just be. And the farewell at the dock still touches my heart, somehow making goodbye the hardest part every single time.
If there’s one small note for management, it would be to consider upgrading the shower amenities and toiletries to something more premium to better match the overall experience and pricing.
That said, it doesn’t take away from how special this place is to me. Already looking forward to my next visit. See you again soon.
27.04.2026
I saw a lot of mixed reviews before my stay, but I decided to give it a try for two nights, and overall, I was very satisfied. This small island only has one hotel, and there are no other tourists during the day. It's very quiet at night, perfect for listening to the cicadas and the sound of the waves. The restaurant offers three buffet meals, but I only opted for breakfast. I brought some snacks and beer with me, and it was incredibly relaxing to sit in the gazebo outside my room and enjoy them in the evening.
10.04.2026
Beautiful resort. 15 min speedboat ride from Jetty. Stunning location and room. Luckily enough to see monkeys and monitor lizard! 5 min trip around to the other beach very nice. Secluded and amazing lunch skewers!
19.02.2026
The room was quite spacious, but the facilities are a bit old, and the air conditioning was freezing with no way to adjust the temperature.
It was a hassle to contact them about getting to the island; email was the only option.
For a hotel that costs over 3000+ a night, they still charge extra for transfers. Just a heads up, one-way transfer is 380 RM, plus a 108 RM jetty fee. You have to factor in both ways, plus various taxes and environmental fees.
The breakfast buffet wasn't great either.
All activities require advance booking, which they didn't mention beforehand – only once we arrived at the hotel. So, on the first day, we couldn't do anything but use the pool and beach. Might as well have stayed in town then, because on the island, you're stuck eating at the hotel for everything.
It was a hassle to contact them about getting to the island; email was the only option.
For a hotel that costs over 3000+ a night, they still charge extra for transfers. Just a heads up, one-way transfer is 380 RM, plus a 108 RM jetty fee. You have to factor in both ways, plus various taxes and environmental fees.
The breakfast buffet wasn't great either.
All activities require advance booking, which they didn't mention beforehand – only once we arrived at the hotel. So, on the first day, we couldn't do anything but use the pool and beach. Might as well have stayed in town then, because on the island, you're stuck eating at the hotel for everything.
10.02.2026
Getting there: You need to take the hotel's special speedboat from Megaton Jetty, which takes 10 minutes to reach the hotel's pier. This is charged per person. The hotel has a Southeast Asian resort vibe, with wooden structures that show their age. There are many monkeys 🐒 in the trees outside the room, as well as lizards of all sizes and hornbills. The sand isn't very fine, and the beach isn't large; it's not really big enough for a good walk. There are no other businesses, just the hotel's three restaurants. There are also corals 🪸 not far from the shore.
Cleanliness: Average.
Ambiance: If you're not too particular about room cleanliness, everything else is pretty good, but I personally care a lot about it.
Service: Our luggage was taken directly to our room. When we were leaving, we had to depart at 6 AM, and they prepared breakfast for us – two large bags with fruit, bread, coffee, and milk. We mentioned that the shrimp was delicious but found some other dishes hard to get used to, so the chef specially prepared a delicious plate of shrimp just for us and brought it to our table.
Cleanliness: Average.
Ambiance: If you're not too particular about room cleanliness, everything else is pretty good, but I personally care a lot about it.
Service: Our luggage was taken directly to our room. When we were leaving, we had to depart at 6 AM, and they prepared breakfast for us – two large bags with fruit, bread, coffee, and milk. We mentioned that the shrimp was delicious but found some other dishes hard to get used to, so the chef specially prepared a delicious plate of shrimp just for us and brought it to our table.
10.02.2026
The staff friendliness is just amzing 10/10. Excellent Service.Our room had amazing view of the sea and opposite resort called Gayana.
Dinner: Only Buffet option is available and its about RM167/person +taxes. The spread are fairly good and it is delicious.
Though they do have 2 more different Restaurant in the island,Japanese and fine dining.
Breakfast: Included in the room price. Menu changes daily.
I have nothing to complaint about the room,for us its comfortable.All rooms have exactly the dane Designs the only difference is where it is located. You are paying for the view.
Activities: For me I think 3 days 2 nights are perfect to spend your time here, swimming by the pool,kayaking,snorkling,Jungle trekking, visiting the private beach. 1 hour complimentary use of snorklinh masks. I like the public guests showers and towel provided.Very convinient.
One thing that I would like to comment is the boat fees are relatively very expansive.15 mins speedboat per person one way cost about Rm80+taxes..Just return trip cost RM170++ per person. This is not even including island conservation fees and tourist fees. All this added fees makes the Hotel cost more expansive. Because a boat trip to nearby or same Island cost only Rm40. GAYANA ECO RESORT provided inclusive/complimentary return boat fees. I hope the Management can improve this because we as Guests are going to spend more money on F&B and at the Bar.
Last but not least I would like to compliment the service and staffs in thsi Resort I think they did such an amazing job. Overalö the Resort is beautiful andclose to the nature.
Dinner: Only Buffet option is available and its about RM167/person +taxes. The spread are fairly good and it is delicious.
Though they do have 2 more different Restaurant in the island,Japanese and fine dining.
Breakfast: Included in the room price. Menu changes daily.
I have nothing to complaint about the room,for us its comfortable.All rooms have exactly the dane Designs the only difference is where it is located. You are paying for the view.
Activities: For me I think 3 days 2 nights are perfect to spend your time here, swimming by the pool,kayaking,snorkling,Jungle trekking, visiting the private beach. 1 hour complimentary use of snorklinh masks. I like the public guests showers and towel provided.Very convinient.
One thing that I would like to comment is the boat fees are relatively very expansive.15 mins speedboat per person one way cost about Rm80+taxes..Just return trip cost RM170++ per person. This is not even including island conservation fees and tourist fees. All this added fees makes the Hotel cost more expansive. Because a boat trip to nearby or same Island cost only Rm40. GAYANA ECO RESORT provided inclusive/complimentary return boat fees. I hope the Management can improve this because we as Guests are going to spend more money on F&B and at the Bar.
Last but not least I would like to compliment the service and staffs in thsi Resort I think they did such an amazing job. Overalö the Resort is beautiful andclose to the nature.
08.02.2026
This resort on Gaya Island is super chill with beautiful surroundings. They offer Chinese-speaking service, and all the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. We even had a botanist guide us on a rainforest hike where we saw lizards, monkeys, and all sorts of other animals. When arriving and departing the island, the staff were very helpful with luggage, carrying it from the pier.
06.02.2026
The service was excellent and very thoughtful. Although the island isn't very big, it was a super relaxing vacation. I even got to see the sunrise in the morning, which was lovely! The hotel facilities were very clean, and it only took 15 minutes by boat from the pier, so transportation was really convenient. Best of all, it wasn't crowded, making for a very comfortable stay.
10.01.2026
The staff are well-trained and service-minded, but there aren't enough of them. It's a good spot for a vacation, but the hotel isn't very large; a two-night, three-day stay is definitely enough. Booking a package deal is much more cost-effective than reserving the hotel separately.
06.01.2026
I stayed at ***a Island Hotel 12 years ago, and I came back with my daughter full of anticipation, only to be utterly disappointed.
There were two reasons: 1. The front desk girl in picture one was rude, arrogant, and shirked her responsibilities. After the normal check-in process on the island at 2:10 PM, we waited until 2:45 PM without being assigned a room (normal check-in time is 3:00 PM). Considering my daughter was feeling unwell with a cold, I spoke to the front desk girl about going to the restaurant to eat and rest first (the front desk staff was aware of the situation as they led us to the restaurant). When we returned to the front desk at 3:30 PM to check in, we were told there were no rooms available because we weren't waiting at the front desk. What kind of logic is that?! The truth was the rooms hadn't been cleaned, but the front desk just rudely insisted it was because we weren't waiting. Throughout, I communicated gently in English, yet I still felt the arrogance in her words and attitude. This should not happen at a hotel of this caliber. I saw other Chinese guests also having trouble getting rooms. I didn't want to argue and ruin my mood, so I immediately contacted Ctrip's dedicated customer service. Junjun was very professional and patient in resolving the issue. Finally, the hotel manager intervened and apologized, and we checked in at 4:45 PM. Once the manager arrived, the problematic front desk staff suddenly became timid; her demeanor was truly disgusting.
2. The room's cleanliness was poor. There were various hairs in the bathroom, and the bathtub still had uncleaned stains. The hotel's large bathtubs are a feature, but regular disposable tub liners don't fit; you need extra-large ones.
The hotel's compensation included a room upgrade and a complimentary dinner.
The hotel environment, and thanks to Ctrip for helping us get checked in smoothly.
The hotel's natural environment is still excellent, quiet and comfortable – that's why I've missed this hotel for so many years. The main guests are still Caucasians and Koreans, with a smaller proportion of Chinese. The restaurant is quite good, especially the chef's skill.
There were two reasons: 1. The front desk girl in picture one was rude, arrogant, and shirked her responsibilities. After the normal check-in process on the island at 2:10 PM, we waited until 2:45 PM without being assigned a room (normal check-in time is 3:00 PM). Considering my daughter was feeling unwell with a cold, I spoke to the front desk girl about going to the restaurant to eat and rest first (the front desk staff was aware of the situation as they led us to the restaurant). When we returned to the front desk at 3:30 PM to check in, we were told there were no rooms available because we weren't waiting at the front desk. What kind of logic is that?! The truth was the rooms hadn't been cleaned, but the front desk just rudely insisted it was because we weren't waiting. Throughout, I communicated gently in English, yet I still felt the arrogance in her words and attitude. This should not happen at a hotel of this caliber. I saw other Chinese guests also having trouble getting rooms. I didn't want to argue and ruin my mood, so I immediately contacted Ctrip's dedicated customer service. Junjun was very professional and patient in resolving the issue. Finally, the hotel manager intervened and apologized, and we checked in at 4:45 PM. Once the manager arrived, the problematic front desk staff suddenly became timid; her demeanor was truly disgusting.
2. The room's cleanliness was poor. There were various hairs in the bathroom, and the bathtub still had uncleaned stains. The hotel's large bathtubs are a feature, but regular disposable tub liners don't fit; you need extra-large ones.
The hotel's compensation included a room upgrade and a complimentary dinner.
The hotel environment, and thanks to Ctrip for helping us get checked in smoothly.
The hotel's natural environment is still excellent, quiet and comfortable – that's why I've missed this hotel for so many years. The main guests are still Caucasians and Koreans, with a smaller proportion of Chinese. The restaurant is quite good, especially the chef's skill.
Share your experiences, help others make the right choice!
Think about what you would like to know if you were looking for a review about a place to relax. Please describe in detail what you liked and what you didn't. What would you advise to other guests and to the hotel owner. The more fully you tell about the hotel, the easier it will be for other people to make a choice and they will be very grateful to you!
POIs near hotel
Ruins of 3rd Oldest Building in Kota Kinabalu (6 km)
Historic ruins representing early colonial-era architecture in Kota Kinabalu.
North Borneo War Monument (6 km)
Granite memorial erected in 1923 honoring 13 soldiers who died in World War I service under North Borneo administration.
Malaysia Monument (6 km)
Monument erected in 1963 marking Malaysia's independence, located in Kota Kinabalu's civic center.
Signal Hill Observatory Tower (6 km)
Closed observation tower on Signal Hill offering panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu.
Aliwang (6 km)
Supermarket and shopping attraction offering local products and international brands. Open daily 10am–11pm.
Frequently asked questions about Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel
How much does it cost to stay at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel?
The cost of staying in Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel depends on the dates, rates, number of guests and other conditions. The minimum estimated price is 299 USD. Enter your dates to see the exact offer prices.
Is it far from Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel to the nearest beach?
It takes 93 minutes to reach to the nearest beach.
Which room categories are available in the Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel?
You can book Bayu Villa, Canopy Villa, Kinabalu Villa, Suria Suite in the hotel. Please check room availability by choosing your dates
What are the check-in and check-out times at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel?
Check-in at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel is possible from 15:00, check-out is until 11:00.
Does Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel have a pool?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel has a swimming pool for guests.
Are pets allowed at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel?
No, pets are not allowed at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel.
Does Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel serve breakfast?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel serves breakfast for guests. Breakfast options include Chinese style.
How to get to Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel from the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, located straight line distance from hotel: 10.6 km away.
What’s the cancellation policy at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel?
The cancellation policy at Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel depends on your room type and booking terms.
Does Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel offer airport transfers?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel offers Airport pick-up service, Airport drop-off service for guests. We recommend contact ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Hotels you might also like
Hotel prices for: June - July 2026 calendar
The average hotel price this month is 362 USD The best time to book is June 5, with rates starting from 362 USD
Mo
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
151617181920212223242526272829300102030405362 USD06362 USD07362 USD08362 USD09362 USD10362 USD11362 USD12362 USD13362 USD14362 USD15362 USD16362 USD17181920212223242526
Wrong hotel description? Tell us.