DISTINCTIVELY BORNEO
Nestled within the pristine embrace of Malohom Bay—where protected mangroves meet sheltered coral reefs—Gaya Island Resort rests gracefully upon a crescent of untouched shore. Part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, this sanctuary is cradled by ancient rainforest, with the stately silhouette of Mount Kinabalu etched softly upon the horizon
Guided by a deep commitment to preservation, the resort operates with mindful restraint. Designed as a sanctuary for walking and contemplation, it forgoes the intrusion of vehicles, allowing the whispers of the rainforest and the rhythm of the sea to remain undisturbed.
DWELLINGS IN NATURAL HARMONY
Where the island inhabits your Villa
BAYU VILLA
CORNER OF THE FOREST
The breeze carries the whispers of the forest right onto your veranda. Here, you listen, breathe and feel the island’s pulse in the shifting light and the rustle of leaves.
CANOPY VILLA
AMONG THE MANGROVES
Your veranda sits at the edge of the ancient mangrove forest, where the tide still pulls and returns with the same rhythm it has kept for centuries.
KINABALU VILLA
MOUNTAIN ON THE HORIZON
You are perched high and wild, where the horizon simply never ends. Awaken and watch the sun spill across the South China Sea with Mount Kinabalu in the horizon.
SURIA SUITE
TWO STOREY HIDEAWAY
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR YOU
SIGNATURE EVENT
THE GAYA WELLNESS & WONDER JOURNEY
Far more than a simple getaway, The Gaya Wellness & Wonder Journey is a short-but-transformative Distinctively Borneo immersion designed to recalibrate the senses, restore inner balance, and awaken a profound connection to the natural world. Curated by our Director of Conservation and the award-winning Spa Village, this immersive weekend invites you to witness exotic wildlife, plant coral, and experience centuries-old healing rituals.
As a pioneer in holistic, eco-conscious luxury, Gaya Island Resort champions active guardianship—nurturing native wildlife and restoring fragile ecosystems. The Gaya Wellness & Wonder Journey empowers guests to leave not as tourists, but as true stewards of this wild paradise.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
TREASURED MOMENTS TO BE REMEMBERED
Inspired by the magic of our island we curate signature experiences that shape treasured memories.
CRAFTED EXPERIENCES
CURATED JOURNEYS TO BE DISCOVERED
These thoughtfully crafted experiences invite you on a personal journey of discovery, connecting you intimately with the resort’s unique charm.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
A curated selection honouring the soul of ‘Distinctively Borneo’
Winner of Fodor’s Finest
World’s Most Incredible Hotels
DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards Best Malaysian Resorts
Elite Traveller’s
World’s Finest Suites
World Spa Awards
World’s Best Eco Spa
DINE, CELEBRATE, REJUVENATE
From forest to feast, savour moments shaped by the elements
DINING AT GAYA ISLAND RESORT
A FEAST OF THE SENSES
Embark on a sensory journey honouring the region’s culinary heritage – where land, sea, and generations of tradition converge.
CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS
WHERE MOMENTS MATTER
Celebrate your most intimate moments or grandest milestones—our resort brings your vision to life in unforgettable ways.
SPA VILLAGE GAYA ISLAND
HONOURING HEALING CULTURES
At Spa Village Gaya Island, we promise a one-of-a-kind experience that deeply honours the region’s enduring traditions, delivering an authentic healing journey.
GETTING HERE
Gaya Island Resort is set on an island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Reach us via a 20 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, then a short speedboat journey from Gaya Lounge at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Kota Kinabalu.
Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
20 minutes drive to jetty
Flight times from major transport hubs
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
2 hours 30 minutes flight to BKI
Changi Airport (SIN)
2 hours 30 minutes flight to BKI
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
4 hours 40 minutes flight to BKI
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
5 hours 20 minutes flight to BK
Incheon International Airport (INC)
5 hours 20 minutes flight to BKI
Kota Kinabalu City Centre
5 minutes drive to jetty
10 minutes from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
*Travel times indicated are intended as a guide and may vary depending on local conditions such as traffic, weather, or other factors. We recommend allowing some flexibility to ensure a seamless and relaxed journey to our hotel.
