Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort, an exclusive five-star retreat as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, graces Pulau Gaya within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Borneo's coast near Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where elegant villas harmonize with golden sands, coral reefs, and lush rainforest under the distant gaze of Mount Kinabalu, embracing ecologically sustainable practices in a walking-only haven.

Wooden interiors warm each air-conditioned villa, unfolding to private balconies with outdoor seating that frame panoramic South China Sea or rainforest vistas, complemented by flat-screen televisions, minibars, and spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and luxury amenities for a cocoon of contemporary serenity.

Feast Village launches days with a daily buffet breakfast blending Asian and international selections, from steaming congee to flaky croissants, while Fisherman's Cove draws evenings with fresh seafood catches grilled to smoky perfection amid coastal breezes. Omakase unfolds Japanese precision in sushi and sashimi platters, and the Pool Bar & Lounge tempts with chilled drinks and light snacks savoured on a sundeck overlooking Mount Kinabalu's silhouette. An outdoor pool meanders through the grounds, Spa Village's relaxing treatments and daily yoga classes restore inner calm, and the private beach invites gentle explorations of the marine park's underwater realms.

A swift 10-minute speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport 11 km from the terminal, Gaya Island Resort ensures seamless arrivals to its island cluster, ready for arranged day cruises, birdwatching, or snorkeling adventures.