Gaya Island Resort

Bethany Burton

I have been lucky enough to have travelled the world and have been to some beautiful hotels but this place has got to be within my top 3 hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The people, the food, the rooms are all amazing. It was my friends birthday whilst there and all the staff knew and made her feel extra special. The head chef Doloris made us a special meal and it was delicious, every morning and evening the staff where just so friendly and welcoming. A special thanks to Safwan who was our guide on the snorkelling trip, we got to see sharks and lots of beautiful fish. A must trip to do whilst there. The amazing views, the private beach and how relaxing this place is, is a must for all to visit. Highly recommend this place. Thank you for a wonderful stay ❤️

HHO

Gaya Island Resort — 6.5/10 Overall The resort itself has a lot going for it visually. The setting is beautiful, with villas tucked into the jungle hillside and leafy walkways that make you feel immersed in nature. The room was excellent — big, well-designed, and very comfortable. Unfortunately, the rest of the resort didn’t live up to the same standard. The pool area was nice enough, but the pool bar needs a serious rethink. It felt dated and a bit out of place — the standing tables looked more like something from a dive bar than a five-star hotel. The beer selection was also surprisingly poor: two types of Carlsberg and a Sapporo — that’s it. Hardly what you’d expect from a resort that presents itself as luxury. There’s also no poolside service, so you have to walk up to the bar each time you want a drink. Not a huge problem, but it definitely takes away from the experience. Food: Fisherman’s Cove was expensive and very average — standard western dishes that don’t justify the price. The omakase restaurant was actually great and easily the highlight when it comes to dining. The buffet restaurant, however, was really disappointing: overpriced, slightly chaotic, and lacking any sense of refinement. The fact that the buffet cost more than both of the other two combined says it all. It’s also odd that there’s no Malaysian fine dining or something rooted in local flavours — everything felt a bit touristy and generic. Service & Cleanliness: The staff were friendly and helpful when it came to room service — food arrived quickly, and the luggage transfer from the boat was handled efficiently. Beyond that, service was inconsistent. A few things were out of stock, and the staff often just accepted it rather than offering alternatives. Attention to cleanliness could be a lot sharper too. One afternoon, monkeys got into a rubbish bag and the mess stayed there for hours before being cleaned up. There was also a lion dance performance during my stay which, while festive, left the front lawn and reception area covered in firecracker debris. It looked awful, and the rubbish was left there for days afterward — not what you’d expect from a supposedly high-end resort. The private beach accessed by boat was lovely, with clear water and soft sand, but again we found ourselves picking up plastic and bits of rubbish while staff on duty didn’t seem too bothered. Given the resort’s emphasis on nature and conservation, that lack of care felt disappointing. The natural setting and potential are undeniable — it’s a stunning location, and parts of the resort do deliver. But other details — service consistency, maintenance, and general polish — drag it back. With more attention to these areas, it could genuinely be special. As it stands, it’s a beautiful place let down by some very avoidable shortcomings.

Sermin Subasi

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Slice of Paradise with a Soul If you are looking for more than just a luxury stay, Gaya Island Resort is where you need to be. The Above and Beyond Standard: Every single member of the team; from the housekeeping to the resort managers operates with a level of genuine warmth that you rarely find. They don’t just provide a service; they anticipate your needs before you even realize you have them. Personal Touches: Whether it’s a surprise setup for a special occasion or a staff member remembering your favorite drink by day two, the attention to detail is world-class. Authentic Hospitality: You aren't just a room number here. The team treats you like a guest in their own home, ensuring you leave with a remarkable experience rather than just a vacation memory. The Setting: Tucked away in a marine park, the villas are stunning and integrated perfectly with nature. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle and the sight of the South China Sea is truly soul-cleansing. Bottom line: You come for the breathtaking views and the 5-star amenities, but you’ll want to return because of the staff. They are the heartbeat of this resort. A huge thank you to the entire team for making my stay unforgettable! P.S. Don’t miss the Borneo dinner with traditional dance. It's just amazing!

Sue Perryman

Ian and I went to Gaya Island Resort in January to celebrate our birthdays. Upon our arrival we were greeted with warm smiles and we instantly felt welcome and relaxed in this beautiful island setting. Our room was very spacious, comfortable and clean and we had a lovely view of the water. The rainforest gardens surrounding our villa added to the serenity. We enjoyed our walk along the boardwalk to the beach and main complex looking at the different plants, birds and wildlife. The meals were exceptional with lots of different choices each day to accommodate the guests. The head chef, chef Dolis, prepared some amazing seafood meals for us. I received a lovely birthday surprise when the staff sang happy birthday to me and presented me with a beautiful birthday cake. Hani went out of her way to help Ian make a beautiful framed birthday message for me. We participated in the many free activities and also enjoyed an amazing massage at the day spa, guided tours through the rainforest and mangroves. Our stay at Gaya Island Resort was perfect in every way. The staff, in all roles, were kind, caring and very courteous. They always had a smile on their faces and nothing was too much trouble. We thank you all for making our holiday so memorable.

Hannah Egan

We honeymooned at Gaya Island for 7 nights and had the most amazing experience. If you are after a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that doesn't feel too over the top this is the place for you. Amazing service, beautiful rooms (we stayed in Kinabalu Villa) and the activities / spa treatments are fabulous. Highly recommend all the adventure activities, especially the snorkelling and mangrove kayaking and getting a Malay massage. Also so many animals to see! The staff were incredible and made sure we made the most of our package - Food at the pool bar and general restaurant were always delicious and so many options - we never got bored. 10/10 recommended, we did an all inclusive option and it was amazing value for money.