Gaya Island Resort

Janet Courtney

A slice of paradise! From the smooth check in at Jesselton Point to the scenic 10- minute boat ride across to Gaya Island, everything was effortlessly. The resort is set in a conservation Marine Park surrounded by rain forest and coral reefs - breathtakingly beautiful. My jungle canopy Suite was luxurious, private, and peaceful, with a balcony that extended and looked into the treetops, I loved the sound of the jungle each morning. The resorts main restaurant was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese Shabu Shabu - and the emense breakfast buffett was a real treat. I enjoyed the kayaking through the mangroves, even if it rained, and snorkelling with Safwan, yoga with Gisele, and a heavenly spa massage. The staff - Shawn, Terence, Hani, Rachel and Safwan - made my visit exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone seeking tranquillity, nature and luxury combined Janet Courtney #thetravellingcouturier

Edward W

I had to give 3 out of 5 stars for service as the pre-arrival service was terrible. Had so much difficulties getting in touch with the hotel to advance book the spa facilities. It was all centralised at the so called HQ in KL and they knew next to nothing and had major communication issues. I was told that the boat ride is first come first serve nothwithstanding their direct website stated needed to book the boat ride, and which I did. After a blasting that it was totally unacceptable for a so called luxury hotel and a SLH co-branded with Hilton Honours, then the HQ attempted to explained themselves. We stayed in room 624 and the air-conditioning was horrendously warm even with the fan dialled to the max. Towels were stained, so was bath tub with peeling off in various spots. Apparently when my wife told them about it, they said many guests have made same remarks!!!!!! Faucets were rusty. The status of Luxury and SLH is a very very over statement!!! As far as I am concerned it matches an international 3-starred hotel. The staff themselves were great. My go to hotel in KK now is Hilton or Marriott. We had our honeymoon in KK 30 years ago at Shang Tg Aru, but now this resort as well as the sister resort in Rasa Ria is far from peaceful, noisy weddings are hosted almost every time we go and we go 2-3 times a year, and mass tourist loads of buses arrive often. So I have stopped going to the Shang resorts in KK. The other resorts in KK are well dated.

Kelvin Lim

Resort is nice, serene peaceful. Lacked activities. Service not up to par, for 5 star resort. Needs a lot of attention in this sector. Monkeys are all over, even in the restaurants. Gym machine weren't great, needs better maintenance. Overall experience, could have been better.

Michael South

Beautifully located resort on a tropical island. Our huge room, #823, was perfect, with a spectacular view from it's veranda. It was higher up the hill, so may not be suitable for someone with mobility/fitness issues. The food in the 'Feast Village' was very good, and the food in its formal restaurant 'The Fisherman's Cove' was excellent. Staff were, without exception, genuinely friendly and very helpful. Any issues were very quickly dealt with. Enjoyed a wonderful Malay massage at the spa, in a very pretty setting. Only used the private beach which inlvoved a short boat trip, but well worth the effort. Quieter than the hotel beach, which was mainly used by families staying in the resort. Mangrove kayaking was enjoyable and informative. Highly recommended.

Gary Biddle

Excellent all round, kayaks, paddle boards snorkeling equipment free and scuba diving available but at a cost. Nature walks daily and an opportunity to visit another island for the sun bathers. Also buffet and alocarte restaurants, happy hour 4 till 6pm daily.