Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - A Small Luxury Hotels Of The World

Gaya Island Resort, part of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, is a 5-star beachfront resort set within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, surrounded by mangroves, coral reefs, and rainforest. The hillside villas feature private balconies with views of Mount Kinabalu, mangrove forests, or the South China Sea, along with spacious en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. Five restaurants, including Japanese Omakase and seafood-focused Fisherman's Cove, offer diverse cuisines, while the 40-meter lap pool and beachside PURE activity center provide snorkeling, nature walks, and coral reef restoration programs. The Marine Centre rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles, with a coral nursery and conservation educational initiatives. Transportation includes a 10-minute speedboat transfer from Jesselton Point.

The Marine Centre offers hands-on conservation programs like turtle rehabilitation and coral reef restoration.

Hillside villas provide private balconies with views of mangroves, Mount Kinabalu, or the South China Sea.

Five restaurants serve diverse cuisines, including Japanese omakase and sustainable seafood.

Proximity to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park enables snorkeling and island-hopping excursions.

A nature-focused retreat with guided wildlife walks and proboscis monkey sightings.

Access requires a speedboat transfer and may not suit travelers seeking immediate city conveniences.

Wildlife, including macaques, roam freely, which could unsettle some guests.