A few weeks back I had a special visitor, who I wanted to take to Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, to see some wildlife and get spoiled by Asian luxury hospitality. With only a few nights to spend, we figured Kota Kinabalu would be a great base to see glimpses of the magnificent nature of Borneo and to get some beach time, too. We started our mini-break by charging our batteries at the Gaya Island Resort, part of the YTL group known for its impeccable service.
The highlight of Gaya Island Resort is the private Tavajung beach, accessible by a jungle path or the hourly boat from the resort’s jetty. The beach is picture perfect with hammocks, sun loungers and cool drinks! There is a small marine conservation centre on the beach with a few aquariums and friendly staff to tell you more about the sea life. We were too busy napping but other guests who went snorkeling reported seeing some great fish.
The restaurant on the beach serves lunch only and offers a set menu of Thai-style food. The residents’ package is great value but includes meals at certain restaurants only, so we didn’t get to try all of them. The Thai lunch was excellent – the best out of all our meals at the resort.
We also had fun lunch companions: these two families of wild boars that apparently were hanging around waiting for the lunch service to finish in hope of leftovers.
The rooms are similar to the other YTL resort: spacious with comfortable beds and quality toiletries. Note though that the daybed in the room is placed in the end of the bed and is not very comfortable for sleeping, making the rooms nor so great for families with bigger kids. According to the front desk staff they haven’t got extra beds. Another point to note is that some of the rooms are on a steep hill with fair walk from the main area. There are no stairs so it’s not a problem with strollers but I can’t imagine walking a tired toddlers up the hill.
The pool is lovely and there are lots of sun loungers but the pool side restaurant has only a few tables. If you are too tired to climb the hill back to your room for an afternoon nap, these beautiful “rooms” are available. I didn’t try them – was too busy napping in the hammock.
You can’t see the sunset but the view towards Kota Kinabalu and the mountain are lovely at dusk.
As in all YTL properties, the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The food in the main restaurant was just fine – nothing extraordinary.
As in other YTL resorts as well, different activities are on offer every day. A downpour turned our morning nature walk into a nap (did they only sleep, you may ask) but we did get to take part in local crafts and games just before dusk and to sample local delicacies. Water sports equipment is available and free for the first hour.
All in all Gaya Island Resort is a wonderful luxury resort within easy reach of KK. It is maybe more suitable for couples and families with babies than active toddlers, but as always with YTL kids are more than welcome. The residents’ package is excellent value – but be prepared to put on a few kilos with elaborate meals three times a day! When I commented on the large portions, our friendly waiter said it was the chef’s motto to “have people arrive thin and leave fat”.
To love:
– Tavajung beach is truly a paradise beach.
– Residents’ package is great value with all meals and boat transfers included.
– Quaranteed YTL luxury and service: nothing is too much trouble.
– Good range of activities.
Not to love:
– Rooms and pool not ideal for families with more than one (young) child – no family rooms except for the suite.
– Food a bit inconsistent in the main restaurant. If you don’t have the residents’ package restaurants are rather pricey on Malaysian standards.
– Spa looks amazing but the prices are on the high side.
This post contains affiliate links. By clicking them and making a booking we get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
6 Responses
Truly one of the nicest resorts in Malaysia.
We were just recently there too and made a mistake on getting one of the rooms up on the hill. My 4 year old and myself didn’t stop complaining. Haha! And you’re right. My son slept next to me on the bed and my poor tall husband had to sleep on that extra mat/couch at the foot of the bed so it wasn’t comfortable for him. For that amount of money, they need to improvise on the rooms to accommodate families. We truly enjoy YTL Resorts and will continue to visit each and every one of them. We’ve done Tanjung Jara already and second was Gaya.
I also thought this one was the least family-friendly of their resorts that I’ve visited – I was doubly lucky to be sans children =) They also didn’t have twin beds, so I think they are after the honeymooner market. Enjoy your future trips – they are some of the nicest hotels in the region.
Have you been to Rawa Island?
I think it’s more beautiful there. 🙂
I have heard about Rawa, maybe next holiday – thanks for the recommendation!