Gaya Island Resort

Eco-focused relaxation ▪️ Gaya Island
Borneo
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...

The award-winning Gaya Island Resort is such a place to let your mind reset, and exquisitely so.

Most of us are (very!) familiar with the desire to find somewhere to retreat from the rush of the world for a while; to let your mind reset amid simpler surroundings. Situated in sheltered seclusion on the eastern shores of Pulau Gaya, this is somewhere to experience the full bliss of Borneo’s desert island side.

The resort has been built with an eye on preserving the island’s rugged natural beauty, with villas set amongst dense rainforest and a sumptuous spa village nestling amid the mangroves. Along with embodying an admirable dedication to the region’s vital conservation, the resort doesn’t skimp on offering guests a feeling of deep luxury. The villas are spacious and private, the bespoke dining celebrates local cuisine, and the views across the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are of the kind that soothe the soul.

Start planning your journey here...

Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.

Location & Highlights

In a sheltered bay on the eastern side of Gaya Island, just offshore from Kota Kinabalu, this secluded resort combines a wildlife-filled jungle backdrop with coastal conservation.
  • Spa village and pool
  • Diving and snorkelling
  • Wildlife walks
  • Marine conservation
a group of colorful sea creatures

Why we love it

“Expectations of the Gaya Island Resort are high, and it meets them. A gorgeous place to unwind. We loved going snorkelling out in the bay too - a really memorable stay.”

Location, location, location…

Villas on a view surrounded by jungle

The Gaya Island Resort doesn’t take it’s extraordinary location for granted, and everything is focused on showcasing its diverse natural surroundings. The dense jungle is untamed and allowed to grow freely between and around the villas, enclosing them and maximising the sense of seclusion. The beach and shoreline are within touching distance, pristine and rugged. The temptation to get out into and onto the water is strong, and the resort offers excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities as well as treks into the jungle. And the views? These are of the kind that real desert island dreams are made of.

Villas on a view surrounded by jungle

It’s all about balance

Picnic on the beach

Preserving the extraordinary landscapes and marine environments of Borneo’s diverse ecology is a huge priority. Combining this requirement with facilities that genuinely feel sumptuous is a challenge that the Gaya Island Resort rises to. Villas are furnished in a contemporary style with low lying beds, rich woods, marble bathrooms, and ample natural light provided by the vast picture windows that make the most of the stunning vistas. Romantics might favour the extensive spa treatments, while gastronomes will love the diverse range of dining experiences, including private beach BBQs and rooftop seafood feasts. It fully ticks the ‘luxury’ box.

Picnic on the beach

What can you do there?

Sunset boat cruise

Go snorkelling or diving out in the bay, or trekking into the island’s wild interior. Relax on the beach, by the pool, or on your secluded balcony, enjoying the stunning views across the bay, and treat yourself to a pampering at the spa village. Learn more about the region’s inspiring conservation work, both in the water and on land.

Sunset boat cruise
Villa with double bed at Gaya Island Resort
Double room at Gaya Island Resort
Restaurant at sunset at Gaya Island Resort
Restaurant at Gaya Island Resort
Swimming pool at Gaya Island Resort
Swimming pool at Gaya Island Resort
Spa lounge at Gaya Island Resort
Spa lounge at Gaya Island Resort
Table overlooking the sea at sunset at Gaya Island Resort
Dining at Gaya Island Resort
Sunset over the mountains at Gaya Island Resort
Sunset at Gaya Island Resort
Boat in mangrove forest on Gaya Island
Mangrove forest near Gaya Island Resort

Fantastic holiday

Using Selective Asia took all the stress out of booking and organising the trip ourselves as we were travelling around the country. Selective Asia were really responsive to our needs and created our perfect honeymoon holiday. They were available whenever we had questions or needed some help. I would highly recommend using their service!

Alice, Sri Lanka

Another fantastic trip with Selective Asia

We’ve been on 5 trips to the Far East with Selective Asia over 17 years with the same consultant (Lionel). They take the time to tailor the holiday individually with invaluable local knowledge and once again got it spot on. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Rob Clarkson, Vietnam

Highly Recommend Selective Asia

Have been to Asia with Selective Asia twice now, and we can't fault them. We had the most amazing holiday staying in 6 different locations throughout Thailand. Selective Asia did us proud by giving us a well thought out itinerary. The accommodations were first class. Our private guide called James was very knowledgable and made our holiday very memorable.

Susan Bartlett, Thailand

Personalised and spot on journey

Personalised service all the way up to departure and then throughout via on the ground help and advice in country as well. Ideal.

Ann B, India

Our trip to Japan was outstanding

We had had several discussions with Andrew, our agent, before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. Much of our trip was self guided and SA provide an excellent app to help with this. It was intuitive, easy to use and had the option to be able to contact someone locally if necessary. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again (we have travelled with them before.)

Heather, Japan

It was amazing from start to finish. Really informative when we were planning the trip, flexible about our itinerary, offering a range of options but all backed with knowledge of the lodges and reserves. The support when we were away was excellent with alternative arrangements made quickly when a flight was cancelled and great advice when our return flight seats were changed. We would absolutely recommend the company, particularly if you are looking for something a little different but special.

Linda Johnson, Borneo

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.

Talk to our expert team...

Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.

The Selective Asia difference

  • Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
  • Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
  • Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
  • Responsible travel
  • 24 hour local support
  • Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity

No ordinary Travel Company

Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.

Fully protected and flexible bookings

Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,

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