Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu - an SLH Hotel

Back again after a year and honestly, it felt like coming home to a little slice of paradise. I didn’t realize I missed this much. From the moment we arrived, everything just clicked. Huge shoutout to Hurin, Ying, Alam, and Jenny for remembering me (still impressed!) and for the kind of welcome that makes you feel like more than just a guest. Every greeting came with warm smiles and genuine conversations, it’s those little moments that stay with you. Rachel also deserves a special mention for her attentiveness and thoughtful assistance throughout our stay. And that photo frame? Such a heartfelt touch, we’re definitely keeping that forever. What I love most about this place is the peacefulness. It’s the kind of quiet that lets you actually breathe, slow down, and just be. And the farewell at the dock still touches my heart, somehow making goodbye the hardest part every single time. If there’s one small note for management, it would be to consider upgrading the shower amenities and toiletries to something more premium to better match the overall experience and pricing. That said, it doesn’t take away from how special this place is to me. Already looking forward to my next visit. See you again soon.

Beautiful resort. 15 min speedboat ride from Jetty. Stunning location and room. Luckily enough to see monkeys and monitor lizard! 5 min trip around to the other beach very nice. Secluded and amazing lunch skewers!

The staff friendliness is just amzing 10/10. Excellent Service.Our room had amazing view of the sea and opposite resort called Gayana. Dinner: Only Buffet option is available and its about RM167/person +taxes. The spread are fairly good and it is delicious. Though they do have 2 more different Restaurant in the island,Japanese and fine dining. Breakfast: Included in the room price. Menu changes daily. I have nothing to complaint about the room,for us its comfortable.All rooms have exactly the dane Designs the only difference is where it is located. You are paying for the view. Activities: For me I think 3 days 2 nights are perfect to spend your time here, swimming by the pool,kayaking,snorkling,Jungle trekking, visiting the private beach. 1 hour complimentary use of snorklinh masks. I like the public guests showers and towel provided.Very convinient. One thing that I would like to comment is the boat fees are relatively very expansive.15 mins speedboat per person one way cost about Rm80+taxes..Just return trip cost RM170++ per person. This is not even including island conservation fees and tourist fees. All this added fees makes the Hotel cost more expansive. Because a boat trip to nearby or same Island cost only Rm40. GAYANA ECO RESORT provided inclusive/complimentary return boat fees. I hope the Management can improve this because we as Guests are going to spend more money on F&B and at the Bar. Last but not least I would like to compliment the service and staffs in thsi Resort I think they did such an amazing job. Overalö the Resort is beautiful andclose to the nature.