I came to this hotel with my wife for our one year anniversary. This was by far the best ever experience of our lives and it was facilitated in full by this wonderful resort and the brilliant, caring and amazing staff that catered to our every need and really accommodated us with the best hospitality we've ever experienced. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and have an amazing, luxurious feel. Everything is provided and the staff are happy to cater to any of your needs, regularly cleaning the rooms and helping out in any way you wish. The food was pleasantly surprising, giving the quality of high-end restaurants in their many options in their breakfast and dinner buffet. So many options to choose from that cater to every dietary preference. The resort overlooks the stunning beach and the jungle behind it is home to a variety of stunning wildlife that add a magical and serene feeling to your holiday. The activities, such as the guided nature walk and snorkeling were phenomenal, giving you variety to your day on this beautiful island. The best thing about this resort has to be the staff. Each and every member was kind, caring and embodied the highest level of hospitality, ensuring that each guest felt special and their trip was a memorable one. I have to tip my hat off to Roz who really accommodated for me and my wife. She truly made this holiday the best experience of our lives through her understanding, kindness and dedication to making us feel special. This resort is without a shadow of a doubt worth every penny. If you choose to come here you will be met with kindness, care and a dedication to make your vacation the most memorable one you've ever had. An immense thank you to GIR and Roz and all of the staff for making our one year anniversary one we will never forget.

Nothing to complain about at all

We liked the Japanese style design of the public areas and rooms. We stayed at a Kinabalu villa which was large and very nice. Room was very clean (apart from some marks on the headboard. Lovely bathroom with 2 sinks, large shower and bath. Large walk-in wardrobe with enough bench space for 2 suitcases. From our balcony really nice sea view of the island bay, Kota Kinabalu outskirts and Mount Kinabalu when it's clear. There were about 50 steps up to our villa, not much fun in the midday heat but manageable for us. The pool was nice and long, good for swimming proper lengths, and not too busy. Lots of available sun loungers (I think hotel was about half full) by the pool and "beach" strip near the water. The sun loungers were every comfortable. The beach area was cleaned regularly and I didn't see any plastic waste near the hotel. Wi-fi worked very well in room and public areas. Buffet breakfast and dinner had lots of choices and the food was mostly good quality and tasty. We were impressed with the food choices, which were different on all 3 evenings we were there. We had lunch at the pool bar and loved the BBQ satay chicken sticks. The staff were very hardworking and friendly, the enthusiastic chef at the egg station was always happy to chat. The only activity we did was the Coral Garden snorkeling tour, which was good even if the water visibility wasn't perfect. You could also see a good variety fish near around the boat pier. We really enjoyed our stay, it's only a short boat ride from busy Kota Kinabalu, but it feels remote and relaxing.

Separate charge for boat transfer (RM 346 for 2 people return). Small beach. Room Aircon not cool enough. The balcony was unusable most of the day as there was only a fixed bench in direct sunlight. It's a shame as there was a lot of shady space, but no chairs. Food and drink were the most expensive we've had in Malaysia after 3 weeks in various locations, comparable to UK restaurant prices. Service charges and tax were added to the prices on the menu. The buffet dinner was about RM 160-190 Ringgits per person.

The staff were exceptional. They could not do enough to be helpful attentive and kind. I would like particularly thank Joe and Hani in reception . Sean in the restaurant and Juan and Charles at the snorkelling centre. The suites are wonderful spacious and well equipped and whenever we were short of anything in the room it arrived swiftly.

The air conditioning on the common areas is poor the main restaurant is too hot with just fans and the same applies to the reception areas and some toilets. High levels of humidity mean a better system needs to be put in place.

Nice villas surrounded by jungle and sea. Large pool perfect for swimming. Private beach at Tavajun Bay. Expertly guided activities that are either included or good value. Generally an interesting resort for naturalists. The people at their marine conservation and wildlife centers are doing an excellent job.

If you charge premium prices, expectations are high and you also have to get the details and minor things right. That's were they fall short a bit. - Restaurant and service staff are very friendly and polite but not at all up to 5 star standard. - The main restaurant has a very limited menu and quality is only average. - Some items and installations in the rooms and general areas are in need of maintenance. - A fee of MYR 160 for the short boat transfer from KK is almost ridiculous. - Lots of hidden fees, such as a 10% service charge on the total bill. They should be more transparent on that.

Beautiful place and incredible staff and friendly service.thriughout our stay.

Rooms need some minor upgrades just to keep them at 5 star levet although overall still beautiful, non- modern design. Everything costs alot at the resort and don't think food and drink need to be so expensive considering the menu and country its in.. Plus considering its 5 star and amount you pay per night some complementary items would be nice - 4 pieces of fruit complementary on the 1st night couldc have been replaced for the rest of our nights there for example. Also tax snd service charge are not included In any items but then added eveytime, so beware although this is infact found on their menus in fine print. Not sure why the forced service charge on everything.

We couldn't have had a better stay at Gaya Island Resort. As part of a trip for my 30th birthday, we moved some plans around somewhat last minute so we could go to Gaya Island Resort. When we got off the ferry, we were greeted by Terrence and mentioned it was a trip for my birthday. He could not have done more for us! We had a complimentary room upgrade, a bottle of wine with dinner and a towel cake decorated in the bedroom!! Not just Terrence but every single member of staff at the resort were above and beyond completely lovely, helpful, friendly, and way more than we could have hoped for. There are service charges on the meals and drinks etc but that is to be expected and it's thoroughly earned by everyone!!  The island and resort themselves are stunning. There are so many activities to do and we nearly cried leaving. I wish we had planned better so we could have stayed here a lot longer than we did.  The pool and sea are lovely and warm, the food and chefs are just a delight!  We are so grateful to Gaya Island Resort and all the staff that made my 30th so special! It won't be forgotten!!

Location was great- loved the view from our top floor Kinabalu Villa. Our villa was huge and very comfortable. The staff were incredibly polite and well trained. Minor issues were addressed very quickly (for example the WiFi was reconnected before we had walked back to our villa). The breakfast, which was included in our room rate, was fantastic. The free visit to the hotel’s turtle rescue centre was excellent. A variety of other paid activities available.

The cost of our stay was a fair bit higher than we had expected. The hotel’s charging system is not very transparent and the following information should be given before booking. Everything (speed boat ride to and from the resort, room rate, food, drinks, chargeable activities) has 6% tax and 10% service added when you get your final bill. You also have to pay 10RM per room per night tourist tax and a conservation fee of 35RM per person for the first night plus 25RM per person for any subsequent nights. We paid this in cash otherwise I think they may have added taxes to these prices. The food prices were twice as high as the most expensive resort elsewhere on our two week trip. We had a lovely time whilst we were at the resort, but left feeling a bit disappointed over the bill.

Lovely rooms and hotel

Contact with the hotel before getting there could have been better. We had no way of ringing them with our eSims so we would email them, our flight was delayed and it was very difficult to get in touch with the hotel to advise of the situation.

Pool and beach area lovely, nice rooms, Japanese restaurant was amazing. Spa facilities also great.

rooms too far from reception and up huge hills with no transport to help you. Also food by the pool and in the main buffet restaurant was expensive and sub par.

The location was amazing and the views were lovely. The food at the bar and in the restaurants was exceptional. All the staff were so friendly and accommodating.

The journey to the pool area from the room was very long, lots of hills. I would only stay here again if I had a villa next to the pool area. Perhaps the resort could invest in some eco friendly buggies to take guests back to their villas if they stay at the top?