FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE HOTEL
Hotel Policies & Guest Access
Pets are not permitted at the resort.
No, access is restricted to registered in-house guests only.
Dining and facilities are reserved exclusively for in-house guests.
Spa facilities are exclusively for in-house guests.
Drone usage is not encouraged to ensure guest privacy.
Guests may check-in from 3:00pm onwards.
Guests are required to check out by 11:00am.
Accessibility & Guest Mobility
No, we do not provide shuttle (buggy) services.
Family-Friendly Services
Yes, baby strollers are welcome.
Yes, baby sitting services are available at additional cost. This may be booked in advance or during check-in.
Yes, limited baby amenities are available upon request. Kindly let us know your requirements.
Resort Services & Amenities
Yes, complimentary (free) Wi-Fi is available.
Yes, guests may enjoy resort amenities while waiting for their villa to be prepared. Lockers and changing rooms are available.
Proper swimwear is required.
Payments & Deposits
Yes, a deposit will be collected upon check-in.
All reservations require full credit card payment at time of booking. Credit cards will be charged in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) using the daily Bankers Buyers Rate.
Yes, as our resort is located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, compulsory conservation fees of MYR35 on the first night of stay, and an additional MYR25 for each day thereof is applied to each guest, including children. These fees apply for every night of stay, and is contributed to Sabah Parks in support of their efforts towards preserving the rich ecosystem of the region.
ACCOMMODATION
General Villa Information
No, our Villas do not have private pools. Guests may use our infinity lap pool, near the Pool Bar & Lounge. This pool is accompanied by a children's pool as well.
"Each of our Villas offers its own unique setting and views, alllowing guests to choose the experience that best suites their stay.
Bayu Villas: Situated on a hillside amidst lush rainforest, these inviting villas offer a peaceful setting with leafy views ranging from the rainforest canopy to the tropical mangroves. Connecting rooms are available for families.
Kinabalu Villas: With views stretching across the South China Sea, and where the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can be seen on a clear day, these Kinabalu Villas provide the best views in the resort. Connecting rooms are available for families.
Canopy Villas: Set amongst a tropical mangrove on a gently sloping hillside, these villas offer a beautiful outlook and are walking distance from the resort's pristine sandy beach, with a selection of rooms that are located closer to the resort's main facilities.
Guests may also contact our YTL Travel Centre, where our team is happy to assist in choosing a Villa that best complements your experience."
In-Villa Amenities
Yes, toiletries are provided in each room.
Yes, a beach bag can be found in the closet.
Yes a prayer mat can be provided, kindly inform our travel centre of your requirements ahead of your stay.
Bedding & Occupancy Arrangements
A daybed can be prepared with a pillow and blanket, this is applicable to the Bayu Villas, Canopy Villas and Kinabalu Villas only. These rooms fit up to 2 adults and 2 children. Kindly inform our travel centre ahead of check-in.
Yes, baby cots can be arranged. Please contact us ahead of your stay so we may make the necessary arrangements.
We do not recommend this due to comfort and space limitations.
Villa Layouts & Accessibility
Yes, there are limited connection rooms, these are available in limited units of Bayu Villas and Canopy Villas. Kindly inform our travel centre ahead of making your reservation to request connecting rooms. Please note that these are subject to availability.
We recommend Canopy Villas as these have less stairs compared to Bayu Villas and Kinabalu Villas.
We kindly encourage guests to book villas of the same type, as the different villa types are located in different areas of the resort.
DINING
Dietary Considerations
All dining outlets are pork-free.
Dining Venues
Guests may enjoy a generous buffet breakfast at Feast Village, with various cuisines from Asian delights to Western selections.
Guests can enjoy a vibrant buffet of international flavours at Feast Village, a freshly grilled selection of local and international dishes at Tavajun Bay, or casual light bites and refreshing cocktails at the Pool Bar & Lounge, all set against stunning island views.
Dinner is a celebration of culinary artistry at Feast Village, the seafood-focused Fisherman’s Cove, or the immersive Japanese experience of Omakase, each offering distinctive menus and atmospheres that make every evening unforgettable.
Reservations, Private Dining & Beverage Policies
Breakfast and lunch are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Dinner reservations are required in advance to secure your time slot, these reservations can be made at check-in or by contacting our Concierge by WhatsApp here.
Guests may pre-book private dining experiences through YTL Travel Centre or arrange with the Concierge upon check-in.
Yes, guests may bring alocoholic drinks to the resort. Kindly note that corkage fees apply in restaurants and public areas.
Infant & Child Dining
Yes, simple items like porridge or fruits can be prepared upon request. Kindly reach out to our YTL Travel Centre to let us know your requirements.
Our service team are happy to recommend menus suitable for children, kindly let us know during mealtimes.
Restaurant Access & Policies
Yes, our Fisherman's Cove has an age restriction, guests above the age of 12 years are welcome to dine here. Other dining outlets at Gaya Island Resort welcome guests of all ages.
Experiences
Celebrations & Bespoke Occasions
Yes, floral arrangements and decorations can be arranged at additional cost. Kindly reach out to us to let us know your requirements.
We offer decorations for Anniversaries and Birthday celebrations. For guests celebrating a birthday, we offer a complimentary slice of cake served during dinner time. Additional requests may incur charges, and are subject to availability.
Sports & Recreational Facilities
Life jackets are provided for children aged 2 years and above.
Nature & Conservation
Our Marine Centre is open every day from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Guests are welcome to visit us at Tavajun Bay to explore our turtle rescue centre, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured green sea turtles. Guests may read more about the Marine Centre here.
Signature Experiences
Guests may reach out to our Concierge team to enquire about Mangrove Kayaking. Kindly note that the availability and timing of this activity is subject to the sea tide conditions. We recommend booking in advance to secure your slot, our resort team will be able to confirm the activity timing upon check-in.
Yes, guests are welcome to boon the Singgah-Singgarung Night, kindly note that there is a minimum 20 person requirement, hence you will be joined by other guests on the night.
Please share with us your contact details and the travelling date, we may check the availability with our Naturalist to finalized the itinerary for you.
Crafted Experiences
Certainly, guests may book scuba diving excursions through our third-party partner, Borneo Dream. Please share your contact details with our YTL Travel Centre so we may get the Diving Centre to get in touch with you. Alternatively, you may also contact them directly via email at info@borneodream.com for accurate availability and further details.
PACKAGES & EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
Special Offer: Resident's Package
ARE MALAYSIAN RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENT PARTNERS ELIGIBLE FOR THE RESIDENTS’ PACKAGE? Yes, foreign nationals travelling with Malaysian residents are eligible as well.
Feast Village, Tavajun Bay and the Pool Bar & Lounge are included. Other venues will require a top-up payment, you may contact us to find out more.
Special Offer: Be Rewarded Package
No, meals are not included in this package.
Travel
PARKING & LAND TRANSPORT
Parking is chargeable at a daily rate, our porters will assist upon arrival.
Boat Transfers & Access
"Guests may refer to the below schedule for speedboat timings:
From Jesselton Point : 12pm | 2pm | 4pm | 6pm | 9pm
From Gaya Island Resort : 7am | 9am | 11am | 1pm | 3pm | 5pm
For more information on your journey to our resort, kindly refer to our getting here page, here.
A scheduled speedboat can comfortably seat up to 12 passengers.
Yes, it is safe. Please inform us of guests who are pregnant so we may take additional care.
No, access to the resort is only via our scheduled speedboats or private resort boats.
We are pleased to arrange a speedboat from Gayana Marine Resort to Gaya Island Resort, kindly reach out to YTL Travel centre to arrange this. Please note that additional cost is applied.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are via Toyota Innova and MPV vehicles. Each vehicle seats 3 persons and limited luggage comfortably. Kindly contact our YTL Travel Centre to arrange your seamless transfer.
Yes, payment can be made upon arrival.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
GAYA ISLAND RESORT
Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
RESERVATIONS
GROUP AND
EVENT BOOKINGS
