Gaya Island Resort
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Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Pulau Gaya 88000 Malaysia
Update from hotel: This property is temporarily closed until 03/01/2022.
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About
Gaya Island Resort is located on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a natural conservation area off the coast of Borneo, close to Kota Kinabalu. Gaya Island Resort has a unique setting: the land is fringed with a golden sandy beach, rocky coastal outcrops, and surrounded by coral reefs. The hilly island landscape is covered with lush tropical rainforest and an abundance of flora and fauna. And to complete this perfect setting, visible in the distance, is the stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu. The guest villa exterior respects Sabahan architecture uses local materials and blends harmoniously with the natural environment. The interior living space is designed with contemporary elegance to create warmth, comfort and a serene indoor setting. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically sustainable practices to minimise the carbon footprint within its environment. Therefore the resort is a walking resort and only minimal motorised vehicles are used for operational purposes.
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Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Pulau Gaya 88000 Malaysia
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Do not consider. In January 2020, we made a prepaid booking with the YTL Travel Centre for a July holiday at the Gaya Island Resort. Our credit card was charged in full for over MYR4,000 (~USD1,000). We were excited about our future visit. In April 2020, the resort closed due to Covid-19 and offered a postponement reservation or a refund of the booking. We chose a refund. A May 5, 2020, return email from YTL indicated “will initiate the full refund (in MYR) to your credit card.” Understandably, it also mentioned due to “high volume with our merchant bank on the refund” the “process will be taking slightly longer than usual.” In June 2020, we received an update that the “resort/finance department is temporarily closed until the further announcement by Malaysia Government, thus the refund process might take much longer than usual.” However, “Once our team is back to the office we will put your case as priority. ” Despite several efforts to communicate with both YTL and the resort since the June update, it is now over a year since YTL committed to refund our prepaid booking. We have received neither a further communication or update nor the refund. While the travel industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, YTL is a large conglomerate. It does not solely focus on travel and leisure. In fact, it has proudly announced a number of strategic initiatives on its website and increases in both revenue and profits over the past 12-months. On May 12, 2021, we indicated to the YTL Travel Centre we would share our experiences with Tourism Malaysia if we did not receive the refund within 14-days. On May 24, we sent a polite reminder and have neither received a response nor a refund. We have raised a complaint with Tourism Malaysia. Do not consider a holiday at this resort. Refund aside, the communication has been disappointing for such a well-backed organisation.…
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Date of stay: July 2020
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Just an update for any of you who were in the same position as me where this fabulous so called 5-star YTL hotel refused to refund deposits and payments when they closed the hotel due to covid restrictions. After having absolutely no success with the resort (other than them offering to transfer my booking to a resort in Indonesia - mmm wrong country!) I applied to my credit card company under section 75. After a long 9 months I finally got my refund today. 😀. Anyway have rebooked Borneo for next March and keeping fingers crossed that travel will be OK by then. But I’ve learned my lesson with YTL hotels and have booked into the Shangri La’s Tangung Aru and Rasa Ria resorts in Kota Kinabalu. No upfront payment required. Can cancel without penalty up to 1 day before arrival. No risk. …
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
Helpful
We had booked to visit Gaya island in October however unfortunately our booking was cancelled due to the resort being shut due to covid restrictions. Which is understandable, however their communication since this cancellation has been appalling. Firstly, they offered us a voucher refund and then since then they stopped responding altogether. We paid over 2000myr for our stay and are so disappointed that we cannot even get a response from them. Not even to get vouchers for another YTL resort. Especially as we are loyal customers of YTL resorts ad have stayed in many of their hotels. Very disappointing service leaving us out of pocket!
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Date of stay: October 2020
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2 Helpful votes
Helpful
We were so looking forward to our holiday at Gaya Island Resort. However due to the pandemic Gaya Island Resort is closed. The problem is we paid a substantial deposit to reserve our accommodation but YTL Hotels will not refund our deposit. This is disgraceful. I now have to sue them in the courts. What disgusting service from a so called “luxury brand of the world”.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Sent them an email regarding not being able to leave Australia due to COVID. And just maybe thought a partial refund or at least a voucher would be offered.... NOTHING..... No response what so ever. So $750 down the drain.... Very disappointing.....
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Date of stay: June 2020
2 Helpful votes
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LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahWest Coast DivisionKota Kinabalu DistrictPulau Gaya
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Gaya Island Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Gaya Island Resort?
Nearby attractions include Tanjung Aru Beach (4.9 miles), Imago Shopping Mall (3.6 miles), and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park (4.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Gaya Island Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Gaya Island Resort?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Gaya Island Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Gaya Island Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ferdinand's, Mother India Restaurant, and Laundroluxe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Gaya Island Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Does Gaya Island Resort have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Gaya Island Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Gaya Island Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including Chinese and Malay.
Are there any historical sites close to Gaya Island Resort?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Monsopiad Cultural Village (9.3 miles).
Does Gaya Island Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbor view available here.