Gayana Marine Resort
Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya 88778 Malaysia
Lowest prices for your stay
Only 5 left at
$258
Free cancellation until 12/17/22
Only 5 left at
$234
Free cancellation until 12/17/22
$288
$220
Booking.com$268
Travelocity$258
Priceline$288
View all 18 deals
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Full view
View all photos (1,411)1,411
360
Panoramas (17) 
Room & Suite (457)
About
#3 of 3 hotels in Pulau Gaya
Location
4.3
Cleanliness
4.1
Service
4.3
Value
3.5
Gayana Marine Resort rests serenely at the edges of Gaya Island off the coast of Borneo. 45 over water villas designed to enhance the soothing sounds of the surf, while capturing the enduring vistas of Mt. Kinabalu on the distant horizon. At its heart is about protecting and re-generating our precious Marine Ecology, and the only property to feature its own Marine Ecology Research Centre propagating Giant Clams and restoring damaged coral reefs. Striking the perfect balance of forward thinking ecology and indulgent luxury which pampers both the body and the enlightened soul.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Airport transportation
Spa
Baggage storage
Wifi
Infinity pool
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Poolside bar
Diving
Hiking
Snorkeling
Billiards
Fishing
Full body massage
Massage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Lagoon View
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Malay
Location
Full view
40Car recommended
Grade: 40 out of 100
469Restaurantswithin 5 miles
72Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya 88778 Malaysia
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Pulau Gaya rental cars
592Reviews23Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 272
- 180
- 78
- 27
- 35
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
We booked for 2 and ended up staying for 3 (be careful as you won't want to leave). Opted of the ocean villa rooms, something special about being able to walk out of your room in the morning straight into the ocean. So glad we opted for this place. Free use of kayaks/ paddle boards etc. The quality of both the staff and the food in the restaurant couldn't be faulted. Not far by boat from KK so will stay again if in the area. We had been hesitant to book due to some reviews complaining of the amount of plastic in the water, so was expecting it to be bad. Having spent a month in Indonesia and Malaysia there was in comparison very very little plastic waste which is unusual these days. Thank you Gayana.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Ocean Villas are far superior and completely worth the extra cost.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, General Manager at Gayana Marine Resort
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear valued Guest, Thank you so much for your kind review and for sharing your experience online! We are very pleased to read that we could meet your expectations and that you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward in being able to welcome you back very soon once you visit Sabah again!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greatly enjoyed 8 days at Gayana Marine Resort. After 14 days in the Borneo Rainforest this was the perfect place to relax - enjoy the marine environment of Gaya Island. Excellent service and support!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We stayed in Palm Villa #82 EXCELLENT! Managers, Karl and Norman and ALL the staff are...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, General Manager at Gayana Marine Resort
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Les, It was our pleasure to have you both staying with us and we are happy to read that we could exceed your expectations during your stay! We look forward in welcoming you back when you visit Sabah next time!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The concept of the hotel is great, and the conservation talk and efforts are commendable but... The hotel is old. It's evident in the rooms, the villas and the restaurant. They are in the process of renovating/reconstructing rooms and the overwater restaurant, but the owners really need to put more money into this resort - so much potential. During rainy season you're kind of stuck since no water activities can be done. There's only 1 restaurant open and the bar is not really open - you can sit there and relax and play pool/darts/board games, but there's no staff and no drinks. There is a conservation centre and the tour is interesting, and it's fun replanting coral. Villas are comfortable (though the furniture is aged and the shower knob needs to turned to cold water, then hot water to get hot water....) but the sea is not a vibrant blue, and the coral is not brightly coloured . As the resort explains, a lot of the coral has been damaged by others, so they're trying to replant the reef. However in rainy season, a lot of rubbish is floating around... Probably from KK or the stateless communities on the other side of the island. Staff are the saving grace of the resort - they and the hotel manager are very friendly, helpful, and passionate about marine conservation. Just wish the owners would put more money into making the resort truly luxury, instead of charging luxury prices for an aged place with limited facilities.…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, Director General at Gayana Marine Resort
Responded Sep 24, 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you for your kind review and comments. We are really touched and gratefully that you recognise our efforts in conservation and in propagation of marine life through our Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC). During the visit, after attending a video presentation in our auditorium, visiting our display rooms and touch tanks, we always ask our guests to plant a coral as a contribution and support towards our efforts. These efforts are done despite the several weather conditions we may face. On a rainy day we do have several activities in place to replace the water activities, like cooking classes, pool and darts, yoga & pilates or, for the most serene ones, our ECHO SPA offers many signature traditional massages. Indeed, our excellent team strives very hard to create unique experiences and memories for our guests, and we are very grateful of your recognition that we have shared with the entire team. We look forward in welcoming you again to our beautiful resorts when your next journey brings you all back to Sabah another time!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I do feel bad writing this as the staff were all so lovely, but it was very expensive and advertises as 5 star and it’s a long way from that! The place is literally falling apart and in desperate need of renovations. Tiles missing from the pool and the restaurant, walkways broken and chipped. Our luxury, overwater bungalow had a tree growing out of the roof, and there were so many things not working in the room that we grew tired of complaining, and gave up. Veranda doors too stiff to easily open, air conditioning not working (we had to have a fan),tv not working, bedside lights didn’t work, 2 dead fish and a hermit crab dead in our plunge pool etc. there was so much rubbish floating around everywhere and the manager warned us about it and yet we never once saw anyone gathering it up. It really was disgusting. I know that quite often they can’t help it, but they didn’t even try The pool wasn’t cleaned whilst we were there and always had leaves and debris in it. The bar was closed so there was nowhere to just sit out of the sun and chat together. The spar was excellent and I had a fabulous massage The food was great and the staff were lovely, but really, it needs to close and have some serious money spent to repair and replace all of the broken parts.…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This resort is located about 20 minutes ferry ride from KK town itself. The pre-booking was seamless and the staff at the jetty was helpful. The check in was seamless, when we arrived at the resort, the staffs were welcoming and we were showed to our rooms. We booked the Rainforest Villa which faces the forest. The villas itself was spacious with big bathroom and huge balcony. The rooms were well maintained and the house keeping team does an excellent job cleaning the rooms. The staffs at Macac Restaurant was amazing, special thanks to Fen, Shahzuan, Jubita, Alden and Terry. They were always accommodating to our requests and have to say one of the best teams I've experienced in a hotel. Once you're in the resort you can go diving but island hoping is not provided, not sure it's an SOP issue. The hotel doesn't have a beach for you to relax but the pool is amazing. As other reviews mention, seeing trash in the waters are appalling but I believe this is not the resort's fault but the government needs to do to something about it.…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Ocean Villa
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, Director General at Gayana Marine Resort
Responded Sep 24, 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind review and feedback. This information will indeed help other guests and, without doubt, will help our team improve and continue with our efforts of exceeding the expectations of every single guest! Indeed, facing trash in the waters is more than just an issue for our Resort, since its becoming more and more a global concern. Rest for sure we will continue with our conservation efforts whilst constantly propagating several marine life species at our Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC). We look forward in welcoming you back!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
The amount of trash in the ocean is appalling, and absolutely disgusting. It’s been like this our entire 5 day stay here, and we haven’t once stepped foot in the ocean due to how unhygienic it is. The resort managers so far have taken on a very hands off approach to the entire situation by consistently saying it is out of their control and could only offer mere apologies for the situation, without any real compensation. For the price you pay, and the standard this resort portrays itself to be, this is entirely unacceptable - and frankly misleading. Other things to note; - There is no beach, all you get is the ocean and it is filled with trash everywhere - The staff go out in kayaks (at a certain time) to pick up trash with their hands as a means to help clear it out (this happens only mostly around the reception area and not around the chalets where guests stay). With the amount of trash they’re dealing with, it’s like cleaning up barely a sliver of the issue at hand. There has to be better efforts put into cleaning it up promptly and efficiently, throughout the day, with better equipment. - You are charged a RM25 delivery fee for delivery of room service, for a 2 minute walk from the restaurant to the rooms. - The service here could be well improved. Staff are very friendly at face value, but aren’t able to follow up on any of the requests we put in ie. fixing the internet dongle (which hasn’t been done til today - there is no wifi provided either), ensuring that we met with the resort manager when requested for twice over the last 2 days (and he’s now on a 8 day leave, so we never ended up actually being able to meet with him). - As resort managers, Karl and Jennifer should provide a much higher level of service to ensure guest satisfaction. However, this does not seem to be a priority here.…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
Be careful booking here. We arrived and the waters were blanketed with trash. Amongst all the trash, we saw used diapers, plastic bags... even used condoms. The waters have been so disgusting we haven't gone swimming due to sanitary concerns, and feel we've wasted money and time coming here. If you are traveling from abroad, think twice. Management has done NOTHING besides offering apologies and a free mangrove tour (which is also covered in trash). Not at all what you would expect from a 4-star hotel that considers itself an eco-tourist destination. Apparently, this happens when there is a storm, so if you are still considering coming, certainly try to plan your trip around the weather.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Don't visit after a storm or high tide. The place will be covered in trash everywhere you look
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The Voyage Protagonist wrote a review Jan 2022
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia92 contributions46 helpful votes
+1
It disheartens me to write this review because the hotel staff and manager were just amazing always trying to improve your trip and solve issues. However, things need be revamped and this should be guide to others to plan better if they're heading out to the island and this resort. From, overbooked core activities, lack of working room items and an unbearable slow restaurant service. Firstly, the boats arrive 1230noon and the core water activities such as scuba diving and diving are fully booked due to limited staff. Hence you can only do it the next day which isn't possible as the boat leaves at 11am. Or stay another night. They should be an option to book these activities earlier so you can do it on your day of arrival. Secondly, rooms are nice & clean but dated such as the musky smell in the bathroom. It states Free WiFi but weirdly it's only available in the lobby and restaurant which is misleading! Further to that, certain telco towers are not available. Albeit they provided a dongle. Satellite TV service wasn't working on the day as well. Finally, comes the dinner that took more than an hour to arrive (and one dish was fried rice which was disappointing!). The staff were thoughtful enough to provide a free dessert. Breakfast was also slow. Its just bad planning. The other dishes were nevertheless tasty and of 5* standards. Beautiful Resort & Service but the above needs to be revamped as there are many other ways to enjoy the beautiful Gaya Island from Kota Kinabalu itself. …
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
For this resort I can said disappointed, because poor are dirty when I visit, food very poor, examples for the pizza not really well bake, and for the breakfast is abit bad, I enjoy is macac breakfast for the hollandaise sauce should be creamy and taste drizzle, but chef cook very water and oily😒😒😒... And the poached egg become medium hard boiled without vinegar 🙄🙄🙄.. Is very simple food but become poor food. I think management should be improve the chef skills.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
We headed off to Gayana to celebrate my junior 3rd Birthday. We were greeted with a welcome drink and wonderful hospitality of the staff Our Villa was fantastic, spacious and equipped with all essentials. The resort is very environment conscious, they have gone great lengths to preserve and maintain the natural environment. But you do need to be careful of the monkeys loitering around. Dont forget to lock your villa doors and I was told, these monkeys can open the villa doors. Smart huh Sadly it rained heavily and we really couldnt go out until late evening. We were suprised with a Birthday Cake for my son during dinner. Terry was fantastic. Breakfast was pretty decent, guess due to the low occupancy in the resort, there was ni buffet but that's all right. The staff are actually the highlight of this resort and they make a very big difference during you stay here. We will definitely be back again for a longer stay on our next trip.…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$131 - $263 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
gayana eco hotel kota kinabalu, gayana resort
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahWest Coast DivisionKota Kinabalu DistrictPulau Gaya
NUMBER OF ROOMS
45
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingGAYANA MARINE RESORT - Updated 2022 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Malaysia/Pulau Gaya)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gayana Marine Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Gayana Marine Resort?
Nearby attractions include Imago Shopping Mall (3.1 miles), Tanjung Aru Beach (4.5 miles), and Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (2.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Gayana Marine Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Gayana Marine Resort?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Gayana Marine Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Gayana Marine Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ferdinand's, Laundroluxe, and El Centro.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Gayana Marine Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Gayana Marine Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Gayana Marine Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Gayana Marine Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Gayana Marine Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Malay.
Are there any historical sites close to Gayana Marine Resort?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Monsopiad Cultural Village (8.8 miles).
Does Gayana Marine Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.