I love this snap of how the reefs are flourishing under Gaya Island Resort (GIR). When we saw the resort, we gladly extended our Sabah vacation by another 2 nights π
Our Holiday actually started with GIR’s guest concierge at Jesselton point (jetty).
20min ride to our resort, and 3D2N of clear water and white sandy beach π
… VILLA on the hill!
As our speedboat nears Gaya Island Resort, we can see the villas dotted over the hillside. Heightens everyone’s anticipation.
Are you in the mood for a vacation already? From jetty to lobby, the kids had a sneak preview of what will greet us over 3D2N. Green foliage, surrounded by South China Sea, and different tones of green and blue water.
One word, RELAX. Pure bliss.
Wherever you turn, you are greeted by the pool, trees, beach and sea, or on a good day Mount Kinabalu!
Spacious tall ceiling Lobby, a cool respite from the heat outside.
Our room is perched on the hillside, enveloped by foliage. We can always laze on the couch and admire the landscape, but alas wet monsoon season means the cushions are seldom dry π
Just imagine, you and your darling holding hands, sweet embrace. With the waves or crickets forming a background symphony, this idyllic lifestyle is my kind of Romance β₯
Spacious villa (we got connecting rooms), hall leads straight to bathtub.
Love the fruity shampoo and body lotion (Orange and Mangosteen flavours), smells nice and really refreshing. We got the sea and pool, but I was wondering why kids still need the bathtub. I could not resist copying the kids in their bathtub, too bad Mummy was too shy to join in.
Holiday essentials. Snacks, 4G (complimentary with every room)
GIR is actually targeted at honeymooners, but families are welcome too. Pavement are suitable for strollers, but you might wish to choose a unit nearer to lobby (ie meal venues)
The only mode of access on Gaya Island Resort is walking, it is only 1200 steps every day to and fro from our room to lobby haha.
With the good meals over breakfast, lunch and dinner, I console kids we need to exercise. The GIR car plate is exclusively for staff hee hee.
I actually left a feedback for Gaya Island Resort to provide bicycles for guests π
..POOL, Jump!
Video (Link) : Ready to dive into the pool?
The pool always look inviting, from any angle!
.. MEALs with a view
We are not joking when we mentioned all meals offer a glimpse of South China Sea. Truly Awesome, as kids will be fantasizing about next Fun beach activity. Sand castle, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking, or just lepak (relax) on a hammock.
Breakfast and dinner at Feast Village, intercontinental choices.
Friendly staffs were very prompt in responding to our needs (for hot water, extra blankets).
From the dining establishments to the receptionists, smiles greeted us everywhere, guests are treated like Vips.
Japanese Teppanyaki at Omakase. Our chef delighted us with his skills, and we were rewarded with delicious and tantalising Seabass, chicken and beef.
While we are not exercising, we dabble in relaxing trinket. Kids were entertained for 2 hours! There is something therapeutic about stringing beads together π
We start and end this post with water activities, which are the highlight of our stay π
Next, we will share GIR’s Private beach (Tavajun Bay) and snorkeling at their house reef.
Do pop by Gaya Island Resort Website and Fanpage for the latest updates. GIR is part of Small Luxury Hotel boutique chain, Website and Fanpage.
(GPS 6.018763, 116.047324 )
Gaya Island Resort allows you to do everything, or simply just relax. We could not ask for a better way to chill and relax after 5D4N of activities in western Sabah. Do pop by our Sabah itinerary and photos below:
– Sabah 8D7N itinerary
– Sabah Day 1 – Street food discovery
– Sabah Day 2 – White Water Rafting!
– Sabah Day 3 – Twin Islands Hopping
– Sabah Day 4 AM – Desa Cow Farm
– Day 4 PM – Kinabalu Park
– Day 5 – Poring Hot Spring + Waterfall + Canopy walk
– Day 6 – Gaya Island Resort – Luxury Villa
– Day 7 – Gaya Island Resort Activities for families
More photos have been uploaded on our Fanpage album :
– Day 1 and 2 – Klagan hotel, White Water rafting
– Day 3 – Water sports, Island hopping
– Day 4 – Desa Cow Farm and Kinabalu Park
– Day 5 – Poring Hot Spring and vicinity
– Day 6 – Gaya Island Resort
– Day 7 – Snorkeling and private beach
– Day 8 – Hiking, Home sweet home
ps.. All expenses on Gaya Island Resort had been sponsored
Wow this looks like a really nice place for a retreat! So many fun things to do, with such good food, but the only thing that bothers me is that we’ll have to walk 1200 steps to get to the food! That will definitely make me think twice about checking this place out. Haha. I just want to chill, and not be forced to exercise! π
Adeline recently posted…Special Feature: Interview with the Mum of Singaporeβs First IVF Twins
Hi Adeline, time is all you have on this island.
The kids were happy to walk, jump, and mostly run from point to point haha π
(by the way, it is 2400 steps to/fro to spa/massage wellness centre haha !)
WOW! This place looks like paradise!!! I so want to be there right now! I’ve never been snorkeling before, think this would be a beautiful experience.
Irene Soh recently posted…Cheating on my love with Canon G5X
Go for snorkeling, Irene. There is a new type of mask for people who has phobia.
Then whole family can enjoy snorkeling with Mantas, whalesharks in future π
hahhahhahaha “I could not resist copying the kids in their bathtub, too bad Mummy was too shy to join in.” So funny lah! I think it’s about time you bring the Missus on a couple trip without the kids. *nods nods nods*
May recently posted…A Joint Bandit Birthday Celebration
Agree 100% May! Already forecasted budget and leave, but chairperson (the Mrs) still decline.
She worried about the 4 mini-Sengkangbabies boardmembers haha :p
It’s indeed a bliss! I hardly hear friends holidaying at Sabah and it seems like a nice unexplored place. Love your snorkeling shot btw!
Yes Ashlyn, Sabah is indeed underrated. You can google the waters/beach off East Malaysia, not inferior to Boracay or Bali π
But more economical than Philippines. (the only concern s the kidnappings reported in East Sabah!)
Wow! This island looks like a paradise so beautiful. Actually I haven’t explored Sabah yet though recently saw quite a few reviews and photos.
Pooja Kawatra recently posted…Our first Staycation at Village Hotel Changi
Not many people aware of Sabah as a destination. We get more marketing hits from Philippines and Batam/Bintan/Bali π
This is really intriguing! SO many activities to do. Looks like we can consider this place too! We love going for road trips to Malaysia.Drove all the way to Penang. Looks like a beautiful retreat for your family bonding.
Sabah has a long road network for you to explore, although we did not drive π
But Gaya would be ideal for “doing-nothing” π
Wow, this is going to be up on my list on places to visit for Malaysia.
Thanks for sharing!
Xoxo,
Jingyi
(coffeeandtoastmama)
Welcome, Jingyi. Sabah is normally not on travellers’ radar.
First time reading about vacation in Sabah, very interesting… We drove to JB, coach to Malacca, Gentings, flight to Penang etc. We never thought of going to Sabah, so much more to explore..
Ling recently posted…Play, Eat, Fun @ Mint Museum of Toys {Giveaway Admission Tickets for 8!}
Hi Ling,
if your kids love adventures, West Sabah has plenty to offer.
East Sabah is even more pristine, but we are worried about kidnapping stories.
What an idyllic resort, truly a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with those we love. Would love to visit Sabah one day, and if we do, we will definitely check out Gaya Island Resort! Btw, I love that Mangosteen range of bath products, received it as Christmas gifts from a friend once, and couldn’t find them anywhere after I’ve finished using….
Angie.S recently posted…Saturday Social BBQ at Timbre@Gillman
We believe your family will enjoy all the fun activities too, and we have not listed the best yet π
Looks like a wonderful place, fun and relax.
Looking forward to my next holidays…..
Thanks for sharing
James recently posted…Best Kayak Fish Finder β Best of the Market