Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Resorts
8.8
/10
Very Good
449 reviews

What Guests Say About Their Stay

Thomas
10.0
/ 10
We were a group of nature lovers who were using this as a three night stay to get used to the temperature and time change upon arrival in Borneo. Loved the grounds and snorkeling right from the beach. Fantastic nature center staffed by several biologists. The food options were a bit pricey but we were expecting that. The grounds were very birdy and we found two Borean Pit Vipers. The mangrove tour was fantastic. Room is very good quality for the price.
Gitanjali
10.0
/ 10
Situated in one of the largest underwater national parks. Spectacular natural beauty with sea, sand and jungle. Hundreds of species of marine and island life. Underwater and above ground Activities beautifully curated by YTL staff to blend conservation and fun.
hywel
10.0
/ 10
The staff, the staff, the staff. Such genuine helpful staff quick to resolve any problems. Genuine smiles. The East Malaysians are the best hosts.
In the Area
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Malahom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 88000

Main Facilities

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AC
Restaurant
Swimming Pool
24-Hour Front Desk
Parking
WiFi
Gaya Island Resort is a five-star resort built along Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, 88000 Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This amazing resort serves its best to ensure you have a pleasant stay. The scenery is spectacular as you get to set your eyes on the open sea, the location is strategic as it is close to the beach for some beach time fun and the facilities and services are of high-quality. The resort situated on the beautiful Gaya Island where the only access you can get on the island is through the sea from Kota Kinabalu to the SMK Pulau Gaya Jetty. The resort fits well for the purpose of both leisure and business. There are four types of accommodation available for guests varied from Bayu Villa, Canopy Villa, Kinabalu Villa and Suria Suite. Each room is equipped with high-quality in-room facilities that ensure your comfort and needs are well met. Aside from the standard in-room facilities, there are also additional facilities you will find pleasing to have and utilised. Shifting to dining, Gaya Island Resort offers five main dining area for your gastronomical impulse, the Feast Village, Fisherman’s Cove, Omakase, Pool Bar & Lounge and Tavajun Bar, where you can enjoy various menu ranging from both local and international dishes plus some of the amazing drinks you get too indulged in throughout the day. As mentioned, apart from the accommodation provided, its resort facilities and services are also in its best condition for your use. Considering how strategic the location is, there are various tourist attraction sites nearby you can pay a visit to include Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, KK Plaza and Filipino Market. This amazing luxurious resort will surely make your leisure and business travel much more memorable.
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What's around Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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Malahom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 88000
Lobby Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Lobby 2 Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Discover More About Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Gaya Island Resort is a five-star resort built along Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, 88000 Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This amazing resort serves its best to ensure you have a pleasant stay. The scenery is spectacular as you get to set your eyes on the open sea, the location is strategic as it is close to the beach for some beach time fun and the facilities and services are of high-quality. The resort situated on the beautiful Gaya Island where the only access you can get on the island is through the sea from Kota Kinabalu to the SMK Pulau Gaya Jetty. The resort fits well for the purpose of both leisure and business. There are four types of accommodation available for guests varied from Bayu Villa, Canopy Villa, Kinabalu Villa and Suria Suite. Each room is equipped with high-quality in-room facilities that ensure your comfort and needs are well met. Aside from the standard in-room facilities, there are also additional facilities you will find pleasing to have and utilised. Shifting to dining, Gaya Island Resort offers five main dining area for your gastronomical impulse, the Feast Village, Fisherman’s Cove, Omakase, Pool Bar & Lounge and Tavajun Bar, where you can enjoy various menu ranging from both local and international dishes plus some of the amazing drinks you get too indulged in throughout the day. As mentioned, apart from the accommodation provided, its resort facilities and services are also in its best condition for your use. Considering how strategic the location is, there are various tourist attraction sites nearby you can pay a visit to include Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, KK Plaza and Filipino Market. This amazing luxurious resort will surely make your leisure and business travel much more memorable.

How to get to Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort situated on the beautiful Gaya Island where the only access you can get on the island is through the sea from Kota Kinabalu to the SMK Pulau Gaya Jetty. From the jetty, you can always take the public transport such as taxi and/or Uber/Grab car to your destination. Considering the resort is right on the island itself, there is no known airport strip available on the island. The nearest airport is the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Once you have arrived at the airport, you will have to make your way to the nearest jetty at the Jesselton Point. The distance between the airport to the Jesselton Point is 10 km, which will take around 15 minutes or so in a light traffic condition. During high traffic condition, however, it will take you around 24 minutes to reach the Jesselton Point.

Road directions might be difficult for you to navigate your way to the resort especially if you are not familiar with the area. There are several local landmarks around the area that could assist you in finding the resort easily. Local landmarks including the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall (4.2 km), KK Plaza (4.3 km) and Filipino Market (4.3 km). Feel free to ask the locals for direction to the resort as it is relatively well-known to them as well.

Different Types of Rooms in Gaya Island Resort

There are four types of accommodation available for guests varied from Bayu Villa, Canopy Villa, Kinabalu Villa and Suria Suite at Gaya Island Resort. Each room is equipped with high-quality in-room facilities that ensure your comfort and needs are well met. The in-room facilities mentioned including complimentary Wi-Fi access, tea/coffee making facilities, working desk, flat screen television with satellite channels included and minibar. Aside from the standard in-room facilities, there are also additional facilities you will find pleasing to have and utilised.

Bayu Villa offers the best of a comfortable stay in this 47 sqm room. This room displays a soothing tone with its minimal decorations that as a result, made this room very calm and relaxing to the eyes of the beholder. The furnishings are also exquisitely unique in shape and does not take too much space that would make you feel claustrophobic when you are in the room. Apart from the basic in-room facilities mentioned earlier, other facilities you can find in the room including free wireless Internet access, individually controlled air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.

Canopy Villa offers the best of a comfortable stay in this 47 sqm room. This room displays a soothing tone with its minimal decorations that as a result, made this room very calm and relaxing to the eyes of the beholder. The furnishings are also exquisitely unique in shape and does not take too much space that would make you feel claustrophobic when you are in the room. Apart from the basic in-room facilities mentioned earlier, other facilities you can find in the room including free wireless Internet access, individually controlled air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.

Kinabalu Villa offers the best of a comfortable stay in this 47 sqm room. This room displays a soothing tone with its minimal decorations that as a result, made this room very calm and relaxing to the eyes of the beholder. The furnishings are also exquisitely unique in shape and does not take too much space that would make you feel claustrophobic when you are in the room. Apart from the basic in-room facilities mentioned earlier, other facilities you can find in the room including free wireless Internet access, individually controlled air conditioning, optional bedding choice and tea/coffee making facilities.

Suria Suite offers the best of a comfortable stay in this 188 sqm room. This room displays a soothing tone with its minimal decorations that as a result, made this room very calm and relaxing to the eyes of the beholder. The furnishings are also exquisitely unique in shape and does not take too much space that would make you feel claustrophobic when you are in the room. Apart from the basic in-room facilities mentioned earlier, other facilities you can find in the room including free wireless Internet access, individually controlled air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.

Restaurants and Cafes in Gaya Island Resort

Shifting to dining, Gaya Island Resort offers five main dining area for your gastronomical impulse, the Feast Village, Fisherman’s Cove, Omakase, Pool Bar & Lounge and Tavajun Bar, where you can enjoy various menu ranging from both local and international dishes plus some of the amazing drinks you get to indulge in throughout the day.

At the Feast Village, you will be served with delicious cuisine from all over the world for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The presentation of each meal is as interesting as the taste. Each food is created with such great detail by Gaya Island Resort’s very own professional chef. This restaurant is perfect for family and friends because the surrounding is very relaxing and calming. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM (breakfast), 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (lunch) and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM (dinner).

At the Fisherman’s Cove, you will be served with delicious cuisine from all over the world for the most memorable dining experience during your stay here while overlooking the famous Mount Kinabalu. The presentation of each meal is as interesting as the taste. Each food is created with such great detail by Gaya Island Resort’s very own professional chef. This restaurant is perfect for family and friends because the surrounding is very relaxing and calming. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

At the Omakase, you will be served with delicious cuisine from all over the world for the most memorable dining experience during your stay here while overlooking the famous Mount Kinabalu. The presentation of each meal is as interesting as the taste. Each food is created with such great detail by Gaya Island Resort’s very own professional chef. This restaurant is perfect for family and friends because the surrounding is very relaxing and calming. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

At the Pool Bar & Lounge, you will be served with delicious cuisine from all over the world for the most memorable lunch experience during your stay here while overlooking the famous Mount Kinabalu. The presentation of each meal is as interesting as the taste. Each food is created with such great detail by Gaya Island Resort’s very own professional chef. This restaurant is perfect for family and friends because the surrounding is very relaxing and calming. The café is open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

At the Tavajun Bar, you will be served with delicious drinks by the sea, which is a recipe for the perfect relaxing moment. The scenery is so peaceful, especially with the view of the sea in front of you. Apart from having the drinks, you will have an easy access to the beach for some beach time fun. This bar is perfect to relax with friends because the surrounding is very relaxing and calming. The café is open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Facilities and Activities in Gaya Island Resort

As mentioned, apart from the accommodation provided, its resort facilities and services are also in its best condition. Some of the resort facilities you can find at Gaya Island Resort including concierge, laundry service, luggage storage, a newspaper in the lobby, tours, wedding service and multilingual staff. Some of the business facilities you can find at the resort including a conference room and meeting facilities. Other facilities and services you can find at the resort including babysitting services with surcharge applied, supervised childcare, free Wi-Fi and ferry terminal shuttle with surcharge applied.

As there were a lot of facilities prepared for the guests, there are also a lot of activities guests can enjoy throughout their stay. Additional activities you can enjoy with your friends and family members including children pool, health club, picnic area, spa, outdoor pool, library and the garden. There are more activities you can discover there at the hotel.

Interesting Places near Gaya Island Resort

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall –

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is 4 km from the hotel. What is a holiday without some shopping spree for local souvenirs? This familiar shopping mall among the locals is the destination for tourist to do some shopping activity with friends and family. You can find almost everything here.

KK Plaza –

KK Plaza is 4.3 km from the hotel. This plaza is also one of the most popular shopping malls in the centre of Kota Kinabalu. If you were not able to spend some money at the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, the KK Plaza will be your replacement or vice versa.

Filipino Market –

Filipino Market is 4.3 km from the hotel. This handicraft market will show you the best of local arts that you can bring back together with you when you leave. Here, you will find the unique crafts made by the locals themselves. Everything is unique and rare, which is one of the things you should not miss to buy whenever you are travelling to Sabah.

All facilities in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Bar, Cafe and Lounge Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Bar, Cafe and Lounge
Swimming Pool Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Swimming Pool
Lobby Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Lobby
Accommodation Services Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Accommodation Services
Exterior Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Exterior

In-room Facilities

  • Bathrobe
  • Bathtub
  • Cable TV
  • Desk
  • Hairdryer
  • In-room safe
  • Minibar
  • Separate shower and tub
  • Shower
  • TV

Hotel Services

  • Bellhop
  • Welcoming drinks
  • Concierge
  • Front desk
  • 24-hour Receptionist
  • 24-hour security
  • Laundry service
  • Medical service
  • Wedding service

Things to Do

  • Beach towel
  • Fitness center
  • Garden
  • Library
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private beach
  • Spa

Food and Drinks

  • A la carte dinner
  • A la carte lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Continental breakfast
  • Fullboard without drinks

Public Facilities

  • Parking
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast restaurant
  • Dinner restaurant
  • Lunch restaurant
  • Safety deposit box
  • WiFi in public area

General

  • AC
  • Heater
  • Non-smoking room
  • Swimming pool
  • Smoking area

Kids and Pets

  • Babysitting
  • Babysitting with surcharge
  • Highchairs

Business Facilities

  • Conference room
  • Meeting facilities

Transportation

  • Airport transfer

Nearby Facilities

  • Shops

Sports and Recreations

  • Fitness center

Connectivity

  • Free WiFi

Shuttle Service

  • Airport transfer (surcharge)

Accommodation Policy & General Information in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Important Note

As announced by Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Tourism Tax is imposed starting 1 January 2023 for all hotel guests that are non-Malaysian or non-permanent Residents of Malaysia. Please expect that hotel will collect the Tourism Tax from you during check-in at the hotel. The Tourism Tax rate is 10 RM per room per night.

Check-in/Check-out Time

Check-in:
From 15:00
Check-out:
Before 11:00

General Check-in Instructions

Speedboat transfers are required for your arrival to and departure from the resort. Transfer rates are as follows: MYR 80 per way for each adult MYR 40 per way for each child From Jesselton Point Jetty : 10:00am | 12:00pm | 2:00pm | 4:00pm | 6:00pm | 9:00pm From Gaya Island Resort : 8:00am | 9:00am | 11:00am | 1:00pm | 3:00pm | 5:00pm | 6:30pm. Please check-in at the office which located at Jesselton Point Jetty 20 minutes prior to schedule speedboat departure times. Alternately, a chartered private speedboat can be pre-arranged at MYR500 between 07:00 hours to 21:00 hours or MYR700 between 21:00 hours to 07:00 hours.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the accommodation.
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General Information

Popular Facilities
AC, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, WiFi
Check-In / Check-Out Time
From 15:00 - Before 11:00
Breakfast Availability
Yes, hotel has room that provide breakfast
Available rooms at Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
121
Number of floors in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
2
Another facilities in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Bathrobe, Bathtub, Cable TV, Desk, Hairdryer

Frequently asked question in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

What are available facilities at Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?
There are top facilites at Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World such as AC, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, WiFi. (some may require extra charges)
What is normal check-in & check-out time at Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?
The standard check-in time at Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is starting from From 15:00 while the latest check-out time is at Before 11:00
Does Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World provide breakfast?
Yes, Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides breakfast. However, you need to choose a room with breakfast or pay extra charge if you book a room without breakfast.

More Reviews from Other Guests in Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

8.8
Very Good
From 445 reviews
Cleanliness

9.0

Room Comfort

9.2

Location

8.0

Service and Facilites

9.0

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Traveler Reviews Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Number of reviews per page
20
40
Top reviews
Thomas
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

We were a group of nature lovers who were using this as a three night stay to get used to the temperature and time change upon arrival in Borneo. Loved the grounds and snorkeling right from the beach. Fantastic nature center staffed by several biologists. The food options were a bit pricey but we were expecting that. The grounds were very birdy and we found two Borean Pit Vipers. The mangrove tour was fantastic. Room is very good quality for the price.
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Gitanjali
icon-Business and Leisure Family
Business and Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 28 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Situated in one of the largest underwater national parks. Spectacular natural beauty with sea, sand and jungle. Hundreds of species of marine and island life. Underwater and above ground Activities beautifully curated by YTL staff to blend conservation and fun.
hywel
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 32 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

The staff, the staff, the staff. Such genuine helpful staff quick to resolve any problems. Genuine smiles. The East Malaysians are the best hosts.
Amanda
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
6.0
/10
Reviewed 39 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

The property itself and rooms were nice, but the resort was way too expensive for what was provided. we did not feel like we got value doe the money. The meals were excessively expensive for what they were, and left us with traveler's diarrhea unfortunately. Very basic tours were extra charges too, as were the transfers in and out from kota Kinabalu. We also stayed way too long. I think max 3 nights would be recommended so you don't get bored.
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Verified traveler
10.0
/10
Reviewed 46 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Wonderful location and views. Staff were always friendly, helpful and polite. Fantastic range of activities.
Verified traveler
icon-Friends and Family
Friends and Family
8.0
/10
Reviewed 49 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Beautiful location, well organised, excellent food, friendly staff, amazing rooms. Many hidden taxes ... and service charge added even for buffet meal (which was self service ... although did finally remove when challenged). The private beach had a huge rubbish dump just behind the sandy beach. Very disappointing to see on a luxury trip. Great to see the conservation work with rescued turtles and coral. Strange to see complimentary ice lollies being handed out by pool, but only if you agreed to a young waiter taking a photo on his mobile phone ... bizarre.
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Lesley
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
8.0
/10
Reviewed 66 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Had a lovely stay, would like to have seen more food options and later bar food service. Activities team were great, reception and waiting staff were not very friendly, expected a higher level of service.
Siu Chui
10.0
/10
Reviewed 74 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

The property has a beautiful setting with the sea and a primary forest as its backdrop. The hotel excursions are excellent with an added inspiration on marine and forest conservation. Coral garden snorkelling and forest trekking are highly recommended. The staff are all genuinely kind and attentive. A very good resort.
Matthew
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
6.0
/10
Reviewed 104 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Starting with the positives, Gaya Island Resort is in a wonderful setting. The accommodation is spacious with nice outlooks, though depending where you are you could have quite an uphill hike to your rooms. We had the buffet meals in the dining room and the standard of what was offered was very high. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The service however of the management and reservations team leading up to our visit was appalling. Despite having paid in full we were sent automated messages threatening to cancel our booking and keep any monies already paid. When we replied explaining payment had been made and asking for clarification we simply received the same message again. None of these messages came with a name or contact details. Several attempts to ring the reservations line all concluded the same way i.e. being told all the lines were busy and the phone call was dropped. Expedia's initial attempts to contact the resort also failed but we assume they eventually worked, as we received an email from the resort informing us we should ignore the previous messages. No hint of an apology was offered. On top of this, on two of the days we stayed there was, for different periods of time, no water and no electricity. Regarding the water, on one occasion this lasted for over 9 hours. Finally the cleanliness of the resort in some areas was disappointing. In particular the gym floor was covered in sand and even hairs - very unpleasant.
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Samantha, Li Cheng
icon-Leisure with Friends
Leisure with Friends
8.0
/10
Reviewed 141 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Villa was nice and spacious. Service was excellent. Food needs to improve
Yen Ying
icon-Friends and Family
Friends and Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 285 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

My family and I stayed at GIR for 2 nights and had a great time. The rooms were enormous (complete with separate areas for walk in robes, bathtub, shower, toilet). Room amenities were excellent, with bug spray and ointment for insect bites. Our rooms had fantastic views across the sea to Mt Kinabalu, beautiful to watch the sunrise every morning. The staff were all very friendly and attentive to our needs. We will absolutely be back again. Thank your GIR for a great time!
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Verified traveler
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
4.0
/10
Reviewed 287 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Each room has a bath tub but there were less hot water in the evening. Even after water filled, many aunts was floating.
Verified traveler
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
8.0
/10
Reviewed 288 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

suggest book activity or dinner reservation early, before arrive as not many slots
Verified traveler
icon-Leisure Family
Leisure Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 288 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

I loved almost everything. The property and rooms were spectacular. pool was beautiful and the food was fantastic. The only thing I didn't absolutely love - mattress softness, having to rent watersports equipment rather than it being included
Alice
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 288 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Great hotel and staff. A very relaxing island escape.
Verified traveler
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 291 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

The water was clear and beautiful, the staff was extremely welcoming, and the experience was overall very relaxing.
Verified traveler
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
8.0
/10
Reviewed 294 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Jungle walk and snorkeling ..... . ................. .
Robert
10.0
/10
Reviewed 296 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

We had an excellent weekend at Gaya Island Resort. An amazing setting so near KK and yet so far away. Without exception staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The food was also perfect with the chef willing to go the extra mile.
Stella
icon-Leisure with Partner
Leisure with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 297 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Beautiful resort!! And from our room excellent view to the bay and all the pied hornbills, loved it!!!! A pity that the European and Japanese food were not good, instead of the local food, which was wonderful!
Verified traveler
icon-Friends and Family
Friends and Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 302 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Loved the location and experience, although as a single traveller thought there might be s bit more to do especially at night
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Exterior 4 Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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