A City-Dweller's Meaningful Escape to Nature with Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort, with its beachside villas peeking through gently sloping hills, is a luxurious experience and isn’t exactly what one would call “roughing it out” in the wilderness. It’s the exact opposite, in fact. Surrounded by the rainforest and protected mangroves, 121 picturesque villas each feature a plush King-sized bed, an office-area, a spacious bathroom with a massive bathtub and two sinks, as well as a veranda area to chill out and take in views of the sea.

All the modern amenities that one would expect are present, though there is a clear eco-conscious approach to these luxuries. For instance, hot showers are courtesy of the heat emitted from each villa’s air-conditioning unit. No plastic bottles were in sight as the resort offers refillable glass water bottles so that one can stay hydrated in Malaysia’s heat. At 47 square metres, the Bayu and Canopy Villas are perfect for couples, families or singletravellers. The Suria Suite is ideal for larger get-togethers with two bedroom suites, a living room area and a kitchen.

While the spacious villas and beautiful beaches are a clear highlight, it was the hospitality of the staff and delicious food that left an equally big impression on me. I was always greeted with a smile and friendly conversation. Each staff member I met was deeply knowledgeable, with many having worked at the resort for years, and they loved talking about Borneo’s lifestyle, culture and wildlife. Their passion was palpable as they spoke on these topics and this was rivalled only by their attentiveness to my needs during my stay. It was inspiring speaking to people who love what they do.

Equally impressive are the food options — there is a whole lot of variety at the Feast Village. The intercontinental style buffet offers a wide spread of cuisines and features a bustling open kitchen concept. It is here that I fell in love with Mee Tuaran, a wok-hey filled fried egg noodle dish from Sabah, topped with slices of chicken char siew.

The fresh seafood is another must-try, and the Fisherman’s Cove is the place to have this. With a scenic view of Mount Kinabalu, the rooftop restaurant offers a menu of seafood dishes based on sustainable fishing practices. Those craving Japanese cuisine can book a seat at the two-storey Omakase nestled in the hills, where they can enjoy mouthwatering teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe all under one roof.

If you’re in need of some peace and relaxation, book an appointment at the Spa Village Gaya Island, which boasts an array of full-body massages, natural facials, yoga and guided meditation sessions. Surrounded by a lush mangrove, the establishment lets your stress melt away with the Seawater Muscle Relief baths and your tensions kneaded out with traditional massages. After being out in the sun, treat yourself and your skin to a Honey and Avocado Seed Facial made with natural ingredients, topped with a head massage. With the sounds of nature all around, this is also the perfect place to slow down and practise some mindfulness led by experienced yoga and wellness experts, in private or group sessions.

The shores of Pulau Jaya are a rich tapestry of rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves and animals. And for this resort, education and conservation goes hand-in-hand with hospitality. So much so that they have a resident marine biologist and a resident naturalist, Scott Mayback and Justin Juhun respectively, to educate visitors and take them on guided nature walks such as the Tavajun Discovery Trail, to learn about nature first hand. The two also run Turtle Rescue at the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre, where they recover and treat injured turtles from the area to the best of their ability. There, I was introduced to ‘Covid’, a precious turtle that was rescued from the brink of death after she was hit by a boat. Brought in to Marine Centre during the pandemic with severe spinal injuries, Scott, Justin and the staff nursed her back to health, even building a sea cage from scratch as part of their rehabilitation efforts to get her back to the sea.

Beyond educating ourselves, we can do our part with the Coral Reef Restoration programme here. Visitors can plant both hard and soft corals in nurseries, which will eventually be moved to the ocean bed in hopes of restoring the delicate reef ecosystems that have been ravaged by global warming. Just a single degree celsius increase in sea temperatures can cause coral bleaching and affect the marine life that relies on the coral reef. One can see these reefs first hand too when you partake in the guided snorkelling tours at the resort. Take it from this city girl, seeing a whole world beneath the waters is nothing short of humbling and unforgettable.

While I came to Gaya Island Resort with the intention of disconnecting from city life, you can still get a taste of the city with Kota Kinabalu being a mere five-minute boat ride away. There, you can explore night markets, food places and do some shopping at the Suria Sabah Mall by the jetty. The island is also not as remote as I thought it might be, as it is just a short 30-minute car and speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination for anyone in need of a quiet escape.