"We had an amazing time at Gaya Island Resort. It is a luxury resort with great food and drinks, comfortable rooms, and incredible views/proximity to the ocean. Worth noting is that this is in a nature reserve, surrounded by jungle and ocean, and the resort embraces and supports this, which means coexisting with wildlife. You can walk out from the resort beach to their own protected reef and swim with dozens of species of beautiful fish (equipment is available for free). We didn’t see any snakes,...
"We had an amazing time at Gaya Island Resort. It is a luxury resort with great food and drinks, comfortable rooms, and incredible views/proximity to the ocean. Worth noting is that this is in a nature reserve, surrounded by jungle and ocean, and the resort embraces and supports this, which means coexisting with wildlife. You can walk out from the resort beach to their own protected reef and swim with dozens of species of beautiful fish (equipment is available for free). We didn’t see any snakes,...
"Great place with nice rooms and beautiful view (both to Mt Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu). Standard Malaysian breakfast and decent lunch and dinner menu. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The room (104) was very good although there are a few ants around (so make sure not to leave food around). Bed, shower and toilet were nice and clean. Internet worked quite well (not guaranteed in this area). Our best place in Sabah so far (out of 6 good hotels)."
"Great place with nice rooms and beautiful view (both to Mt Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu). Standard Malaysian breakfast and decent lunch and dinner menu. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The room (104) was very good although there are a few ants around (so make sure not to leave food around). Bed, shower and toilet were nice and clean. Internet worked quite well (not guaranteed in this area). Our best place in Sabah so far (out of 6 good hotels)."
"Absolutely fantastic property with incredible staff.Rooms were huge and very clean and well equipped.Lovely pools and beach,great range of activities and restaurants.
Free shuttle bus into KK and easy to arrange excursions through the hotel."
"Absolutely fantastic property with incredible staff.Rooms were huge and very clean and well equipped.Lovely pools and beach,great range of activities and restaurants.
Free shuttle bus into KK and easy to arrange excursions through the hotel."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Climb Signal Hill at dawn for panoramic views of the city skyline and islands dotting the South China Sea. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the night market at the waterfront, while adventure seekers can take day trips to Mount Kinabalu in the nearby national park.
The staff were amazing, remembered our kids names every time we saw them. Looked after us very well. The entertainment was fab, the range of options for kids and the staff really love their jobs. The dancing and the band was fantastic. Thank you for the upgrade, Expedia!
The staff were amazing, remembered our kids names every time we saw them. Looked after us very well. The entertainment was fab, the range of options for kids and the staff really love their jobs. The dancing and the band was fantastic. Thank you for the upgrade, Expedia!
Joseph
Reviewed December 30, 2025Reviewed December 30, 2025
I had a really relaxing stay with 2 of my of girlfriends for 3 nights. We had booked 2 rooms and they upgraded to a suite which was amazing. The resort is in a beautiful setting, very peaceful and it's possible to snorkel in some coral very close to the resort.
The food in the restaurants is very good and the spa is wonderful in the most peaceful setting.
A few watch outs: It's expensive to get to the resort on the way out we organised a taxi from the airport to Jessleton point to...
I had a really relaxing stay with 2 of my of girlfriends for 3 nights. We had booked 2 rooms and they upgraded to a suite which was amazing. The resort is in a beautiful setting, very peaceful and it's possible to snorkel in some coral very close to the resort.
The food in the restaurants is very good and the spa is wonderful in the most peaceful setting.
A few watch outs: It's expensive to get to the resort on the way out we organised a taxi from the airport to Jessleton point to...
Had a great time here...apart from the whistle blowing life guards. I felt they were a bit over the top. I also had an allergic reaction to jelly fish larvae bites(jelly bugs) that I got on a snorkeling trip booked through the hotel. The guide advised there were stingers but I reacted badly. The hotel did not know what was wrong and recommended going to the hospital. We were flying to Sandakan so I was unable to do this. In Sandakan I went to the doctors and was advised it was chicken pox....
Had a great time here...apart from the whistle blowing life guards. I felt they were a bit over the top. I also had an allergic reaction to jelly fish larvae bites(jelly bugs) that I got on a snorkeling trip booked through the hotel. The guide advised there were stingers but I reacted badly. The hotel did not know what was wrong and recommended going to the hospital. We were flying to Sandakan so I was unable to do this. In Sandakan I went to the doctors and was advised it was chicken pox....
The room is very comfy and quiet, very nice for a city escape. Complimentary snorkeling and kayaking, we brought our own snorkeling equipment so cannot comment on that but the kayaking was fun and safe. Water is clean with lots of fishes (but quite depend on weather I suppose). Staff are friendly and attentive. There are one Western and one Chinese restaurants. We went to the Western one and it surprised us! The grilled fish fillet was amazing! Complimentary breakfast also served in here was so...
The room is very comfy and quiet, very nice for a city escape. Complimentary snorkeling and kayaking, we brought our own snorkeling equipment so cannot comment on that but the kayaking was fun and safe. Water is clean with lots of fishes (but quite depend on weather I suppose). Staff are friendly and attentive. There are one Western and one Chinese restaurants. We went to the Western one and it surprised us! The grilled fish fillet was amazing! Complimentary breakfast also served in here was so...
Rena
Reviewed November 20, 2017Reviewed November 20, 2017
How many resorts will I be able to find in Kota Kinabalu?
Choose from Expedia's 5 resort hotels in Kota Kinabalu, where you can enjoy a selection of great restaurants, fantastic guest rooms and more.
What is Kota Kinabalu like for a resort holiday?
Dreaming of a relaxing getaway? You deserve the comforts of a resort, where you can find everything you want for your stay—from tasty food and drink options to entertainment and shopping. Take a look at the 5 resorts in Kota Kinabalu and discover the best one for you, whether you envision yourself sitting down to fine dining or exploring the on-site boutiques.
What's a favourite resort in Kota Kinabalu?
The Magellan Sutera Resort - Luxury resort. Features a private beach, a golf course and a full-service spa. The Pacific Sutera Hotel - Luxury resort. Has 3 outdoor pools, a private beach and a golf course. Borneo Eagle Resort - Luxury resort. Enjoy the private beach, spa and a marina. Kasih Sayang Hill Resort - Amenities include a sauna, free self-parking and an area shuttle.
What can I do in Kota Kinabalu?
Travellers come to Kota Kinabalu for water sports such as swimming, and also love the shopping and other activities. Monuments like Atkinson Clock Tower and Petagas War Memorial are places where you can learn more about local history, while Centre Point and KK Plaza are shopping destinations. A few other attractions you may want to see are Kota Kinabalu Central Market and Gaya Street Sunday Market.
What's the weather like in Kota Kinabalu?
The hottest months are usually May and June, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December and October, with each month seeing an average of 251 mm of rainfall.
What's the best way to get to and around Kota Kinabalu?
Fly into Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), which is located 4 mi (6.5 km) from the city centre. To see more of the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Tanjung Aru Station or Putatan Station. You can find out about water transport options at the marina.