Gayana Marine Resort

Pulau Gaya, Malaysia

9 Luxury
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About the Hotel

A place unlike most others in the world, Gayana Marina Resort - part of the Lifestyle collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – is serenely situated on a lush tropical island just off the coast of Borneo. This enchanting Malaysian destination strives above all else to protect and regenerate the precious marine ecology that surrounds it, but in doing so has created an epically alluring retreat. Its accommodations are set in 52 overwater villas, designed specifically to capture the best of the azure sea below and emerald jungle vistas above. This is the only such property to feature its own on-site Marine Ecology Research Center, working with endangered species and natural coral reefs and allowing guests to participate in further propagating this beautiful local life. As for your stay, suites feature oversize showers, individually controlled air-conditioning, and complimentary bottled drinking water plus the necessary modern amenities like wireless internet access and a flat-panel television to keep you as connected as you please.

Location

Gayana Marine Resort
Gaya Island
Pulau Gaya, Malaysia 88778

Nearest Airport: BKI

Features and Amenities

  • General Information
  • Ecologically Sustainable Practices
  • Dining
  • Bar & Lounge
  • Restaurants
  • On-Site Amenities
  • Spa on Property
  • In-Room Amenities
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Activities
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Ecological Excursions
  • Canoeing
  • Sightseeing
  • Nearby
  • Beaches
  • Market
  • Interests
  • Beach
  • Eco Friendly / Sustainable
  • Overwater Bungalows

Reviews for Gayana Marine Resort

Absolutely not a 5 star resort

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 6 days ago

My experience at this resort was the worst experience I ever had. Upon arrival as we walked towards our cabin, the first thing you notice is a foul smell coming from the water. Our second day when we went to swim we encountered a fair amount of garbage in the water, things from old Shampoo bottles to used shaving kits, napkins etc. Their only entertainment room was closed and their excuse to this was "maintenance" but there was nobody in the room performing maintenance duties, therr was no "spa" services, all you had was water and kayaking. However this was the least of it, during our checkout process, they charged my boyfriend for a "docking" fee because we booked scuba diving with a different company and not them. We were NEVER made aware of this Docking fee, our boat didn't even park at the dock they just picked us up and dropped us off. We were also never aware of their scuba diving services because THEY DON'T ADVERTISE IT ON GOOGLE. Their argument for this fee was "because they didn't know we booked with a different company", so what? Can't we come and go as we please? Why do we have to pay you in order to leave the resort? People are going to want to leave at some point during the stay because they don't have a variety of activities for their guests. We had the unpleasant chance to speak to Mr. KARL SIMS who is the resort manager and he had to be the RUDEST business manager we ever encountered. From the beginning as we were trying to explain to him the situation from our end, he kept interrupting and dominating the conversation by raising his voice which portrays some seriously poor customer service skills as well as a Lack of manners towards customers. DO NOT VISIT this resort.

Lucky B


Worst resort experience I've ever had

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 6 days ago

Horrible experience right from the start! Poor communication and lack of provided information. They lied to us saying, that they only provide ferry ride to the resort once a day and we have to pay 250 for one way. Later we found out ferry goes 3 times a day. Upon arrival we noticed that resort has lots of garbage in the water , sewage smell by houses , outdated rooms, not maintained deck that looks horrible in person. It is not 5 Star resort whatsoever! At the check out we got more proof that this resort should be avoided completely. Apparently they will charge you 250 every time you leave and come back! They don't tell you that when you book, or when you check in. Separate shout out to worst manager I have ever encountered, that guy will cost this resort a lot of money and I hope he will get fired . Karl Sims, absolutely rude , inconsiderate, unprofessional. Raises voice and interrupts as you raise your concerns. Hope owners of the hotel will see this and fix issues and get rid of that manager , that other guests had issues with too. Honest opinion: do not stay at that resort Absolutely not worth it

Departure44372421532


A full review about the island, activities, wildlife and what to expect.

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 1 month ago

Absolutely beautiful Island Resort; when you arrive the owner gives you a good rundown of what the island is about and what they expect of you when you stay; this includes topics and questions about the wildlife in the area and what to expect; do not leave food in your rooms or outside because the monkeys WILL get to the food and this can make them sick. This is an eco resort so they are all about conserving water and they want to eliminate rubbish. You are not allowed to bring in food either and this is not only about rubbish; but also about the wildlife in the area. I stayed in an overwater Bungalow and I feel like this was the best type of accommodation on the island because you can just jump off your balcony into the water and do a range of water activities and they are all free! You can hire kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle-boards etc, to see the amazing reef right on your doorstep “literally” They also are conservationists on the island and have a coral growing tour that you can go to free of charge too! My reason why I only gave the resort 4/5 stars is because the rubbish on the island in the water from the mainland is such a problem and it can get in your way when your doing activities! My group literally spent four hours picking up rubbish for the resort we picked up about 15 big black rubbish bags full of rubbish!; And I really think the staff need to be making more of an effort on doing this everyday. I was disappointed they didn’t even help us. My final point is please be aware of the “Jelly Bugs” you can’t see them and they are mini jellyfish and I had a reaction to them and my face was swollen so people that are prone to allergies please take multi epi—pens if you are on of those people because if you react to them your a long way from the mainland. But I would highly recommend staying here! It’s a stunning place and absolutely beautiful! I know this is a long review but I believe the more people know the better decision they can make about staying here! Enjoy your stay!

Jacob M


Please - do not let guest destroy the reef. It happens every day.

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 2 months ago

The resort and specially the waterfront villa's are great and highly recommenced. We had beside below comment a wonderful time. But - I do not understand how you can position the resort as Marine Eco park and accept en do nothing that the entire day the guest in front of the villa's destroy the coral. Your resort will not have a reef in a few years time if you keep accepting that al kinds of guest stand on the coral. In the 3 days we saw about 20 people standing (and so destroying) the coral. We called and talked to the water center, the reception and the restaurant people to get people out of the water and warn them not to stand on the coral - but NOTHING was done. I had so many tears in my eyes while your resort is destroying all reef and coral in front of the water villa. Please: - put a daily Gard at daylight time to watch over the bay so nobody will stand on the reef / coral - put signs in the rooms to remind people if they stand on the reef / coral it will be dead - remove guest out of the resort if they stand on the coral.

mariettehamer - Blaricum, The Netherlands


Expensive but good

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 2 months ago

Would be 5 stars if it was not so expensive. The staff were uniformly excellent. The stay was very good. The restaurant serves good food. However, the swimming pool really needs a retiling for safety reasons. An expert in these matters should take a good look. Cottages were very good.

Lankylee - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia


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