Malaysia's Stunning Island Resort Is Perfect For A Relaxing Tropical Getaway

Malaysia is an astonishingly rich and diverse country, spread across a series of beautiful islands between Thailand and Indonesia. It is a fascinating blend of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, and is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. Malaysia, as a tourist destination, is a paradox — a country that is both incredibly popular and surprisingly underrated. Its vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a foodie heaven with some of the best food in the world, while spots like George Town, Malacca, and Penang are gorgeous and cultural, filled with amazing experiences and stunning natural beauty.

One thing that Malaysia does better than almost anywhere else in the world is paradise islands. It is one of the best places in the world for a tropical vacation for people who hate winter, and almost everywhere you turn, you'll find islands large and small with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and mountainous scenery just waiting to be discovered. From the tourist-friendly Langkawi and Perhentian Islands to the deep, dark rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, it's an amazing place for an island escape. One of the best places for a relaxing tropical getaway that remains well off the beaten track is the tiny island of Gaya, home to an incredible island resort that offers seclusion, remote beauty, and boutique luxury for adventurous travelers.

Gaya is situated off the coast of Sabah state on the northern tip of Borneo. Tucked away in a protected marine park, it is only accessible by boat, which has helped it maintain its castaway vibes. Getting there for most people means flying to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, on the mainland, then catching a ferry from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in the city.

Gaya Island Resort takes relaxation pretty seriously. Gaya is about as far from a party island as you can get, with very few bars and restaurants even in the small town on the island, Kampong Gaya. It is the ideal place for a digital detox, lazing away days by the pool, exploring the beaches of the island, and drinking in the views over the water to the dramatic peak of Mount Kinabalu in the distance.

The resort lies on the east coast of Gaya Island, nestled amidst the jungle greenery of the interior and overlooking a gorgeous, golden-sand beach. The cabins climb the hillside, almost hidden by trees and foliage, which adds to the stillness and natural beauty of the spot. Lying on the beach, you can almost imagine yourself alone on a deserted island, with nothing but the breeze, the palms, and the wild calls of monkeys to break your trance. The rooms themselves are luxuriously furnished, and the views over the bay make the slightly arduous climb to the highest cabins more than worth it.

At the foot of the hillside, just in front of the beach, lies the resort's exquisite infinity pool, surrounded by loungers and shaded cabanas. It is overlooked by a delightful bar, which is a fantastic spot for afternoon refreshments or sundowners. While the island itself might be light on places to eat, the resort boasts four spectacular and diverse eateries. These include a Japanese omakase, the laidback rooftop seafood restaurant of Fisherman's Cove, the opulent Feast Village serving up Asian fusion delicacies, and the remote delights of Tavajun Bay, a tiny beach restaurant hidden just a five-minute boat ride away.

While the main attraction of Gaya Island Resort is the chance to do absolutely nothing, there are also plenty of opportunities for more active forms of relaxation. The Spa Village is a short walk away from the main resort and offers an excellent selection of treatments and massages. There is also a wide array of organized activities to enjoy, from kayaking through the mangroves and jungle treks with in-house naturalists to evening open-air cinema screenings.

It is the perfect place for nature lovers, with the remarkable biodiversity of Borneo on full display. Monitor lizards, bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, and red giant flying squirrels are regular visitors to the resort, while the skies are filled with a huge variety of avian life, from boobook owls to oriental pied hornbills. There are two wonderful coral reefs just off the coast, making it a dream location for snorkelers, and you only have to swim a short distance to discover an electric underwater world just beneath the surface. The Gaya Resort has a team of naturalists on-site that aid in the conservation and protection of proboscis monkeys and other flora and fauna.