by Zawani Abdul Ghani
Photo: Gaya Island Resort
Sustainability and eco-tourism have become the golden tickets in travel marketing, hailed as essential for any modern resort. But as these terms gain traction, they often risk becoming little more than checkboxes — buzzwords to boost brand image without meaningful action behind them.
In an industry where phrases like “green” and “conservation” are tossed around liberally, the line between genuine commitment and clever marketing can blur, leaving travellers questioning the authenticity of these promises.
The way of Gaya
Yet, when done right, eco-tourism has the power to transform both travel experiences and the environment. Gaya Island Resort in Sabah, Malaysia, is one such place that balances luxury with a deep-rooted commitment to nature. The resort is nestled within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and goes beyond surface-level sustainability.
An overview of the resort. (Photo: Gaya Island Resort)
With 121 beautifully designed villas, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in stunning views of lush rainforests, mangroves, and the South China Sea.
Marine Centre. (Photo: Gaya Island Resort)
For example, one way guests can get involved in marine conservation here is to participate in coral reef restoration via coral planting sessions. These sessions educate guests on how vital corals are to sustaining marine life and how global warming has affected them.
Guests can then plant their own propagated coral in a large tank specially designed to allow these corals to mature before being relocated to the sea. Of course, no eco-resort is complete without a few heartwarming animal stories, and the resort has its share.
Here, eco-tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s embedded in the fabric of the guest experience.
One of Mayback’s significant and more recent projects is rehabilitating Covid, an endearing and befitting name for an injured sea turtle discovered floating off Gaya Island’s shores in early 2020. Having suffered a fractured carapace (the hard upper shell) after being struck by a boat, Covid was unable to sink to depths to feed as a result of floating syndrome.
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It has been almost four years, and with consistent rehabilitation — with the aid of a sea cage and dive weights — Covid showed promising recovery. On August 31, which marks Malaysia’s National Day, Covid was released into the wild.
On land, Justin Juhun, the resident naturalist, leads guided nature walks through Borneo’s rainforests, offering guests insights into local wildlife. Raised amidst wildlife conservation, Juhun’s deep knowledge of the island’s flora and fauna makes each walk a memorable learning experience, enhancing guests’ appreciation for Gaya Island’s natural beauty.
Fun fact: He formed part of the resort’s founding team and played a significant role in creating trails around the resort. These trails allow guests to get up close to diverse wildlife and collect data on the fauna on the island.
Proboscis monkeys. (Photo: Gaya Island Resort)
One such creature guests can try to spot is Yoma, an orphaned red giant flying squirrel found in late 2023. The team set up a nesting box high in the trees for Yoma, during which she fed on milk thrice a day before moving on to a staple diet of vegetables.
Over 100 days, she grew bigger and more curious, showing positive signs of independence and adulthood.
It’s luxury without losing sight of nature.
Additionally, since 2012, Gaya Island Resort has partnered with Sabah Parks and the Sabah Wildlife Department to support the rescue and relocation of displaced proboscis monkeys. Through careful translocation initiatives, they’ve worked tirelessly to protect these endangered species and help restore balance to their natural habitats — a cause close to the resort’s heart.
Honouring our Mother (Nature)
After spending productive hours in nature, a visit to the Spa Village beckons. Here, it isn’t just about pampering but about grounding guests in Borneo’s natural and cultural riches. Nestled in mangroves, the treatments tap into Sabah’s indigenous wisdom, using ingredients like rice, seaweed, and Sabah pearls.
One of Spa Village’s treatment rooms. (Photo: Gaya Island Resort)
The Tadau Kaamatan treatment honours the region’s harvest festival with rice scrubs and soothing massages, while Deru Laut harnesses the Bajau sea nomads’ ocean-inspired rituals.
But what sets it apart is how these treatments tie into the resort’s broader ecotourism ethos. Focusing on local, sustainable ingredients means every treatment supports the environment you’re enjoying. It’s luxury without losing sight of nature.
Here, tapping into and embracing nature isn’t a gimmick or a quick way to earn travellers’ approval; it’s an ethos woven into every aspect of the guest experience. From saving sea turtles to honouring Sabah’s indigenous healing traditions, the resort showcases how luxury and sustainability coexist without compromise, offering guests the chance to connect with the world around them in meaningful, lasting ways.
In a time when authentic eco-tourism feels rare, Gaya Island Resort shows how it’s done and why it matters.
