A view of the Floating Club House at Gaya Island.
KOTA KINABALU: The unique Floating Club House @ Gaya Island, with a capacity of 110 people at any one time, has emerged as a new tourism offering, the first of its kind in Sabah.
Uniquely built atop the sea, this innovative facility combines sustainable design with luxurious amenities. It offers thoughtfully curated spaces for relaxation, scenic appreciation, dining and leisure, thus creating a new benchmark for marine-based tourism experiences in Sabah.
Its establishment by Lazy Cat International Travel Service Co Ltd, as the latest visionary addition to its portfolio, is a milestone marking yet another significant step forward in the evolution of Sabah’s tourism offerings.
Speaking to reporters after officially launching the Floating Club House @ Gaya Island today, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew described the structure, which took one year to complete, as a new tourism product for Sabah.
“It exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors in elevating high-value tourism in our state.
“With this new tourist destination, I hope more tourists from China, Korea, Japan and other parts of the world will be drawn to Sabah. I understand that a similar facility is on the cards for Kota Kinabalu,” said Liew.
Liew, flanked by Pan (on her left) and Zhao, unveiling a plaque to mark the official launching of the Floating Club House at Gaya Island.
Earlier in her opening address, the Minister said as global travellers increasingly seek premium, immersive experiences, Sabah continues to attract forward-thinking investors who are redefining our natural assets into exceptional and distinctive tourism products.
“Among them, Lazy Cat International Travel Service Co Ltd has emerged as a key contributor to this transformation. Lazy Cat’s commitment to Sabah is substantial and multi-faceted.
“From curating a fleet of luxury yachts for island-hopping and sunset cruises to investing in food and beverage, and cultural tourism ventures, their presence has brought vibrancy to our visitor economy,” she added.
Noting that Lazy Cat’s local subsidiary, Cheetah Transportation Sdn Bhd, plays a critical role in implementing these initiatives, she stressed that its contribution enhances Sabah’s marine transportation services and reinforces the infrastructure that supports marine tourism across the state.
“As the Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, I fully support and encourage bold, sustainable, and locally inclusive tourism development. We look forward to seeing more companies like Lazy Cat and Cheetah Transportation bring their ideas, commitment, and investments to Sabah, growing together with our communities in a spirit of shared success.
“On behalf of the Sabah Government, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere appreciation to Lazy Cat, Cheetah Transportation Sdn Bhd, and all their partners involved in this outstanding project,” said Liew.
Liew (seated, middle) with the host, company officials and other guests on board the Floating Club House at Gaya Island.
The Minister also disclosed that Lazy Cat International Travel Service Co. Ltd is currently working with local partners on a major integrated tourism development project in Semporna, saying this endeavour will further reinforce Sabah’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Liew was taken on a guided tour of the Floating Club House by the Lazy Cat Chairman Zhao Jun.
“It is the natural beauty of Sabah’s offshore islands that inspired me to build the facility at Pulau Gaya,” he said.
Cheetah Transportation Sdn Bhd Director Eric Yong said his company provides a luxury yacht with a capacity of 35 (which was built in China) to ferry visitors and tourists to the Floating Club House daily from now on.
Among the guests were Sabah Tourism Board Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan, Malaysian Tourism Federation President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Chairman Ken Pan Ying On, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd CEO Thonny Chee, Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd CEO Remysta Jimmy Taylor and Liew’s Political Secretary Vivien Lee Mee Peng.
