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GAYA ISLAND, BORNEO
Situated on Pulau Gaya, a coral reef island just off the coast of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, Bungaraya Island Resort offers luxurious private-pool-villas. The boutique style resort is a tropical-paradise with no cars, towns or villages but the South China Sea, crashing against the resort's private white sand beach. Boasting stunning villas and infinity pools, an excellent spa and relaxed atmosphere, Bunga Raya is the ideal destination for rest and recreation after your Borneo adventure.
The Bungaraya Island Resort has 47 timbered villas, tucked into the hillside rainforest. Built in Borneo’s simplistic architectural style they are carefully blended with sublime modernism. Luxurious and yet not ostentatious, they reflect the Malaysian characteristics of humility and respect. The result is a beautiful experience of a tropical rainforest and beach. For those who wish to splash out can book the unique two-story hilltop retreat with jaw-dropping views of the South China Sea.
There is much to spoil you here, take for instance there is a spa, Jacuzzi, plunge pool and an outdoor swimming pool. Additionally, there are motorised and non-motorised water sports and opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. The PADI certified dive centre is fully equipped to address the needs of both the novice and experienced diver. If you get tired of the water, you can take a trek into the jungle and explore the verdant beauty beyond the beach.
Amenities
Bungaraya Island Resort GAYA ISLAND, BORNEO
Stay Bungaraya Island Resort & Spa has 48 private villas. These are six types of Villas and Suites and a Royal Suite. Superior Villas are scattered throughout the hillside and have a mix of jungle and ocean views. The spacious Deluxe Villas have a separate living room and an additional living room. Plunge Pool Villas have their own private pool overlooking the beach and sea. The two Treehouse Villas, hidden in the trees, are ideal for honeymooners and come with an intimate outdoor Jacuzzi or private plunge pool.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at Bungaraya Island Resort & Spa. The two and three-bedroom suites are an ideal choice of accommodation if you are travelling with your family. There is a children’s pool area offering swimming lessons for children. For older children gaming system: Nintendo® Wii™ is available. Children’s menus available and have their extended/early dining hours. Babysitting services are available. For safety reasons, children are not allowed in villas with plunge pool.
Dine The Pantai Grill restaurant, set on the oceanfront is brilliant when the sea is calm and romantic to sit outside. ‘The Koi’ with an ocean view on one side and waterfall on the other is Bunga Raya Island Resort’s main restaurant. If you love wine, visit ‘The Gua’ or the Cave, with the largest wine selection in the region. Also visit Gayana (Banga Raya’s sister resort), 10 min by speed boat and eat in one of their fabulous restaurants.
Relax Bungaraya Island Resort has a beautiful jungle spa, where each pavilion is entwined in the boulders and jungle of the island. It offers a blend of the finest traditional Asian and Western treatments using oils and ingredients from Kerstin Florian line of products. Pamper yourself with a massage, scrub and facial delivered by our skilled therapists. There is also a jacuzzi, plunge pool and an outdoor swimming pool.
Experience Take a tour to the Bungaraya Island Resort’s Marine Ecology Research Centre which is doing great work in preserving the marine environment. You will be able to hold starfish or sea urchins and see sharks up close and learn how the damaged reefs are restored. Later, take a walking tour that goes over 5 hanging bridges. Water sports include snorkelling and diving, kayak, paddleboat and paddle board. In motorised they have jetskis, parasailing and banana boats.
Location Bungaraya Resort is located on Gaya Island, a pristine coral reef island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo.
Getting There International flights arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. A 15 minutes’ drive from the airport will take you to Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and from there, it's a 30-minute boat out to Bunga Raya. The boat schedules are fixed during the day to ensure that your flight fits well with the departure time.
When to go A good time to travel to Borneo is between March and September/October, even though Southwest monsoon brings in short burst of showers between May to July. Showers usually occur on the upper slopes in the afternoon while Mount Kinabalu has its own climate. The driest season runs from April to October but even during this season, a good raincoat is a must. The heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January and the lowest in between February and April.
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