BORNEO, MALAYSIA
Gayana Marine Resort is located in a secluded cove of the Gayana island. The 52 villas with private balconies either have astonishing vistas of Mount Kinabalu or look out into the expanse of the South China Sea. I met a family staying at Jungle view villa who absolutely loved it because their children could watch lizards and monkeys. All the Villas are kitted out with Frette linens, organic Harnn bath amenities, powerful rain showers, and a mini-bar.
At the heart of the Gayana Resort is the Marine Ecology Research Centre, MERC, their environment protection project. With the help of guides at the MERC, you will get a chance to caressing species such as starfish, sea cucumber or hold between your hands the hard, curved protective shell of a horseshoe crab. You can also plant a coral fragment to regenerate a damaged reef. And learn interesting things about the marine species protect themselves against predators and survive.
Gayana Marine Resort’s PADI Certified Dive Centre allows divers of all skill levels to experience these underwater marvels, such as sea turtles, clownfish, coral fish, whale sharks, and many more vibrant species of marine life. For those not keen on diving can try snorkelling, non–motorised water sports available or perhaps take a canoe and paddle amongst the Mangroves, the nursery for many tropical fish. There are games and toys for children to keep them busy.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeDisabled FacilitiesFamily RoomGardenLibraryMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPrivate BeachRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWater SportsWi-Fi AvailableGayana Marine Resort BORNEO, MALAYSIA
Stay Gayana Marine Resort has 52 thatched-roof, stilted villas, made of local, durable hard wood. It offers jungle, mangrove, lagoon and sea views from their private decks. The Lagoon Villas have breath-taking view of the sea and the Resort. Mangrove Villas are perfect for those who want to enjoy sightings of wildlife such as hornbills. The spacious Rainforest Villas come with a large outdoor deck. The Ocean Villa, have a private balcony with direct access to the water. But if your focus is on the world below, book one of the new glass-floored palm villas.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Gayana Marine Resort, but there are no specific facilities available. Children upto 12 years stay free when sharing with adults without supplement of extra bed with up to a maximum of one child per villa. Children’s Menu is available and is subject to charges. Children below the age of 5 dine for free. For safety reason, children are not allowed in villas with plunge pool.
Dine The second-storey Latitude bar, built on stilts and open sided, is a perfect spot for sunset cocktails especially when the first drink is on the house. Try Alu Alu, resorts main restaurant, reputed to be the area’s best Chinese seafood restaurant. There is a great choice of seafood, fresh from the resort’s own organic fish farm. Located by the resort's swimming pool, Macac presents western fusion food with a distinctly Malaysian twist. Try their pizzas, made in the wood-fired oven.
Relax The Solace Spa draws on a combination of traditional Asian and western treatments with the world-renowned Kerstin Flovian line of products. Solace's trained team of therapists puts these materials to good use, applying them in a variety of massages, scrubs and facials.
Experience Gayana's PADI Certified Dive Centre allows divers of all skill levels to experience these underwater marvels, such as sea turtles, clownfish, coral fish, whale sharks, and many more vibrant species of marine life. For those not keen on diving can try snorkelling, non –motorised water sports available or perhaps take a canoe and paddle amongst the Mangroves, the nursery for many tropical fish.
Location Gayana Marine 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 Gayana Marine Resort. 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.
Destination
Western, Borneo
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