For many visitors to Borneo, a few nights on Gaya Island is an ideal end to the trip. A short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, the island is covered in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs and clear water. Walking trails, beaches, snorkelling, and some of the best resorts in Borneo: it’s a lovely place to sit down with a good book or a cocktail. Maybe both. There are only three hotels on the island, each one offering something different in its own part of the island so choosing one is a challenge. Having spent time at all three, here’s my guide to help you pick the best hotel for your holiday.
The very short summary:
For honeymooners and anyone wanting an exclusive beach getaway, Bungaraya is the way to go. You can choose whether to be active or to sit back and bask in the beauty of it. If your idea of a beach holiday involves a fair amount of activity, learning something new, or a tranquil oasis of a spa, Gaya Island Resort is the better choice. If you don’t need a beach but want great snorkelling and diving plus entry into the water from your own balcony, Gayana Marine is for you. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these hotels. All are luxurious, offer excellent service, and provide a fabulous end to a Borneo holiday.
Bungaraya Island Resort
The smallest of the three, Bungaraya has 48 villas built into the side of a hill. Ideal for those looking to get away from it all and relax in luxury, this is our top recommendation for honeymooners and those eager to escape the madding crowds.
Every villa has a balcony or terrace, nearly all with sea views and each is handcrafted with local materials and textiles showcasing Borneo’s rich textures so there’s no feel of an impersonal resort around here! Inside, most villas look similar but location on the hill and other features make for a different experience. The two treehouse villas have the most privacy and are far from the rest of the resort. One has a plunge pool and the other an outdoor tub. There are bigger options that also provide a good deal of privacy including two and three bedroom villas plus the incredibly posh Royal Villa. That one has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, a designated chef and butler, an infinity pool, and a private beach.
Plunge pool villas are nice but many feel a tad exposed as neighbors can easily look over and watch you sunbathing or swimming. There are a few hidden among the trees so if you book with us as part of your trip to Borneo we’ll try to score you one of those.
The infinity pool is divine and the beach has plenty of shady spots if you’d rather not crisp your skin under the equatorial sun. The spa’s offerings and treatment villas have all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury boutique resort. The folks behind Bungaraya really tried to respect the natural landscape when they built this place which means, in the case of one spa treatment villa, a rock jutting through the shower wall.
The villas are spread out which increases the feeling of exclusivity. Getting around on foot is an option and the staff will collect you in a buggy to ferry you around the property at any time. Many of the bungalows are accessed by stairs which makes for great views but maybe not so fun after a few cocktails. One of the best wine cellars in Borneo is at Bungaraya and if you ask the staff, you might be able to check it out yourself.
This resort is a 45-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu and is tucked away in a private bay. There are no places to eat other than the two restaurants of the resort. Guided walks – including one to a zipline – are available as are kayaks and snorkelling gear. There isn’t as much to see in this bay as there is where the other two hotels are located but you can get a ride over to their sister property, Gayana Marine, and snorkel there. Pre-pandemic, you could see people walking the paths and stopping for photo, day-visitors who came to snorkel, relax on the beach, and otherwise enjoy the beauty of Bungaraya. These days, it seems to be just the guests and the resort feels exclusive because it is.
Who is Bungaraya best for?
Those who want to get away from it all, lovers of private pools (pick the treehouse villa for true privacy), anyone wanting a romantic and exclusive bit of luxury at the end of their holiday.
Gaya Island Resort
The largest of the three resorts and only 15-minutes from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort offers the best value of the three options. The luxurious villas are huge, all with private verandahs or balconies, there are multiple dining options, the beaches are excellent, the options for keeping busy or relaxing are numerous, and the service is incredible. On top of that, we often have special offers to help bring the cost down.
The resort sprawls across a gentle hill and the only way to get around is on foot so if you’ve just climbed Mount Kinabalu, this might not be your top pick. Aside from the two-bedroom Suria Suite, the villas are all quite similar inside but differ in location and view. All have massive closets and bathrooms, a private verandah or balcony, and feel supremely decadent. If you don’t mind a bit of a walk to the pool, beach, and breakfast, the Kinabalu Villas are the best choice as they have killer views. You’re also closer to the spa and the Wildlife Centre.
The spa offers all the things you’d expect but also meditation classes and a yahai pupuan workout – a combination of qi gong, breathing techniques, and movement inspired by nature. The Wildlife Centre has a knowledgeable staff who guide regular walks through the rainforest and put on other educational experiences. If it’s ocean life that interests you, stop by for a chat with the resident marine biologist. The roster of weekly activities is substantial and includes a number of kid-friendly options like movie nights and bracelet making. Snorkelling, diving, and fishing excursions are available and you can swim and snorkel right off the beach.
As with all of the Gaya Island hotels, eating options are limited to the resort unless you want to pay for a boat ride back to Kota Kinabalu. GIR has multiple restaurants including the adults-only Fishermen’s Cove. The buffets at Feast Village are huge and if you have dietary restrictions, don’t be surprised if one of the chefs checks in on you to be sure you have enough choice. A full board package is available although unless you like multi-course meals more than once a day, we don’t think it’s a particularly good value.
So who is Gaya Island Resort best for?
Those who want activities in addition to beach or pool time, families, seekers of luxury, lovers of wellness offerings, anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of walking to get around the resort, and foodies.
Gayana Marine
It may not have a beach yet this resort has some great things going for it. The villas are built over the water and some offer direct access into the ocean below. Meaning you can sunbathe on your balcony and slip into the South China Sea whenever you wish. Set across the bay from Gaya Island Resort, the hotel is a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The resort got a facelift during the pandemic years so much feels fresh and new.
There are a few elements to Gayana Marine that set it apart from the other resorts. First, there’s no beach. If you don’t like sand finding its way into your luggage and you’re just as happy by the pool or catching some rays on your balcony, then Gayana is a great choice for a little seaside relaxation. Second, the villas are quite close to one another. Each offers a great deal of space within and the Palm Villas, located at the end of the row, provide plenty of privacy and luxury complete with plunge pools and ladders into the sea.
The villas are big, comfortable, and built with materials and techniques designed to minimize harm to the environment. Some have glass panels in the floor so you can watch the fish below. Above the spa is a great bar for catching the sunset with happy hour specials. At one of two restaurants, you can select your own seafood from the tanks.
Gayana Marine is home to the Marine Ecology Research Centre and this is one of my favourite parts of the hotel. With marine biologists and help from students and guests, the centre is replanting coral, restocking the waters with giant clams, and educating visitors about the ecosystem. If you plant a piece of coral, you’ll get regular updates by email marking its growth. It’s a great way to help the environment and to remember the holiday after it’s over.
Who is Gayana Marine best for?
Anyone who loves entering the ocean from their own balcony, wants easy access to great snorkelling and diving, is interested in learning about marine conservation, and doesn’t want sand in their shoes.
Written by Marbree Sullivan
Top Travel Tip
“At least once in every journey, travel by local transport. Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had have occurred in the back of jeepneys, trucks, and in the passenger seats of tricycles and tuk-tuks. You’ll gain insight into daily life and see your destination the way locals do.” Marbree – Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and Cayman Islands Specialist
