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Exploring Borneo

Gaya Island Hotels

For many visitors to Borneo, a few nights on Gaya Island is the 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, snorkeling, 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, but with each one offering something different, choosing one is a challenge.

Marbree, our Borneo expert, has spent time checking out all three and shares her thoughts on the best hotel on Gaya Island based on what you’re seeking.

The Short Summary of Gaya Island Hotels

For honeymooners and anyone wanting an exclusive beach getaway, Bungaraya is the way to go. If your idea of a beach holiday involves being active, 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 Resort 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. If you’re thinking of a trip to Borneo or want to include a stay at any of these hotels, give Marbree a ring at (UK) 0207 112 0019 or email borneo@fleewinter.com.

Gaya Island Resort

The largest of the three resorts and only 15-minutes from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort offers some of 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 the best 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.

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. Click here to learn more about Gaya Island Resort.

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 anyone with something to celebrate.

Buggy service is available to get around the property but many of the bungalows are accessed by stairs which makes for great views but maybe not so fun after a few cocktails. All are handcrafted with local materials and textiles showcasing Borneo’s rich textures. Every room has a balcony or terrace, nearly all with sea views.

Inside, most villas look the same 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 Bunga Raya 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. 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 Resort, and snorkel there. At times, you may see people walking the paths and stopping for photos. These may be fellow guests or they could be day-visitors who have come to snorkel, relax on the beach, and otherwise enjoy the beauty of Bungaraya. For the most part, 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. Click here to learn more about Bungaraya Island Resort.

Gayana Marine Resort

One of our favourite parts of this resort is the Marine Ecology Research Centre but even without a beach, the resort has a few good 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.

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. 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. Click here to learn more about Gayana Marine Resort.

Kota Kinabalu
An easy city to see on foot, Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Sabah. Hop a ferry to the islands, relax by the beach north of the city, tuck into a meal at the night market, and settle into the easy pace of Sabahan life. More
Tip of Borneo
Empty beaches, clear water, and fantastic villas perfect for those looking to get away from it all. The Tip of Borneo is a quiet place for a self-drive holiday from Kota Kinabalu. A longhouse homestay, traditional villages, and a jungle home to proboscis monkeys are easy day visits. Snorkel, dive, kayak, trek, bicycle, or simply sit by the water. More
Mount Kinabalu
The highest mountain in Southeast Asia offers more than an incredible hike. With multiple mountain environments and climate zones, Kinabalu Park hosts more than 300 bird species and 5,000 flowering plants including the large rafflesia. For those up for the challenge, climbing Mount Kinabalu is an unforgettable overnight hike to see the sunrise at 4,095 meters. More
Sipadan
Considered by many one of the top dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island has coral-covered walls dropping well below recreational limits. Sharks, turtles, and schools of fish that number in the thousands are routinely seen by divers and snorkelers. Only 120 visitors are allowed per day so we recommend staying on nearby Mabul and diving its macro-rich waters on your non-Sipadan days. More
Danum Valley
The largest piece of preserved virgin rainforest in Malaysia sits within the Danum Valley Conservation Area. This remote jungle hosts a magnificent array of wildlife from the largest in the region to some of the smallest. Sun bears, orangutans, clouded leopards, wild cattle, Sumatran rhino, horned frogs, flying frogs, flying squirrels, the list goes on. Previously only accessible to researchers, campers, and those with a very high budget, we've found a lodge that gets you close to the action without the hefty price tag. More
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Bornean gibbons, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and a few of the nearly extinct Sumatran rhinoceros are protected within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. A stay here will have you trekking to a mud volcano and a waterfall, looking for birds and nocturnal creatures on night walks and drives, and if you're lucky, getting a peek at some of Borneo's incredible wildlife. More
Kinabatangan River
A trip down the Kinabatangan River to Sukau is an almost guaranteed way to see proboscis monkeys in the wild. These unique monkeys are endemic to Borneo and line the protected river corridor. Wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, silver leaf langurs, macaques, crocodiles, kingfishers, hornbills, owls, civets, and an array of other wildlife can be spotted in the region. Fireflies light up near Abai and the Gomantong Caves boast a bat population in the millions. Nearby Sepilok is the home to an Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both worth a visit. More
Brunei
The nation of Brunei Darussalam sits between the two states of Malaysian Borneo. Its capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, reveals the country's wealth with lavish mosques, gold towers, and carefully groomed outdoor spaces. People are friendly and when the sun sets the country's name, abode of peace, makes perfect sense. More
Kuching
Built along the Sarawak River, Kuching makes a lovely base for exploring western Borneo. Architecturally interesting with Malay, Chinese, Indian, Muslim, British, and other influences apparent, the city is pleasant to walk around and easy to navigate. Nearby Bako National Park and Semenggoh Nature Reserve are great places to see wild proboscis monkeys and semi-wild orangutans. Each can be visited on a day trip from Kuching although spending a night in Bako is well worth it. More
Mulu National Park
The caves of Mulu are some of the largest in the world and the only ways to get there are on foot or by plane. This remote rainforest is full of walking trails and caves, the latter of which can only be visited with a guide for safety reasons. For the adventurous, serious trekking options exist and for the comfort-seekers, a lovely little resort sits just outside the National Park. More
Batang Ai
Traditional culture is alive and well in Batang Ai where the Iban people still live in communal longhouses. No longer feared headhunters, the Iban have incorporated touches of modernity into their traditional way of life. Trek through the park in search of wild orangutans, walk through the canopy looking for birds, sit down with an Iban chief to learn about their culture, or just look out over the many waters for which the region is named.
Caves of Niah
With evidence of human habitation dating back more than 40,000 years, the Niah caves are a fascinating and beautiful area that can be explored on a day visit from Miri. See etchings on the wall of Painted Cave, traditional ladders for those collecting the nests of swiftlets, and huge caverns as you walk the boards and visit the small museum.
Maliau Basin
The "lost world" of Sabah, the Maliau Basin is a naturally enclosed basin drained by tributaries of the Maliau River. A multi-day trek in this dense rainforest is a challenging and rewarding way to get up close and personal with an extremely wide array of plants and animals. More

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