Bungaraya Island Resort

• Gaya island is only 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu but due to Bungaraya’s location, it boasts uninhibited views of the South China Sea’s azure waters and tropical rainforest. It feels like you’re a million miles away from civilisation. The long crescent, white sandy beach is perfect for a sunset walk or even a bit of wildlife spotting.
• Bungaraya is a boutique property with only 48 generously sized villas tucked into the rainforest. This gives a feeling of privacy and exclusivity.
• There are many dive sites within 15 minutes of the resort.

Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, nestled between dense rainforest and an azure sea, Bungaraya is secluded at its best. Bungaraya is the Malay name for Hibiscus and these along with a plethora of other flora and fauna can be found all over the island along with the resident wildlife which includes Hornbills, Monitor Lizards and Macaques. Each of the 48 generously sized villas has been handcrafted by local tradesmen from natural materials and has been built into the rainforest to blend naturally into their surroundings. This family-run hotel based on Gaya Island gives its guests the opportunity to indulge in nature by providing snorkelling and diving trails or trekking through the jungle to spot wildlife. If relaxation is on the agenda, then an indulgent spa treatment can be enjoyed, a swim in the infinity pool is a must with uninterrupted views of the ocean, or if wine is a passion, then a visit to the wine cellar can be taken where the cave houses over 4000 bottles of wine. Barefoot and informal, this intimate hideaway is the perfect end to a wildlife adventure in Borneo.

Sustainability

• Most of the food in both resort restaurants is homegrown on the family’s organic vegetable and fish farm.
• Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) is based onsite at the currently being restored Gayana. MERC is highly invested in preserving nature‘s underwater treasures. They champion in Giant Clam Propagation, Coral Reef Restoration and Environmental education. A portion of their room rates go towards this and they are expanding their dive centre where all profits will be contributed to MERC.