Gayana Eco Lodge

Sabah

Description and Location
Located on Gaya island, just 10 minutes by speedboat from the pier at Kota Kinabalu following 15 minutes transfer from the airport. All of the accommodation is grouped around the secluded bay with a dense forest backdrop. Gaya Island has no roads, just jungle  trekking paths, only three small boutique hotels ( Gayana, Bunga Raya and a new YTL property due to open late summer 2012  ) and an authentic fishing village on stilts. No shopping or organised nightlife, although Kota Kinabulu probably has a surprisingly good selection of mega shopping malls.

Accommodation
The 44 rooms are built on stilts in traditional Malay style, and either face the jungle, lagoon or are overwater. A recent addition has been the opening of several one bedroom luxury  suites, with glass floor viewing panel and plunge pool.

Facilities and Activities
Facilities include infinity pool, restaurant choice, sunset bar,  spa. Dive centre. A real highlight of the resort is the Marine Ecology Reserve, designed to create active awareness of the rich marine life beneath the sea. Gayana is the perfect place for snorkelling or diving adventures.

Chic Check – Sister hotel to Bunga Raya, Gayana has a more simple theme, reflected in the price, and offers an even more marine eco experience. There is a speedboat shuttle between the two resorts, takes about 10 minutes. As with Bunga Raya, you do need to be comfortable with a natural jungle backdrop. Choice of restaurant, with the seafood option particularly suggested. The immediate beach is rocky and small, but more expansive just to the right, plus of course you can take the shuttle to Bunga Raya where you can enjoy probably one of the best beaches in the region.

7 nights from £1498