The accommodation at Bungaraya Island Resort is superb, luxurious and spacious, with a fantastic jungle and soft sand beach setting.
Like its sister hotel Gayana, Bungaraya Island Resort is located on Gaya Island, but on the opposite coastline. The setting is wonderfully natural, with all of the accommodation set on the hillside looking down over a totally ‘private’ soft sand beach.
A 25-minute speedboat ride from the pier at Kota Kinabalu, with each minute taking you away from big-city development to something totally at one with nature.
“Bunga Raya” means hibiscus in the Malay language.
Bungaraya’s 47 villas are all stunningly designed, with dark wood floors and terracing, and subtle lighting that perfectly adds to the romance of the resort.
All of the villas are sea-facing (see note below), through jungle gardens and have been recently enhanced with brighter more contemporary interiors. Incredibly spacious starting at 70sqm, with a choice of Superior Rooms and even larger Deluxe Rooms with integrated living space. Both of which are dotted around the hillside. They are sea-facing, rather than sea view due to the jungle foliage.
There are Deluxe Rooms with plunge pool located close to the beach. You have an elevated Tree House which has Deluxe Rooms with a jacuzzi or plunge pool. The Tree House offers fantastic views overlooking the resort.
In addition, you have a few Two and Three Bedroom Family Villas.
Non-motorised water sports
Dive centre located at Gayana.
The island has a lush dense jungle interior and a selection of treks can be arranged with a guide. These include jungle canopy walks along swing bridges high above the trees.
Attractive spa.
Swimming pool.
Restaurant options.
In addition to the restaurants within Bungaraya, you can use the facilities at the Gayana where you will find a particularly good seafood option – a regular evening shuttle operates.
The Bungaraya Island Resort is one of the most impressive resorts in the region.
Romantic and secluded, no shops or nightlife. However, Kota Kinabalu, with its surprising selection of mega-mall shopping, is just a short speedboat ride away.
The accommodation is superb, luxurious and spacious, with a fantastic jungle and soft sand beach setting. The recent enhancements to the restaurants and main pool are especially pleasing. If budget allows, choose the Deluxe Villas with plunge pool for that extra sense of romance.
We are impressed with the superb beach, the dense jungle backdrop and the overall quality and the spacious rooms. As with most Hide & Chic Retreats, compatible company can be important.
The resort does accept families with curious independent children but there are no specific facilities other than what nature provided.
As the resort takes full advantage of the natural jungle setting, you do have to be comfortable with nature and reasonably mobile.
Note – As Gayana Island is a national forest reserve, the hotel cannot use insecticides to control local insects. As such, you do need to comfortable with the reality of being at one with nature. You can, of course, carry your own spray for personal use.
Bungaraya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia
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