Situated on Pulau Gaya (Gaya Island), just off the coast of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a luxurious and laid back property. Boasting stunning accommodation and a beautiful location on a white sand beach with a rainforest backdrop, Bunga Raya is the ideal spot to end your adventures in the wilds of Borneo.
Each villa has been hand crafted by local tradesmen. Terraced into the hillside, the design reflects traditional Bornean architecture, with local timber and simple but stylish soft furnishings, all blending seamlessly with sophisticated modern comforts. Private balconies offer wonderful vistas of the beach below and the South China Sea beyond.
Bunga Raya boasts some fantastic dining options, including the Pantai Restaurant and Bar with its laid back, beachfront setting, the Longhouse, an alfresco restaurant serving authentic local cuisine and The Longhouse Wine Cellar offering the largest wine selection in the region; there is something to suit every taste.
The resort has a large infinity pool with stunning views and a beautiful jungle spa, where each pavilion is entwined amongst the natural boulders and rainforest. For those feeling adventurous, there is a zipline through the rainforest. It is also possible to explore the local area with a guided jungle and mangrove walk, looking out for the amazing flora and fauna that cover the island, from tropical hardwood trees and forest flowers to hornbills, monkeys and lizards.
There is also plenty to see and do on the beach and in the sea. There are non-motorised watersports such as kayaking and hobie-cat sailing, and there is great diving and snorkelling on the reefs that surround the island. The PADI Certified Dive Centre, located at the resort's nearby sister property, is fully equipped to address the needs of both the novice and experienced diver, and the local waters are home to a myriad of species, from sea turtles, giant groupers and clown fish to colourful corals, trigger fish and occasionally the majestic whale shark. The nearby Marine Ecology Research Centre is a must-visit for those interested in the underwater ecology of the area, where you are able to actively participate in restoring the vibrant life back into the ocean, with their coral and Giant Clam projects.
