Bungaraya Island Resort
Location
Part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island spans 1,465 hectares, with 20 kilometres of trails taking in mangroves, virgin rainforests, and pristine beaches with vibrant offshore coral reefs. Along the way, hikers spot wildlife ranging from wild boar to monitor lizards and macaques.
Easily accessed by boat, Gaya Island is the ideal place to unwind at the end of a multi-centre safari trip through the varied environments of Borneo.
Accommodation
At dawn, golden rays dance through pitched roofs and lush foliage, inviting you onto your private veranda, where the sea breeze mingles with the forest’s heartbeat. Select villas include private plunge pools on their balconies, where you can slip in for a quiet morning soak as the coastal paradise wakes.
Dining options include The Longhouse for buffet breakfasts and themed dinners, Kampung Kitchen for woodfire Malaysian dishes, and an intimate wine cellar for private tastings. As the sun sets, the beachfront lounge bar pours signature cocktails to pair with the gentle sound of waves. From meadow-like gardens to hidden coves along the shore, Bunga Raya blends laid-back luxury with the comfort of home.
Experiences
- Scuba dive with the resort’s PADI-certified centre to explore vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside sea turtles, clownfish, and even whale sharks.
- Visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), a place that aims to preserve the three crucial marine environments of Gaya Island: coral reefs, mangrove stands, and seagrass meadows.
- Join guided snorkelling sessions in the clear South China Sea, discovering colourful corals and schools of tropical fish.
- Borrow a hobie cat or kayak to explore the glistening waters and discover hidden coves amid tumbling forests.
- Take a stand-up paddleboard out at dawn, enjoying calm waters as the sun rises over Gaya Island.
- Trek the island’s lush forests on trails of varying lengths, including walks to Pulau Gaya lighthouse, secluded Hidden Beach, or a four-hour expedition linking Bungaraya to Gayana Marine Resort.
- Take a speedboat ride to Sapi Island Marine Park. In just 20 minutes, you’ll be snorkelling in this coral wonderland.
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Explore Borneo beyond the orangutans with private guides, immersive conservation experiences, and rare endemic wildlife. Discover pristine rainforests, helicopter perspectives, and remote lodges during an unforgettable and tailored luxury journey in Sabah.
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A lodge in an exceptional location that blends lowland rainforest with the mangroves and rivers of coastal Sabah, Utan Rainforest Lodge is blessed with an enormous range of Borneo’s most interesting animals, including orangutans, sun bears, pygmy elephants and the helmeted hornbill.
Meaning ’hibiscus flower’ in Malay, Bungaraya is as perfectly beautiful as its natural namesake. From its gorgeous infinity pool perched above crystal-clear tropical waters, to its luxurious longhouse-style villas, supreme relaxation is assured. There are also plenty of natural adventures to be had on Gaya Island, so there’s something for everyone.
Looking much as it did in the Cretaceous geological era, the forest that surrounds luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge contains a staggering diversity of rare and fascinating species.
Ideal for families, couples and nature lovers, this luxury yet sustainable lodge transforms your Borneo safari into an unforgettable adventure. With award-winning eco-luxe villas and immersive wildlife encounters in its pristine surroundings, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a blend of Bornean perfection.
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