ANTHIA CHNG reviews two island resorts in Sabah, where the rainforest meets the sea in spectacular fashion. Malaysia is an excellent destination for those seeking a short break from Singapore. Indeed, it is ideal for individuals who wish to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, there are various outdoor activities, options suitable for children, and environmentally-friendly elements to explore. Therefore, continue reading to discover more!
Bungaraya Island Resort
Crystal clear waters and pristine beaches define Gaya Island, just off the Borneo coast. The eco-friendly island resorts in Sabah host a handful of upscale resorts, including the secluded Bungaraya Island Resort, which I recently reviewed. Perched on the hillside and overlooking Polish Bay, the five-star property offers guests the best of both worlds. Additionally, they can enjoy the lush jungle surroundings as well as the stunning seafront living.
Landed at Kota Kinabalu Airport after a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore. “Echo Adventures’ friendly staff greeted me upon arrival. After that, they embarked on a 30-minute drive to Jesselton Point, which serves as the primary jetty for speedboat transfers to Gaya Island. For those staying in Bungaraya or sister resort Gayana Marine Resort, we include return-trip transfers; both resorts are just 10 minutes apart by speedboat. If you’re a guest at either property, you can make a quick day trip to the other any time you like!
A comfortable 15-minute boat journey later, bright blue skies and shimmering, see-through waters greeted me in tropical bliss. It’s no wonder that many tout Gaya as the ‘Malaysian Maldives’.
There are 48 timber villas at Bungaraya, all decorated in traditional Bornean architecture, and suitable for a variety of travellers, including honeymooning couples, solo adventurers, and families with kids. My home for the night was a Deluxe Villa, equipped with a generously-sized living area and a bedroom upstairs. Outside the bedroom, a balcony became my favorite spot. Here, crashing waves and chirping birds created a beautiful symphony.
Recreation time at the best island resorts
Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a family getaway, Bungaraya has much to offer. Free kayaking and snorkeling let you explore marine life, potentially seeing manta rays or sea turtles. Families should visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) at Gayana Marine Resort, as it’s crucial for understanding marine conservation. The center’s efforts to conserve endangered giant clams were enlightening. For jungle lovers, Bungaraya offers various trails, a canopy walk, and a zipline. These activities are exciting yet safe for all ages.
If relaxing is your holiday style, the Echo Wellness Spa will suit you perfectly. Nestled among towering trees and rich foliage, this rustic spa offers a hidden retreat. Treat yourself to a massage or the ‘Bungaraya Regime.’ This hour-long session includes a sauna, cold room treatment, and a eucalyptus black soap scrub. It’s cleansing and refreshing—I felt completely rejuvenated.
Sunset hour at the best island resorts
If you love your cocktails, you have to visit Pantai Restaurant and Bar for your nightly fix. Each guest is entitled to a free drink from 6pm to 7pm at the breezy, semi-alfresco lounge – the Caipirinha was one of the best I’ve tasted! After you’ve soaked in the amazing beachfront views, head up to the dining area for a feast of fresh seafood, premium steaks and kid approved picks like pizza.
For a unique dining experience, visit The Longhouse. Enjoy authentic local fare and an impressive wine list.
Borneo Eagle Resort
If you’re out to splurge, Borneo Eagle Resort is one of the island resorts that’s a great pick. It’s located on the isolated and idyllic Tiga Island. Furthermore, this destination is a bit further off the coast, approximately 50km southwest of Gaya, providing a serene escape. After a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Pulau Tiga Park Jetty, the resort is reached via a 30-minute boat ride – and getting there is a breeze with free transfers taken care of by the hotel.
Hidden gem
Opened in 2018 by Echo, the same hotel group behind Bungaraya and Gayana Marine Resort, Borneo Eagle consists of just 13 one-bedroom villas sprawled across a stretch of beach, each offering uninterrupted views of the South China Sea. This is no run-on-the-mill destination; we’re talking villas from S$1,000 a night, so it really is an exclusive escape reserved for special occasions.
The massive open-concept space features a long dining table, a mini-bar, a cosy living area, a king-sized bed overlooking the ocean and a bathroom half the size of my flat! Just when you think that’s all, additionally, separated by a door, there is a sprawling balcony. Furthermore, there’s a private pool, casually situated right in the middle. Not just any pool, mind you, but also a rockpool, which is filled with specially filtered saltwater. This water not only boasts skin-smoothening properties but also significantly enhances your swimming experience. Unsurprisingly, as soon as they stepped foot onto the property, and particularly into the expansive 171-square-metre Pool Villa, they were completely won over. (Let the pictures do the rest of the talking!)
Fun & fuel
When one finds themselves in a place as captivating as this, the temptation to stay indoors all day is strong. Nevertheless, the vicinity offers numerous relaxing activities. Guests can bask in the sun on their private sundeck or take a leisurely stroll along the coast via the resort’s direct beach access.
For those inclined to explore further, it is recommended that they venture to the resort’s all-natural mud volcano. Additionally, this unique experience can offer visitors a truly memorable adventure. Accessible through an hour-long guided trek, legends say the mud serves as an excellent full-body mask for brighter and clearer skin. A revisit to this fountain of youth is already on many guests’ agendas.
The following day, guests frequently report that after experiencing some of the deepest slumbers they’ve ever had, they wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Opting for breakfast in their villa, which is efficiently arranged by a private butler with a simple phone call, is a popular choice. With full-board dining included, the culinary offerings are nothing short of spectacular.
Eco at Echo
All three Echo resorts – Bungaraya, Borneo Eagle and Gayana Marine Resort – practice a farm-to-table philosophy using organic farmed fish and pesticide-free veggies from their private farms in Tuaran, 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. Furthermore, in addition to their many amenities, the resorts have transitioned from plastic to reusable water bottles in the rooms. Consequently, these bottles are not only eco-friendly but also designed for guests to take home as a memorable souvenir. Moreover, providing these bottles helps reduce plastic waste significantly, thus supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
For reservations and enquiries, email rsvn.bungaraya@echoresorts.com and rsvn.borneoeagle@echoresorts.com respectively.
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