Unwind In Luxury | Bungaraya Resort, Gaya Island – Visit Now!

Bungaraya | Most Exclusive Island Resort, Gaya Island – Visit Now!

Located on a hidden bay just off the coast of Borneo is the Bungaraya Island Resort, one of the most exclusive island resorts in Sabah. If you have always wanted to go for a romantic getaway but have yet to do so, then you should really consider adding Bungaraya Island Resort to your bucket list! After all, there’s not many places in Sabah/Borneo where you can find a combination of – white, sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and turquoise waters.

Visit the Most Exclusive Island Resort in Sabah 🏝 Bunga Raya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Private island resort – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Huge waves during paddle boarding – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah

Perched on the hillsides of the secluded Police Beach of Gaya Island/Pulau Gaya, each of the 48 villas here showcases a different view of the island, giving each guest a different perspective of the resort.

The 2 bedroom Deluxe Suites – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Private island resort jetty – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Infinity Pool – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Each villa shows a different view of the island – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Step into Paradise: Our Vacation in Gaya Island | Bungaraya #shorts

If you take a stroll along the resort, you will notice a lot of different Hibiscus flowers growing abundantly here. Widely used in the tourism industry to create a sense of relaxation and beauty, the Hibiscus (known as Bungaraya in Malay) is also Malaysia’s national flower.

Hibiscus / Bungaraya grown at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah

Where is Gaya Island/Pulau Gaya?

Being the closest and biggest island of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP), Gaya Island/Pulau Gaya (in Malay) is located just 10 minutes off the shores of the Kota Kinabalu (KK) city. The island got its name from the Bajau word “Gayo”, which translates to big.

Map of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) – KK Islands, Sabah
The Malaysian maritime patrolling the area – KK Islands, Sabah

The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) consists of 5 islands; Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug all of which are owned and gazetted as Sabah’s National Park. If you wish to visit Gaya Island, you will be required to stay at any one of the 3 resorts here; Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island Resort or Gayana Marine Resort as there are no tour operators doing day trips to the island.

Private beach – Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Bungaraya Island Resort jetty – Gaya Island, Sabah
Private beach at Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Vacation at a Private Island Resort in Sabah, Borneo | Gaya Island | Bungaraya #shorts
Infinity swimming pool – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Boat transfer from Bungaraya Island Resort back to the mainland – Sabah

For those who want to find out more on the other 4 islands, make sure to check out our post on Why You Need To Visit Kota Kinabalu Islands, Sabah – Ultimate Guide

Why You Need To Visit Kota Kinabalu Islands, Sabah – Ultimate Guide

If you’re interested on the other resorts on Gaya Island, check out our other posts on it below:-

Gaya Island Resort : Discover The Best 5 Star Island Getaway

How do I get to Bungaraya Island Resort?

To get to Bungaraya Island Resort, you will first need to get to Jesselton Point, which is the main ferry terminal in KK city. Getting here is very convenient and easy as the ferry terminal is located right at the city centre. Click here to get directions to Jesselton Point.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal – KK, Sabah
Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Plenty of souvenir shops at Jesselton Point – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Ticketing counter for island hopping – KK Islands, Sabah

If you are planning to rent a car, make sure to check out SoCar as they offer one of the best rates in town.

Socar – Best Car Rental in Malaysia

For those who don’t want to drive around, you can always take any e-Hailing ride such as Grab/Airasia Ride. Click here to get the best rates for AirAsia Ride!

AirAsia Ride e-Hailing (Image credit: AirAsia)

Once you reach the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, walk along the pier till you come across the Gayana/Bungaraya office. There will be a reception and waiting area inside the office for you. Make sure to be on time as there is only 1 scheduled boat transfer to the resort :-

Gayana/Bungaraya Office at Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Proboscis monkeys – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah

Bungaraya Island Resort Boat Transfer :-

Departure from Jesselton Point – 12.30pm

Departure from Resort – 11am

* Free boat transfer (to/from) Bungaraya

If you want to get to the resort at times other than the scheduled boat transfer, then the private charter boat rates applies:-

Jesselton Point (to/from) Bungaraya – RM 350 nett* per boat per way

Boat ride to Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
On the boat to Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Journey to the Most Exclusive Island Resort In Sabah | Gaya Island, Bungaraya #shorts
Bungaraya Island Resort Jetty – Gaya Island, Sabah
Kulintangan Music played during our arrival at the resort – Bungaraya Island Resort, Sabah

For those who want to find out more on the other 4 islands, make sure to check out our post on Why You Need To Visit Kota Kinabalu Islands, Sabah – Ultimate Guide

Why You Need To Visit Kota Kinabalu Islands, Sabah – Ultimate Guide

If you’re interested on the other resorts on Gaya Island, check out our other posts on it below:-

Gaya Island Resort : Discover The Best 5 Star Island Getaway

When is the best time to visit Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island?

As there is no extreme monsoon season in this region of Borneo, you can visit any of the TARP (KK Islands)/Bungaraya Island Resort throughout the year. Do note that between October to March, you can expect heavier downpours, rougher seas and poor visibility under water.

Bungaraya Island Resort pier, Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Views from our villa at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah

The best time to visit the TARP (KK Islands)/Bungaraya Island Resort is between April to September, where you can expect sunnier days to enjoy your vacation. Even so, we do suggest you having 1 -2 days buffer just in case it rains as the weather here can sometimes be unpredictable. During our visit here, the weather was quite cloudy and we had to cut short on quite a few activities.

Infinity pool – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

How long should I stay at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island?

Depending on how much time you have in KK, we would suggest spending at least 2 nights here, if you want to take your time to relax and try out all the activities at the resort. Bookings can be made directly through their official site or through any booking agency such as Agoda/Booking.com.

Unique villa amidst the trees – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah
Take a stroll along the resort – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah
Sleeping Among the Trees: Unique Treehouse Views at Bungaraya Island Resort #shorts

Rooms at Bungaraya Island Resort

There are 4 types of villa at Bungaraya Island Resort; Superior Villa, Deluxe Villa, Plunge Pool Villa and the Two-Bedroom Villa. As the villas here are spread apart, you may be required to walk a distance to get from your villa to the lounge or jetty. It took us around 10 minutes walk from our villa (located at the end of the resort) to the jetty.

Map of Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Morning Walk at Gaya Island Private Resort | Bungaraya #shorts
Exclusive Villa at Gaya Island | Bungaraya Island Resort #shorts
A Room with a View: Gaya Island Treehouse Experience in the Jungle | Bungaraya #shorts
Bungaraya Island Resort Villas – Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Superior Villa – Bungaraya Island Resort – Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stunning view from the villa – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Villa interior – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Plunge Pool Villa – Bungaraya Island Resort – Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Bungaraya Island Resort’s in house wine – Gaya Island, Sabah

For those who don’t want to walk all the way to your villa, don’t worry as there is a 24 hour buggy service ready to pick you up.

Buggy service at Bungaraya Island Resort – Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Buggy ride from our villa – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah

Food at Bungaraya Island Resort

Dining with a sea view is an experience like no other. You can have your lunch and dinner at the Pantai Restaurant & Bar whilst being surrounded by the sounds of waves crashing against the shore, sounds of birds chirping and cool breeze, which definitely enhances your dining experience.

Pantai Restaurant & Bar (Image credits: bungarayaislandresort)

As food and beverages here are transported from the mainland, you can expect the prices here to be much higher than usual. Breakfast at the resort is included during your stay here.

Breakfast Menu – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Yummy Breakfast at the Best Island Resort in Sabah ! | Bungaraya, Gaya Island #shorts
Fresh juices and coffee – Breakfast at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Breakfast at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Hearty breakfast at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island

What activities are there at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island?

When we first arrived at the resort, we didn’t plan on doing any activities other than lazing at the beach and enjoying the peace and quiet. But after taking a look at the variety of activities available here, we just couldn’t resist trying as many of them out.

Activities at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Activities at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Activities at Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Go for a swim here – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu – Sabah
Infinity Pool at Gaya Island Private Beach | Bungaraya Island Resort #shorts
Learning how to paddle board – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah
First time paddle boarding – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah
Attempting to paddle boarding – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah
Managed to stand up during paddle boarding – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah

Useful tips

  • Make sure to keep hydrated as it can get really hot and humid on the island
  • As food and beverages needs to be transported to the island, you can expect it to be much pricier than in the city
  • Look out for the jellyfish while swimming/snorkelling. Jellyfish seasons here generally occur between March to April
  • Please help keep the island clean, so others can appreciate them too
  • Reception isn’t that great on the island and you can only get access to the internet via a wifi dongle provided by the resort
  • As the villas are surrounded by the jungle, you can expect to see lots of wildlife moving around
  • Bring along some mosquito repellent and sunblock
Sunglass and Hats are mandatory ! Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Best spot for snorkelling – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Private Jetty at Gaya Island | Bungaraya Island Resort #shorts
Enjoy the peaceful ambience at night – Bungaraya Island Resort, Sabah
Private beach resort – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Sabah
Bungaraya Island Resort – Secluded bay on Gaya Island, Sabah
Paddle boards – Bungaraya Island Resort, Gaya Island – Sabah

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Use BigPay for more savings on currency exchange – veroalex

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