Bunga Raya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Bunga Raya Resort is a beach resort located on Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just off Kota Kinabalu. Mixing service and quality with local Bornean style, you really get to immerse yourself in supreme surroundings.

One of just three resorts on the island, Bunga Raya Resort focusses on relaxation, unwind on the beautiful white sands of the crescent-shaped bay, or in the hotel’s Solace Spa, entwined into the virgin jungle that borders the resort. If you tire of relaxing and being pampered, take a kayak for a paddle along the shores of the island or you can get involved in a guided nature walk into the virgin rainforest behind.

The 48 private villas set on stilts in the jungle-strewn hillside are all handcrafted by local tradesmen. With a variety of room categories available, all enjoy beautiful sea or forest views from their private balconies, as well as 24hr room service. There are also a few two and three-bedroom villas on offer, making it a fantastic option for families. The Treehouse Villas boast sumptuous outdoor Jacuzzis whilst, as the name would suggest, the Plunge Pool Villas contain your own private pool.

For those without their own private pool, there is a great central pool for relaxing. On the culinary front you have The Koi, offering Western and Asian fusion, and the laidback oceanfront Pantai Grill, serving up barbecued meats and seafood.

With the private villas nestled into the jungle, this is a very romantic spot so a good choice for honeymooners and other couples. The PADI accredited dive centre and the nearby Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) also make it a great spot for those keen to get in the water and explore the vibrant underwater life. All in all, this resort has something for everyone with relaxation and the natural environment at the forefront, all the while supported by service and comfort.