Bunga Raya Island Resort
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About
#2 of 3 hotels in Pulau Gaya
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.4
Value
3.7
As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower that bears its name, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a luxurious jewel set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 47 timbered villas, the resort is framed by white sand beach and virgin jungle. Hillside villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style. A hilltop spa blends the finest Traditional Asian and Western treatments using restorative powers of indigenous plants and oils.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Babysitting
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Yoga classes
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Diving
Hiking
Snorkeling
Aerobics
Billiards
Fishing
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children's television networks
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Highchairs available
Free shuttle or taxi services
Airport transportation
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Hot spring bath
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Open-air bath
Pedicure
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Mosquito net
Newspaper
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Room service
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Radio
Whirlpool bathtub
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Chinese, Malay
Location
Polish Bay, Pulau Gaya 88778 Malaysia
Getting there
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666Reviews37Q+A100Room tips
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This place is amazing, and we would love to go back tomorrow!! From the arrival when we were ferried around in a buggy by the manager, explaining all the facilities and features of the resort, to the food, the decor, the pool, the staff, the room, the wildlife - this resort was outstanding. The rooms are up quite a steep hill, within the trees - but there are ample buggies to pick you up and take you there to save the climb at any time of day or night - each time we ordered one, it was only a minute until we got a ride. The room was beautiful - lovely linen, comfy bed, wonderful toiletries, and excellent housekeeping. All very clean. The restaurant had a delicious menu, and the staff were fabulous, as they were throughout the whole resort. The infinity pool was gorgeous, and we enjoyed drinks and meals there at lunchtime. The whole resort is really tastefully done, and very beautiful. We saw lots of hornbills and water monitors which was really cool, and of course Pablo the bearded pig on the beach at night. We loved it, we will be back, and we'll send our friends in the meantime!…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We were a little apprehensive before arrival because of some recent unfavourable reviews. However, we soon realised we were in good hands when we checked in at the resort's office on the pier in Sandakan. The staff were unfailingly friendly and helpful, the plunge pool villas were well positioned, spacious and comfortable and the food was excellent. We found it difficult to order at meal time as our stay wore on because there were so many tasty options we'd already eaten - we felt we were spoilt for choice. Portions are large and we found an appetizer to share followed by a main to share was plenty. We had little trouble with bugs, though there were obviously some around. Each evening staff place a new mosquito coil on the deck near the room's front door and load a new cake into the electrical repellant in the room. Some facilities were being refurbished during our visit (forest canopy walk, zip line and the Long House dining area) but that didn't bother us. The jungle walk was interesting and we felt it was worthwhile even though we had just come from 4 days in the Danum Valley. The jungle here is much drier and less humid than the primary rainforest. It seems inevitable these days that plastic and other rubbish will wash up on the beach. There wasn't much while we were there but staff soon cleared it away each day. The snorkeling was OK, if not spectacular, but it was worth doing. We went three times and found it best to get some distance away from the wharf and into slightly deeper water. We saw plenty of the usual colourful tropical fish but were also pleased to see a couple of turtles, moray eels and barracuda. The resort will organise a snorkeling or dive trip further afield if you want a chance to see more but the local spot was good enough for us. The sea temperature was perfect (average for May in this area is 29.7 Celsius) and the area in front of the hotel's beach is easy to access - just plain white sand and shallow shelving. We stayed 5 nights and would have been happy to stay even longer.…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We spent two nights and full days in a plunge pool villa that looks onto the beach. Our room was wonderful. The restaurant was excellent and the aspect of the hotel quite spectacular. It also has an excellent, but uber expensive, wine list. This would be 5 stars except that some of the activities were not available. In particular it was disappointing that the sunset boat tour wasn't available. We couldn't snorkel because of stinger season in Mid April (I tried but was stung...apparently this is only for a short period and so we were unlucky). Lots of horn bill birds to see though (our best sighting in Borneo).
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: We loved our Plunge Pool villa next to the main restaurant.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
What a paradise. This whole resort is perfect - lovely accommodation, the most fantastic food and great staff. Exceeded expectations in every sense. Loads of water based activities for free. Breakfast included was 10/10 and all other meals were excellent - big shout out to the chefs. Would highly recommend a stay here.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, General Manager at Bunga Raya Island Resort
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear valued Guest! Thank you so much for sharing your recent experience regarding your stay with us. The team is always thrilled and happy to know that they could exceed your expectations during your days in Paradise. Look forward in being able to welcome you back again once you return to Sabah!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
My wife and I are not beach people, but we enjoyed our time at Bunga Raya Island Resort. First off, the food was spectacular! With breakfast, you get a fruit plate and a bread bowl. Some of our favorites were the steamed bass and the ceviche, but everything we ate was delicious. The infinity pool is very nice as well. Monkeys visited and climbed in the garbage can. Our room was enormous, and we even had an outdoor shower. Note that some rooms are up a big hill, but they will offer to give you a ride on a golf cart up to your room. We walked to get the extra steps in. We also snorkeled a couple times. It is refreshing but you don't get to see much. Ziplining is also worth doing, but there are only 3 runs, still fun. The grounds are beautiful with flowers and butterflies everywhere. The big negative was that it is very buggy there. However, they burn incense outside of your room each night to deter mosquitos and walk cattle up and down the beach in the morning to kill sand flies, so they are trying.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: It is hillier and buggier than we anticipated.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Luxury resort, beautiful scenery and friendly staff. Suggest 4 days 3 nights stay for better enjoyment. Food tasted good but it will be great if the food portion is more. Staffs very helpful, considerable and try to accommodate guest's needs especially when we bring an elderly (with wheelchair) along.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Bring leisure shorts/ t-shirts and shoes apart from swimming suits if you like hiking/ jogging.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
I cant recommend Bungaraya highly enough. Right from the check-in at the pier and the airconditioned reception to our greeting on the island, complete with music and welcome drink, everything was thought of. The rooms were amazing, a great variety of quality meals in a stunning setting. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Make sure you do the nature walk, well worth it. Spectacular setting. The kids loved the golf buggy transport. There were some renovations being undertaken, which is great to see maintenance being keep up with.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Stingers in the beach were a bit of a pest, be careful.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
My friends and I had the Best experience on an island resort. Friendly and attentive staff. Food was excellent and portions were generous! Villa was clean and spacious. The bed is so comfortable I had no trouble getting rested. There were maintenance work in certain sections of the resort however it did not bother me at all. The highlight of my trip here is definitely outdoors exploring the reef in the bay. So colorful and vibrant teeming with life. Turtles, parrot fish, clown fish, lobsters etc.. had a great spa treatment after spending most of my time in the water. We had a wonderful private dinner on the pavilion. Felt so exclusive and extra special. Terry who served us made sure we had what we needed before we could even ask for it. Sad to have to leave but will definitely return!…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
Beautiful lodges, surrounded by lush vegetation. Superb food with excellent choice of wines to accompany your food. Impeccable service by all staff. Great place for exploring, trekking etc or just chilling out. Loved this place.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Judith M wrote a review Apr 2023
Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom25 contributions3 helpful votes
Good activity centre staff once you found them and what was going on; zip wiring, blow pipe lesson, henna tattoo, kayak and Forest walk. Rooms run down in places; socket hanging out of wall on arrival. Some facilities shut including marine eco centre. Food good but delivery slow (staff apologised for this repeatedly). Beach cleaning needs to be stepped up and some control over the biting insects.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Insect repellent a must. Go and find the activity centre and try lots of things, they are very...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Karl Sims, General Manager at Bunga Raya Island Resort
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Ms Judith, Thanks for sharing openly the experience of your stay with us! Indeed, we offer a great variety of activities at the Resort, as you mention. The daily schedule for these and more can be found in our app, that we send to all our guest prior to their arrival. Our Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) is located in our sister property Gayana Marine Resort that will reopen its doors for all our guest in July 1st 2023 after an exciting major renovation! Look forward in welcoming you all back to experience further our actives and conservation efforts in both our properties!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$151 - $290 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bunga raya island hotel kota kinabalu, bunga raya island resort and spa
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahWest Coast DivisionKota Kinabalu DistrictPulau Gaya
NUMBER OF ROOMS
48
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Claim Your ListingBUNGA RAYA ISLAND RESORT - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Malaysia/Pulau Gaya)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bunga Raya Island Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Nearby attractions include Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (5.0 miles), Manukan Island (3.7 miles), and Marine Ecology Research Centre (2.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mother India Restaurant, Ferdinand's, and El Centro.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Bunga Raya Island Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Bunga Raya Island Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Bunga Raya Island Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, and Malay.
Does Bunga Raya Island Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbor view available here.