Travel Kuoni

 Bangaraya Island Resort 

Jungle-cloaked villas

A hidden island haven wrapped in rainforest and sea breeze.

A dreamy island retreat tucked away on Gaya Island, just off the coast of Sabah. Think lush rainforest, powdery white sands and villas that feel like treehouses from a fairytale. Whether you're sipping cocktails by the beach, diving into coral gardens, or indulging in a jungle spa treatment, this is where nature and luxury dance in perfect harmony. It’s a place to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the extraordinary — where every moment feels like a scene from your favourite tropical daydream.

Why we love Bangaraya Island Resort

  • Handcrafted villas that blend traditional Bornean design with modern comforts

  • A hidden wine cellar with over 4,000 bottles is perfect for romantic tastings or a post-dinner wind-down

  • You can snorkel straight off the beach into the world of vibrant coral

  • You can experience the rainforest on lush hiking trails.

5 stars
Apr - Sep
Borneo
15¾ hours (not including stopover time)
Nestled in Polish Bay on Gaya Island, part of the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Bungaraya is surrounded by untouched rainforest and coral-rich waters.
Approx. 20 minutes’ transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to the port followed by approx. 15 minutes’ speedboat ride to the resort.
Boutique, Suitable for children

We offer multi-stop adventures, plus classic beach breaks for laid-back fun

Holidays with a little extra 'wow'

No such thing as ‘just’ a holiday 
Why settle for standard? We’ve searched the globe for places that bring the wow to match your vibe.
Experts who walk the walk 
We’ll tap into our love for creating holiday magic, to give you the wow you’re looking for within your budget.
Protected by ATOL & ABTA
ATOL protection, ABTA membership and 24/7 support – enjoy every moment knowing you’re in safe hands

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports

Dining at Bungaraya Island Resort is a feast for the senses - the settings are stunning, the flavours are bold and the vibe is deliciously laid-back. Whether you're craving grilled seafood with your toes in the sand or swirling a glass of wine in a hidden cellar, every bite comes with a side of stunning scenery. The resort’s culinary philosophy blends fresh local ingredients with global flair, served in settings that range from beachy and breezy to elegant and intimate.

The Longhouse
The main restaurant where you can dine al fresco with panoramic views. This restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves up a mixture of local dishes as well as western favourites.

Pantai Restaurant & Bar
If you’re looking for toes-in-the-sand dining, this is your spot. Located right on the beach, Pantai is all about fresh seafood, sizzling satays, and cocktails that taste like sunshine.

Wine Cellar
Hidden beneath The Longhouse like a secret waiting to be discovered, the Wine Cellar is a cool, stone-walled cellar that feels worlds away from the tropics above. With over 4,000 bottles from around the globe, it’s a haven for wine lovers and curious sippers alike.

What's Included

Breakfast at The Longhouse

The Echo Wellness Spa is a sanctuary in the trees. Treatments* use native herbs and oils, and the open-air pavilions let you soak in the jungle sounds while you unwind. There’s also a sauna and a small gym if you fancy a stretch or sweat before your massage.

Ready to fly? Bungaraya’s zip line experience lets you soar through the jungle like a tropical superhero. Glide from platform to platform, 50m above ground level, with the wind in your hair and the rainforest rushing below.

Prefer something a little slower paced but just as spectacular? The canopy walk is a suspended trail that winds through the treetops, offering panoramic views of the jungle and glimpses of wildlife along the way.

Just steps from your villa, the coral reefs of Polish Bay are teeming with life. Grab a snorkel and float above vibrant coral gardens, or join a guided dive* to meet turtles, rainbow-hued fish, and if you're lucky, even a passing whale shark. The resort’s PADI-certified dive centre makes it easy for beginners and seasoned divers alike to explore the underwater world.

If you're tempted by the warm, azure waters but prefer to stay dry, there’s plenty of fun to be had above the surface. Glide across the bay in a kayak* or test your balance on a paddleboard* — it’s peaceful, scenic and a great way to spot wildlife along the shoreline.

If adventure isn’t on the agenda, the resort’s infinity pool is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing beautifully. Overlooking the bay and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a tranquil spot to float, sip, sunbathe, or simply gaze out at the horizon.

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