Gayana Marine Resort

The recently renovated resort has 44 air-conditioned, spacious, stilted villas in an attractive bay on Gaya Island. The modern rooms all have large bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators and the ocean and mangrove villas have private floating decks.

There are two restaurants — one serves superb seafood and Asian cuisine whilst the other has a Western menu. The resort boasts one of Borneo's only infinity pools with breathtaking views over the South China Sea and a relaxing spa set to one side. For guests staying here you can visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre attached to the resort free of charge. Boat transfers to Kota Kinabalu go several times a day and take approximately 20 minutes so it is possible to go back into town for the day or a meal if you wish.

The beach at the resort is small and not really suitable for sunbathing but you can go over to the larger beach area looked after by Sabah Parks which is a tough four kilometer jungle hike or short kayak ride away. There is a small charge of RM10 per person payable to Sabah Parks for visitors to the beach. Snorkeling equipment and other non-motorized water sports are available at the resort for an extra charge.

OUR RATING: Medium