Islands · 5-star · 48 villas on the far side of Pulau Gaya; boat from Jesselton Point, pre-booked
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
The quieter island resort: 48 timber villas on a sheltered bay on the north side of Gaya Island, about 20 minutes by boat — smaller, more secluded and more rustic than Gaya Island Resort, with the same rule that the city is a boat ride away.
Checked against the hotel's own information and cross-referenced listings. Last checked August 2026.
Image obtained from echoresorts.com
To the airport (KKIA)
20 min
Pool
YesOutdoor pool; some villas have a private plunge pool
Breakfast
Included
Airport shuttle
NoneGrab or taxi, or ask us for a pickup
Walk to Jesselton Point
NoShort drive
Booking
Ask usWe check the rate with the hotel
What it is
Bunga Raya sits in Polish Bay on the northern, seaward side of Pulau Gaya, so the boat from Jesselton Point takes around 20 minutes rather than ten. There are 48 detached villas built among the trees, a pool, a beach with free cabanas, a spa on the hill, a gym and dive centre. Breakfast is included. Boats run to a schedule and must be pre-booked; outside those times a private charter applies.
Check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM.
Rooms
Superior, Deluxe, Plunge Pool and Tree House villas, all with balconies facing the sea or the jungle. The Plunge Pool villas on the beach are the ones people remember.
Does Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa have a pool?
Yes. Outdoor pool; some villas have a private plunge pool
Facilities we could confirm
Fitness centre
Pets not allowed
Breakfast included
Suitable for families
Anything not listed here is unconfirmed rather than absent. We'd rather leave a gap than guess.
Eating
The Longhouse for the buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pantai for grilled seafood on the beach, and the Koi Wine Cave.
How far is Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa from the airport?
About 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Grab and taxis are easy at KKIA, or ask us to arrange a pickup.
How do I get to Bunga Raya?
The resort boat leaves Jesselton Point on a schedule; the resort asks for transfers to be booked at least a week ahead. We can book the boat and the airport pickup together with the room.
Bunga Raya or Gaya Island Resort?
Bunga Raya is smaller, further round the island and quieter, with some private-pool villas. Gaya Island Resort is larger, closer to the city and has more on-site activities. Both charge a Sabah Parks conservation fee.
Can I book Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa through this site?
Yes. Send your dates by WhatsApp or the form and our licensed Sabah tours agency confirms availability and rate with the hotel. There's no booking fee, and you can add island trips, a Kinabalu climb or airport transfers to the same enquiry.
