The big draw for Borneo has always been its abundant biodiversity. Now, the opening on July 1 of the five-star Gaya Island resort on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the coral reef-surrounded Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Sabah, adds a luxurious element.
The 121-villa resort from YTL, the team behind Pangkor Laut and the Spa Village Tembok Bali, is set in 40 acres of lushly forested hills, fronted by a sandy beach overlooking the South China Sea with views of Mount Kinabalu, south-east Asia’s highest mountain.
In a wooden spa surrounded by mangroves you can enjoy treatments inspired by indigenous tribes, including rice and flower blossoms.
More strenuous activities include Padi diving courses, snorkelling and rainforest walking trails for the chance to spot wild boar, monitor lizards and macaque monkeys.
WEXAS Travel has seven nights from £1,995pp B&B with return flights with Malaysian Airlines (from Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur) and return boat transfers, 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu airport. Valid for travel from July 1—August 14 2012, wexas.com
