Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PULAU GAYA
With an area of about 15 sq km, Pulau Gaya is the Goliath of KK's offshore islands, rising
to an elevation of 300m. It's also the closest to KK and covered in virtually undisturbed
tropical forest. The bays on the east end are filled with bustling water villages, inhabited
by Filipino immigrants (legal and otherwise) who live in cramped houses built on stilts in
the shallow water, with mosques, schools and simple shops, also built on stilts. Residents
of KK warn against exploring these water villages, saying that incidences of theft and oth-
er crimes have occurred.
Sleeping
Bunga Raya Island Resort $$$
( 380390;
http://bungarayaresort.com
; villas from RM1715; )
Six stunning
villas occupy a fertile patch of beachfront. The Plunge Pool has just that - its own deep
body of water that looks over the beach and ocean - while the incredibly romantic Tree-
house perches over a jacuzzi, lounge and its own private swimming hole. Operated by the
owners of Gayana Eco Resort.
RESORT
RESORT
Gaya Island Resort $$$
( KL number 3 2783 1000;
www.gayaislandresort.com
;
villas from RM1100;
)
Six immaculate villas that blend modernity with open air accents, earth tones with cool
whites, and a subtle integration of the ocean with green jungle perch over a half-moon
bay.Attentive service makes for a property that drips with refined indugence.
Gayana Eco Resort $$$
( 380390;
www.gayana-eco-resort.com
;
villas from RM1200; )
Five stunning
villas stuffed with modern amenities and island chic touches make up posh Gayana. The
Bakau (mangrove) Villa overlooks a series of tangled flooded forest, while the Palm
Villa's deceptive simplicity masks steps that lead into the warm heart of Tunku Rahman's
protected waters.
RESORT
PULAU SULUG
Shaped like a cartoon speech bubble, Sulug has an area of 8.1 hectares and is the least vis-
ited of the group, probably because it's the furthest away from KK. It only has one beach,
on a spit of land extending from its eastern shore. Unfortunately, the snorkelling is pretty
poor. If you want a quiet getaway, Sulug is a decent choice, but you'll have to charter a
