Gayana Marine Resort sited at Malohom Bay, is breathtakingly beautiful when sighted from the sea, as one approaches it by boat. The cluster of building, nestled on the clear blue water is welcoming. The picture perfect scene is reminiscent of advertisements about tropical paradise or getaways…some people say similar to Maldives.
Walking on the plank walkway towards the reception area is an experience that can not be easily forgotten. The walkway do not have any handrail so it makes one feel almost like walking on water. This all embracing feeling of being on the island, with the sea as the host and environment as the backdrop stays with one for the duration of the stay.
This awesome experience is further enhanced upon checking into the villas. The sea is the compound as it is just outside the building’s door. The sea breeze is a constant companion and the crash of waves a patient lullaby.
There are 50 of these villas to choose from. They are all build on the water with the blue sea and island beyond. On good clear mornings, one can see the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the pride of Sabah, in the distance.
There are four types of Villas to choose from. They are the Rainforest Villa, the Ocean Villa, the Palm Villa and the Breeze Villa.
Besides being on the sea those who check into Rainforest Villa can enjoy the ambiance of the dense tropical forests. This accommodation comes with mini bar and complimentary drinks, a spacious balcony with sun beds and good showers. The rooms also boast a 42 inch television with satellite channels and DVD system. Guests can enjoy air conditioning in the comfort of a KIng size bed too.
If one simply want a view of the blue sea and enjoy the breaking crests in the distance, one should choose the Ocean Villa. The Villas with its well appointed room, features a balcony with stairs that go straight into the sea. Its a perfect bonus for those who simply love morning dips, although its advisable to do so only when the tide is in. The Villas offer large showers, complimentary bottled drinking water, coffee or tea making facilities as well as television with satellite channels. Guests can opt to book twin sharing or King size bed.
The Palm Villa might well be the ‘must experience’ accommodation of this Resort as it is spacious and very well furnished. It has its own pool on the deck that allows one to relax and enjoy while watching the blue sea. Guests can also lie down on the deck and get a thorough tan, or they can go for a swim in the sea right at the doorstep. It is a statement for opulence with large double showers, double bathtubs and complimentary coffee or tea making utensils. There is also a television set with satellite channels and air conditioning. To bring one a step further into relaxation and pampering, one can request for Butler services.
Those with family should really check into the Breeze Villa. This spacious accomdation features additional beds with two bathroom. There is also a balcony that one can relax on while enjoying the sea breeze and the breath taking views. This accommodation comes with Mini bar offering complimentary beer and soft drinks, separated living room area by connecting door, with day bed and sofa bed option, private large balcony with deck chairs and day bed facilities and of course air-conditioning for added comfort. As with all accommodation, there is also complimentary coffee and tea-making facilities and television with satellite channels and DVD system. This villa offers king size bed only.
Proprietor Gillian Tan shares that when they took over the management of Gayana several years ago, they renovated and refurbished the Villas to allow guests to experience ultimate comfort with the Resort.
They are also involved in the protection and regeneration of the island’s marine environment through their support of the on-site Marine Ecology Research Center (MERC) headed by Alvin Wong.
Gillian says guests who check into the Resort are usually accorded a tour of the MERC gallery as part of their package. This is to raise awareness among them on the importance of eco system conservation and understand the increasing threats to Marine life, by humans.
According to her, their conservation efforts include the planting of corals as well giant clam restocking programmes. Guests can participate in replanting corals in the reef.
“I believe that this is also an education for our guests; to enable them to understand and appreciate the environment through conservation,” she enthuses.
More information on Gayana Marine Resort can be acquired at 088 380390.- ce/BNN
