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For the two of you

BORNEO

Gaya Island Resort

Retreat to a rainforest-fringed island sanctuary with hillside villas, calm beaches and breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu beyond.

  • 20% saving
  • Round-trip speedboat transfers
  • Free upgrade to Canopy Villa
NIGHTS 7
BOARD BASIS Bed & Breakfast
Etihad Etihad
£2,843 For 2 adults

Travel 10 Sep 2025

For you & your loved ones

BORNEO

Gaya Island Resort

Reconnect with nature in a spacious island villa surrounded by mangroves, coral reefs and family-friendly adventures in the jungle.

  • 20% saving
  • Round-trip speedboat transfers
  • Free upgrade to Canopy Villa
NIGHTS 7
BOARD BASIS Bed & Breakfast
Etihad Etihad
£3,695 For 2 adults and 1 child

Travel 10 Sep 2025

View Gaya Island Resort

Up to 29% saving

View Gaya Island Resort
Things to do
Discover adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments
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Cultural Time Travel
Step into Mari Mari Cultural Village and witness traditional Sabahan lifestyles through immersive, hands-on experiences.
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Underwater Wildlife Playground
Explore Sabah’s dive sites teeming with turtles, barracuda, and ghost pipefish in Sipadan and Mabul.
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Kinabatangan River Encounters
Cruise Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary spotting pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills and proboscis monkeys at dawn.
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Mountain Nature Escape
Walk rainforest trails at Kinabalu Park and admire Borneo’s biodiversity across six vegetation zones.

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Discover Borneo - Explore the Map

Tropical Temperatures with a Gentle Shift

Borneo enjoys consistent tropical warmth throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 23°C to 32°C. March to May are the warmest months, while January and December bring slightly cooler evenings. High humidity and occasional tropical showers are common, especially during the wetter months from October to February.

Jan
30°C 23°C
Feb
31°C 23°C
Mar
32°C 24°C
Apr
32°C 24°C
May
32°C 24°C
Jun
31°C 24°C
Jul
31°C 24°C
Aug
31°C 24°C
Sep
31°C 24°C
Oct
31°C 24°C
Nov
30°C 24°C
Dec
30°C 23°C

Things to know

How do I get to Boneo? Do I need a visa to visit Boneo?

You can fly into Boneo via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Jakarta. Your passport must be valid for six months. Please click here for the latest visa updates from the UK Home Office.

What is the best time to visit Boneo?

Visit Boneo between May and September when days are dry and clear. It’s ideal for wildlife viewing, forest treks, and island stays.

What currency is used in Boneo and can I use credit cards?

Boneo uses the Malaysian Ringgit. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and resorts. Carry some cash for local markets.

Is Boneo safe for tourists?

Boneo is considered safe and calm. Stay aware in cities, dress modestly, and respect nature on guided excursions and hikes.

 

What transportation options are available in Boneo?

You can book domestic flights, ferries and road transfers. Private car hire with a driver is ideal for remote areas.

Are there any cultural customs I should follow?

Take your shoes off before entering homes or temples. Use your right hand for giving and receiving. Dress modestly in villages.

Flight information

Average flight time

16-20 hours

Distance from London

11300 Kilometres

Malaysia Airlines (Non-direct)

Malaysia Airlines (Non-direct)

Singapore Airlines (Non-direct)

Singapore Airlines (Non-direct)

Emirates (Non-direct)

Emirates (Non-direct)

Qatar Airways (Non-direct)

Qatar Airways (Non-direct)

Etihad (Non-direct)

Etihad (Non-direct)

Borneo in Style: Where Nature Meets Luxury, Quietly

Serene Shores

The beaches of Borneo feel remarkably private. Soft, golden sand gives way to glassy, still waters, perfect for unhurried swims. At Tanjung Aru, dusk arrives with apricot skies and a horizon that seems to stretch forever. On Gaya Island, jungle meets the shoreline in hushed conversation. No queues. No commotion. Just a quiet shoreline, waiting for bare feet and deep breaths.

Dive, Paddle, Wander

The coastline reveals its secrets only to those who pause to look. Dive centres here offer refined access to pristine reefs, where sea turtles glide past coral gardens. Kayaks slip through silent mangrove inlets, shaded by centuries-old trees. Gentle forest trails near Rasa Ria bring glimpses of hornbills and butterflies. There are no loud excursions — only thoughtful moments, softly guided and deeply rewarding.

Culture and Roots

Heritage in Borneo is not preserved behind glass — it is lived. Indigenous communities still weave, carve, and celebrate in the same ways their ancestors did. In the markets of Kota Kinabalu, you’ll find textiles dyed with jungle plants, spices stacked like treasure, and stories told in rhythm and colour. The culture here doesn’t seek to impress — it invites you in, quietly and sincerely.

Wild Beauty

Nature in Borneo unfolds like a secret. Mount Kinabalu rises with quiet power above morning mist. Orangutans swing freely through the treetops of Sepilok, while proboscis monkeys rest along slow-moving rivers. The rainforest hums softly in the background, a symphony of life older than memory. Nothing here is tamed, yet everything feels serene.

Luxury, Done Quietly

Staying in Borneo feels calm and considered. Villas blend into forest edges and quiet beaches. You wake to sea views, surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and stillness. At places like Gaya Island Resort, the design stays light and local, never loud. Spa spaces open to the natural surroundings, and wooden walkways lead to the sea. You rest, unwind, and feel part of the landscape. Everything flows at your pace—thoughtful, warm, and just the way you need it.

A Taste of Borneo

Dining in Borneo combines traditional elements with contemporary, clean flavours. Fresh seafood, wild ginger, and rice cooked in bamboo echo the land’s deep roots. You’ll taste subtle Chinese influence, bold Malay notes, and tribal touches that surprise and soothe. Menus change with the tides, and dinners are often served beneath stars, with candlelight dancing over linen and wood.

Romantic Moments

There is no need to search for romance in Borneo — it lives in the quiet details. A private boat drifting across still waters at sunset. A candlelit table set just metres from the sea—a villa where mornings begin with birdsong and end with silk robes and champagne. Time moves differently here, as if it were made for two.

Calm for Families

Borneo welcomes families with space, softness, and a sense of wonder. Villas are spacious and serene, with ample room to gather and relax. Children can explore the natural world through guided nature walks, gentle snorkelling, and wildlife encounters that feel more magical than educational. Staff are warm, never overbearing. Every moment is crafted with care — and without chaos.

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