Gayana Marine Resort offers a host of fun and exciting activities for you to make the most of your time with us on this island paradise.
Save A Baby Giant
Established in 2007, MERC started as a learning and educational centre to raise awareness about the marine ecosystem but has since grown to address the increasing threats on marine life on the island. A key initiative is the Giant Clam Restocking Programme, which has and continues to successfully propagate these endangered shell creatures. Another is the Reef Regeneration Programme, set-up to repair coral reef damage on the island. Guests can participate in replanting corals in the reef, or get up close with sea creatures from seahorses to bamboo sharks.
Coral Planting
To restore damaged coral beds is a long and slow process, and guests can take part in our efforts by planting a coral fragment. You will receive a certificate and updates throughout the year on your coral’s development.
Scuba Diving
Gayana Marine Resort’s PADI Certified Dive Centre lets you discover this marvellous underwater world in the waters off Gaya Island, where you are likely to encounter sea turtles, clownfish, coral fish and even whale sharks, to name a few. A license is not required to dive at Gayana as our specially-trained PADI certified instructors will lead you by the hand. Novice divers are first taken for a briefing and training session at the resort’s diving pool before venturing out to sea.
Sea Activities
The resort’s waterfront teems with thriving corals and small wildlife such as starfishes, crabs and resident fishes. Those not keen on scuba diving can opt to snorkel instead – the experience is just as amazing. You could also take to the beautiful waters in a kayak, or go paddleboarding. Equipment for the activities is provided free of charge.
Jungle Trekking
The thick forest canopy hides a treasure trove of flora and fauna, which is best discovered by foot. Embark on any of the various marked trails or take on the four-hour trek to Bungaraya Island Resort on the other side of the island.
There are also options where clients can choose to do overnight tours to the Kinabatangan River as an Overnight tour (Sandakan, East Coast of Sabah), an opportunity to Sabah’s wildlife.
Kelias River Cruise
South of Kota Kinabalu and near the town of Beaufort, the Klias wetlands is an eco-destination sure to intrigue nature lovers. The lush mangrove forest reserve teems with creatures big and small, the most famous of them being the infamous probosci's monkey, Borneo’s largest primate distinguished by its pendulous nose, big round belly and light golden brown fur coat. In addition to having the largest proboscis monkey population, the wetlands are also home to macaques and the rare silvery langur monkey. One could even spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, tree snakes and all kinds of birds. When night falls, the forest comes alive with luminous fireflies.
Kinabalu Park National Park and Poring Hot Spring
Malaysia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site is Kinabalu Park in Kundasang, about 90km from the city of Kota Kinabalu. Within this park, which spans more than 75,000ha, stands Borneo and Malaysia’s highest peak, the majestic Mt Kinabalu, visible on clear days from anywhere in the park. A wide range of habitat features here, from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical mountain forest, sub-alpine forest and shrub on the higher elevations. The park has also been designated a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia, as it is exceptionally rich in species with examples of flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malaysia, as well as pan-tropical flora. Visitors come here to enjoy the cool mountain air and feast their eyes on breathtaking views of valleys and mountain range – it is truly a sight for sore eyes. A trip here is sure to refresh soul and spirit.
Sepilok Orang Utan and Labuk Bay
The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary offers another perfect Proboscis monkeys observation spot for any tourist who wants to have a closer look at these very special monkeys especially those who do not have the time to travel too far away to watch them. The Sanctuary is located at the center of the mangrove forest along with the coastal land near Samawang Village in Labuk Bay, Sandakan, Sabah. From the airport, it is 38km away and takes about an hour to get there. Part of the trip will be through the graveled roads through plantation estates.
Sandakan Safari Adventure
Pick-up from hotel lobby/resort lounge and send to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight (recommended ETD 0700hrs). On arrival at Sandakan Airport, you will be met by a guide and proceed to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. We proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the Orang Utans at 1000hrs, and then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young Orang Utans. Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the conservation of the world’s smallest bear.