Wanted a nice, relaxing beach getaway in KK but unfortunately, it was monsoon season and all the rubbish gets washed up to this side of the sea - very unsightly and unappealing - did not get into the water at all.. Of course I know this is not the resort's fault at all but it did dampen the mood.. Also, it rained everyday we were there so would be best not to go during monsoon season. We didn't mind that it was about 20 mins by boat from the mainland to the resort because we didn't think that we would leave the resort much.. Much to our disappointment, the food there is bland and appalling with numerous spelling mistakes in the menu - not what we expected from a fine resort! So we had to go out multiple times to the mainland for food, NOT FUN! If you are going to run an isolated resort, u need to make sure that your guests have almost no reason to want to leave during their entire stay. The staff all get an 'A' for effort, helpfulness and attitude but I think a lot of them (especially the ones dealing with food and beverages) need to be up skilled and more knowledgeable. The wildlife on the island is cool though, we encountered several wild boars, a venomous green python, many birds and a monitor lizard. We stayed at Villa #14 and it has it's own plunge pool and we think it is the best villa in terms of layout and location, try to get that one if u can.. But until they improve their food DRASTICALLY, I won't be back

Considering the hotel is very new, the beach front villas looked a bit tired. It's more like a your average chalet with a flat screen TV and Bose sound system. Air conditioner was a bit leaky probably due to condensation. Plunge pool didn't look enticing. There's algae at the bottom of it. Wardrobe slidding door was broken. Not to mention safe is not bolted down and they make you sign a contract stating they are not lliable for lost of valueables kept in the safe. That's because anyone can literally lift the whole safe and walk away with it.

The beach was choppy due to monsoon season so visibility is bad. So forget about snorkeling. Lots of trash gets washed up. I even saw a bag embedded in the sand! Although they seem to clean it on a regular basis with a Bobcat and broom, the trash swept up is such an eye sore. It's like little nests of seaweed and rubbish all over the beach front. Not sure if the problem will ever go away as it's situated not far from the water village.

There was also very limited choice in food or places to eat. There were ants on our dining table but that comes with being in the jungle. Make sure you cover yourself in citronella spray. It really lacked the wow factor me unlike Ko Phi Phi Don in Thailand. I guess, stay a night if you're in KK and see it for yourself.

Booked a few days stay at the Bunga Raya resort as a chance to relax for a weekend over my birthday.

Arriving at the port area in KK, the check-in process is done here prior to the boat transfer out to the resort. Fairly quick and painless, although if you time it badly you may well get caught up with the hordes who are going out to the island for a day trip. Luckily they seem to go on separate boats, as on our transfer there were only 4 of us who were actually staying at the hotel.

Boat transfer is farily quick and we were lucky as it was a nice smooth trip, as you turn into the bay and see the resort it's hard not to be impressed. Most of the bungalows are well hidden on the hillside so can be tricky to spot. The jetty itself is a nice feature, the short walk to the reception area gives you a chance to admire some of the sealife.

We were assigned out bungalow and taken on the short trip to our room by electric golf buggy. There are plenty of these around the resort, and you can always call for one if one isn't passing when you want a lift somewhere.

The bungalow itself was very spacious and nicely furnished, with a large separate bathroom area. I was particularly impressed with the ceiling decoration around the ceiling fan, quite a work of art!

The verandah overlooked the beach, and more often than not we had a monkey visiting making the most of the view.

Breakfast was of a good standard, plenty of choice to suit all tastes. The early morning delivery of muffins was a nice touch, although you had to be quick to get there before the monkeys !! (I understand the hotel management may dispense with this nice touch, as they've not found a monkey proof basket for the miuffins yet!

The early evening cocktail hour was a nice touch, 1st one was for free and the 2nd was for half price, and gave you a chance to meet your fellow resort residents. Dinner can be a slightly disappointing affair, I think 2 or 3 nights maximum will stop you getting bored with the menu at the 2 restaurants.

The swimming pool area outide the main building is also very nicely presented, although I didn't spend too much time there as the beach is lovely. Nice soft white sand, and kept very clean whenever the sea gets rough and washes in the plague of Asian beaches everywhere, plastic bottles and bags!!

I will definitely return in future, a great place for a relaxing break. We did have a massage in the Spa, although I did find this extremely over priced so probably wouldn't bother next time.

So in conclusion, the only negatives I could find were that it would be nice if guests of the resort can have a separate area on the mainland when checking in to avoid the crowds of day trippers. It can give the wrong impression, I was slightly worried as to what sort of place I was visiting, but my mind was put at rest once we arrived on the island itself. I'd also like to see a little more choice for dinner, quite limited although maybe most guests only stay for 2 or 3 nights so this is ample. Otherwise, no problems at all.

Overall, highly recommended!

This is my 1st time to this resort island & for those who like nature & eco environment, this is the place in Sabah. If you have high expectation after you have paid expensively for this resort, you may be disappointed because in many circumstances, it didn't meet my expecation! The TV reception was poor & after having reported for 2 days, it's was still the same! The foods were expensive & with minimum choice! The promised of replenishment of free can drinks in the fridge never happen! Maybe the Team in this resort are not well trained though they tried very hard! Anyway, they have nice & friendly staff in this resort, a typically Sabahan!