Overwater Villas of Gayana Marine Resort

Due to its strategic location lies by the coast overlooking South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu has countless of tropical islands not far away from the city center. You can reach the island less than 10 minutes of boat ride from the city jetty. How convenient is it, right? If you are planning to have a short island staycation within the short distance of Kota Kinabalu but then, still giving peace and relaxation you are looking for, there are few you can opt for. One of them is Gayana Marine Resort. 

#1: Gayana Marine Resort

Rest serenely at the edge of a jungle on Gaya Island, Gayana Marine Resort boasts spacious and extraordinary water villas with wooden interiors and superior facilities. My husband and I booked to stay here before the commencement of last year MCO. Besides Gayana Marine Resort, they do have another sister resort, namely Bunga Raya Island Resort which is our next wishlist to experience. 

#2: Register ourselves at their office in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

HOW TO GET TO GAYANA MARINE RESORT

The only way to reach this overwater bungalow is by taking speed boat provided by the resort at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. All guests need to register themselves at the office in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal before depart to the resort. The boat transfer is scheduled to depart at 12pm and the boat ride takes about 20 minutes. 

Boat Transfer (Free of charge)

Check-in: 12pm

Check-out: 11am

Distance from airport to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal: 15 minutes (Approx. RM10 with GrabCar) 

#3: Crystal clear turquoise sea water and we're blessed with clear blue sky on our day of visit. 

The sea was calm and the boat ride was pretty smooth. Without we realised, we have arrived the overwater villas we're anticipated for. I have to admit that this is my first time overnight on one of KK's islands after living in the city for so long cause normally we only went for a day trip. Upon arriving, we're greeted with welcome drinks and friendly hospitality where they played the local music instrument to welcoming us. Feeling like a VVIP walking on a red carpet. 

#4: Infinity pool overlooking panoramic sea view

THE ROOM

There are 4 type of villas in order to cater different need of the guests; Rainforest Villa, Ocean Villa, Breeze Villa and Palm Villa. The most luxe of all would be the Palm Villa features private plunge pools, glass floors in the living room and double shower and tubs for two offering seaviews whereas Breeze Villa are great for a group of families as it comes with separate living rooms and two bathrooms. 

As for us, we booked the Rainforest Villa facing the lush green rolling hills of unspoiled tropical jungle. All the stand-alone villas feature a spacious open deck and fitted with upscale amenities such as:

• Air-conditioning 
• LCD/Plasma screen
• DVD player
• Minibar with fridge, kettle and tea & coffee making
• In-room safety deposit box
• Ironing facilities
• WiFi within the room 

#5: Room fitted with top-class amenities to the highest degree of comfortable and convenience of the guest 

#6: Ideal honeymoon spot for the newly wed couple

#7: Private bathroom includes luxury amenities and powerful hot rainshower.

#8: Private open deck with sun beds 

THE RESTAURANTS

Due to its isolated and remote location which is completely cut off from the rest of the island, the only option for you to hunt for food is to dine-in at their restaurants. There no other restaurants, bars or even shops nearby. Hence, it's advisable that you can purchase some food and snacks earlier from the city's convenience store before departing to the resort. 

There are two restaurants available within the resort;

1. Macac Restaurant - All-day dining venue serving Western fusion food with a distinctly Malaysian twist by the pool, including wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salad and noodle soups.
2. Alu-Alu Seafood Restaurant - Open for lunch and dinner, serving fresh Chinese cuisines where guests can select their meal from the menu or even pick live seafood from the restaurant's tanks. 

During our stay here, we dine-in in both of the two restaurants where we had our lunch (first day upon arrival) and breakfast (the following day) at Macac Restaurant and dinner at Alu-Alu Seafood Restaurant. Overall, we found the food was pretty decent and not bad but somewhat overpriced. 

 

#9: Macac Restaurant - All-day dining venue including where we had our breakfast here.  

#10: Macac Breakfast - Poarched eggs, grilled sausages, petit marinated sausages, hash brown, savory tomato relish and saute shitake mushrooms. 

#11: Freshly baked pastries and colourful fruits 

#12: Alu-Alu Seafood Restaurant - Open for lunch and dinner, this is where you can have fresh seafood from the fish tank. 

#13: Our dinner at Alu-Alu Seafood Restaurant - seafood fried rice paired sweet and sour fish

MARINE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER (MERC)

One of the special features of this resort that distinguish them from the rest is the establishment of MERC, a learning and educational centre to create awareness about the marine ecosystem due to increasing threats on the marine life. They even propagating Giant Clams and restoring damaged coral reefs on the island. What amazed both my husband and I was there is a spacious theatre hall on the island where they will play a short video regarding MERC and marine life. It's fascinating even for adults like us. 

#14: Marine Ecology Reseach Centre - Guests can get up close with sea creatures from starfish to bamboo sharks. 

Awaken to the sound of gentle waves lapping below in the morning and witness the stunning tropical sunset in the evening, we were completely immersed ourselves in once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience that pampering the body and enlightened the soul. This is why I always feel that our homegrown island resorts eventually can compete with most of the world-renowned island resorts in Maldives. Why travel so far away when you can experience in your home country Malaysia, right? Come and let's Cuti-Cuti Malaysia now! 

#15: Final photo for memories before taking the free boat transfer back to the jetty at 11am 

The rates includes breakfast for 2

Proudly to announce that Gayana Marine Resort is now open for weekend stays starting from 19th March. For reservations and enquiries, kindly please contact this number 088-380390 or email them at rsvn.gayana@echoresorts.com.

[Credit to Oyster]

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New Zealand Day 6: Back to Auckland & One Tree Hill

 << Previous Post: Day 6 - Sightseeing in Rotorua <<

After spending half of our day did sightseeing around Rotorua, next thing to do was driving all the way back to Auckland again in order for us to catch our flight on the next morning. The drive from Rotorua to Auckland took nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

#1: Driving from Rotorua back to Auckland again. 

Before check-in into the hotel which my friend booked pretty close to the Auckland Airport, we took this opportunity to dropby at One Tree Hill, which is the second highest volcanic peak in Auckland that offers spectacular and amazing 360-degree bird eye views of the city and both of Auckland's harbours. It's also an important memorial place for both Maori and and other New Zealanders. 

#2: One Tree Hill, the second highest volcanic peak in Auckland 

#3: The summit offers panoramic views across the Auckland area and harbours.

#4: One picture for the memory. 

#5: Lush greenery with countless of sheep. 

#6: We stayed at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport, a family friendly economy hotel that located 800m away from Auckland Airport and Auckland Domestic Airport.  

#7: The Yellow Bus - Auckland Airport Hotels Transfer Bus that operate between 3.20am to 2.07am 

For more info regarding the ticket and fare, you can check out here.

And that's concludes my travelogue of the North Island of New Zealand. 

Next travelogue will be sharing more of the South Island. 

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New Zealand Day 6: Rotorua

 << Previous Post: Day 5 - Huka Falls of Taupo << 

We stayed for a night in Rotorua, a city in the Bay of Plenty region of North Island, New Zealand. It is the centre of a remarkable array of hot springs, boiling mud pools, and spouting geysers. 

Te Puia, Geothermal Wonderland and Maori Cultural Centre
Kicked off our day in Rotorua by visiting Te Puia, a spectacular geothermal valley and home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.  It took nearly 5 minutes drive from our hotel to Te Puia and there is an ample parking space for visitors to park their cars for free. We didn't book any guided tour and so, we did the sightseeing on our own. 

We went and visited the Kiwi House but unfortunately, we didn't spot any of New Zealand's famous flightless bird and national icon. Quite disappointed because we're looking forward to see one, at least. 

Our visit ended at Maori Culture Village for the daily cultural performances, including the famous welcoming Haka dance by the local Maori. 

 

Rotorua Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

It is a local museum and art gallery in the Government Gardens near the centre of Rotorua. But then, we didn't visit the museum from inside because we're more attracted with the beautiful and fascinating government garden surrounded the museum. It's well-maintained and manicured with lots of colourful flowers. Absolutely perfect for those who are looking for Instagram spot. 

And that's how my friends and I spent our day in Rotorua before driving back to Auckland. 

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New Zealand Day 5: Huka Falls of Taupo

 << Previous Post: Day 5 - Hobbiton Movie Set <<

Since our tour to Hobbiton Movie Set ended around noon time, we had ample of time for the next adventures. But before that, let's fill up the hungry tummy first, or else no energy later.  

#1: Asian always be Asian. My friends and I decided to settle our lunch at Japanese Restaurant instead.

From Matamata town in the Waikato region, we continue by driving to Lake Taupo, approximately 1 and half hour drive. Lake Taupo is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in geopolitical Oceania. Not far away from the lake is the country's most visited attractions, Huka Falls which one of the main reasons we drove to Taupo. 

Not far away from where we parked our car, we can hear clearly the sound of the gigantic, strong and furious water flows. As we got nearer, we're blew away by the crystal clear turquoise coloured fall.  No word can ever described how stunning this fall is. Sometimes when we're too busy with life, we tend to forget how incredible is our mother's nature works. It's best for us to stop a while, and admire while we still have the chance to do so.  

#2: Huka Falls of Taupo

#3: Walking trails and viewing platforms for the photographer and nature lovers to relish the falls at every possible angle.

#4: Jet boats zooming 

#5: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand

Don't worry about the admission fee cause it's free. As well as the parking lot. So do stopby here if you have the chance. 

We settled our night in Rotorua, which takes another 1 hour drive there. If you are planning to drive around New Zealand, try to gather those friends who have valid driving license so that you can rotate the drivers. Driving from one point to another in New Zealand can be exhausting. 

ACCOMMODATION IN ROTORUA

#6: 

#7: 

Roto Vegas Motel

Date Stayed: 17 September - 18 September 2015

Room Rate: RM296 for a room with queen size bed and a single bed attached with private bathroom

#8: Since there's kitchen within our room, we decided to cook our own dinner. To save cost as possible as we can

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New Zealand Day 5: Hobbiton Movie Set

 << Previous Post: Day 4 - Paihia & Russell <<

It's the day we have been anticipated for and we're overly excited for it. If you are a movie fan of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, I bet this place will definitely included in your travel itinerary and you shouldn't miss it at all cost. No introduction needed for this place cause once one mentioned about New Zealand, instantly Hobbiton will be on their mind. 

#1: Hobbitton Movie Set

What and Where is Hobbiton?

Set in the heart of Waikato region, Hobbiton is a movie set used for shooting the world-renowned The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit movies which adapted from an epic high fantasy novel. Found by Sir Peter Jackson who is the movie director, this privately owned 1,250 acre family sheep farm caught his attention for its breathtaking rolling hills and lush green pastures where he concluded it's an ideal scene for "The Shire", as described by the novel author, JRR Tolkien.

Practically, there are two ways to reach Hobbiton:

1) By self-driving. If you are from Auckland, it takes approximately 2 hours drive to Matamata town. U can opt to stay in the nearest town such as Hamilton (like we did) or Rotorua which both take about 45 minutes drive. Don't worry about the parking when reach the site cause it's free. 

2) Coach transfer. If you don't feel comfortable with driving around New Zealand, you can book for coach transfer from Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton. 

#2: The departure time, departing on the place of departure

Guided Tour

Hobbiton doesn't open for walk-in visitors, hence you need to pre-book your ticket in advance via online. The time slots and places are pretty limited, so it's wise to book earlier to avoid disappointment. There are few tours available for the visitors but I found the regular tour which costs $89 for adult and $44 for youth (age between 9 to 16) is fairly sufficient for us to cover almost all the movie set we're looking forward for within 2 hours of tour. 

#3: Pre-book your ticket in advance via online. They don't accept walk-in customers. 

Because we booked the 10am guided tour, we left our sweet and cosy AirBnB in Hamilton as early as 8am cause the drive took roughly around 45 minutes to reach Hobbiton Movie Set. It's a wise choice to self-drive in New Zealand because the scenery along the drive is amazingly stunning and awe-inspiring. When we arrived at the destination, we parked our car nearby the general office. And in order to reach the movie set, we have to hop on to their tour bus which has been included in the fee. While inside the bus, some introductions through films were being played. If case you're wondering did I watch all the movies? The answer is, "No" for The Lord of The Rings but "Yes" to all the Hobbit trilogies. Maybe I should find some time to sit down and watch The Lord of The Rings. How about you guys?

Being me again, I think it's best to share more photos for you to justify how beautiful this place was...

#4: Rolling grassland of The Shire

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10: The only manmade tree in this movie set which made of steel and silicon

#11: Am I qualify to be part of The Hobbit? 

#12: The only Hobbit holes where visitors are allowed to go in

#13

#14: The Home of Bilbo Baggins, the main character

#15: The Green Dragon Pub where visitors get claim a complimentary drink from 

This place is so real, and surreal too. I just can't believe that what I had watched and seen on a big movie-screen and now, they are standing right in front of me. Everything looks exactly like the one in the movies - except for the size of the Hobbit homes which tend to be slightly bigger than the movies. This movie set totally exceeded our expectations, especially the hobbit holes where they are so detailed and fascinating. Not forgetting too the colourful bright round doors with the picturesque and charming garden that never fail to amaze the visitors. 

The one and only downside is - because it's a guided tour and you unable to visit on your own, do expect a big group of people during the tour. So taking photos might be challenging here, and sometimes you need to take it quick and fast as possible as you can. I'm not sure how much does the private tour cost but we felt that the regular tour is sufficiently worth more than that. It aint' cheap though!

Overall, my friends and I do enjoy walking through the enchanting village of Hobbiton. Even if you have never watch any of these movies, you will still find this so-called Middle Earth tour to be interesting and amusing. Definitely one of the top tourist spots you shouldn't miss in New Zealand. 

You can book your ticket from here.

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