Kinarut Holidays from AU$1,050

Staying up in the mountains, you have to accept that you will have insect visitors come in your room. The host gave us a spray to help the insects leave. The host kept our room clean and gave fresh towels. They helped us build our itinerary. I had to have some milk and food for my young kids and they let me use their fridge. Dog was friendly.

The rooms were clean and comfortable enough. WiFi is provided. Amenities are available but note that iron is not a steam iron and wasn't in the best condition. Would have preferred hair dryer to be mounted in the toilet for easier access. Tea and coffee were provided as well as basic toiletries. The kettle had bad scaling and I could not use it. Breakfast came with room price and food was more or less the same daily. At least food was hot unlike some other places I've stayed. Do not book tours with the hotel concierge. When I asked, I was given another person's contact number who also worked in the hotel. They tried to be helpful but in a very nonchalant attitude. I think they also quoted a high rate for transport to the cultural village. Minus factor is the use of a personal car and not from the hotel which made me quite mad as the interior was disgusting. Overall close to a big shopping mall and walkable distance to kk waterfront for a walk if you're down for seafood. Grab is easily accessible.

Gaya Island is a great destination for snorkelling/ diving, the water around the property is full of life even from your villa and the walkways there is plenty to see. Gayana resort is plastic free and no water motorsports are available- which I did much appreciate. Staff are very friendly and helpful throughout, the properties are clean and spacious. However the resort is in overall need of repair and refurbishment. The villas and common areas are outdated, repairs made over time are visible and mismatched. The restaurant menu is limited, you will struggle to pair starter, main and desert, find vegetarian or vegan options. I would not expect a pizza on a resort dinner menu ( even less a pizza that really does not meet any standards). The bar features a pool table ( literally the only thing to do in the evening) which has not been maintained and is not level, cocktail options are limited, the bar overall is not stocked and not always manned during opening hours. Prices for food and drinks are not far off European standards, quality is not. The hotel offers snorkelling gear and kayaks free of charge and staff at the recreation centre are always there to help, there is no gym ( which would be handy when it rains) and there is very limited offer of paid activities ( eg. diving instructions were not available during our stay, no options to explore the island,..) The property does also not have access to a beach!- there are fantastic looking beaches close but not accessible.