Borneo, East Malaysia – 1 September 2015: Gaya Island Resort celebrated Independence Day with a memorable marine event and a new offering to commemorate this significant day. The first event saw a rescued and rehabilitated Hawksbill Turtle, being released back to its home in the wild. Gaya Island Resort also introduced a Premium Meal Plan that allow guests the freedom to dine across four of the resort's restaurants complemented by a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals.

On 22 July 2015, Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre received its first critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle and 7th turtle patient from a local boatman who accidentally caught it in his net and brought it in to ensure it was unharmed. Dr Nicholas Pilcher of the Marine Research Foundation and his interns determined that it was a healthy, full-grown male Hawksbill Turtle, approximately 25-30 years old, reproductively mature but not ready to mate. DNA samples were obtained and a metal ID tag was installed to aid in research work. The turtle was kept under the watchful eye of Resident Marine Biologist, Scott Mayback, during the minimum month-long observation period to ensure he was completely healthy to be freed. With pride and joy, the rehabilitated Hawksbill Turtle was released back to its natural habitat from Tavajun Bay at Gaya Island Resort on Monday, 31 August 2015 at 11.30am.

As the turtle regained its independence, guests can now enjoy freedom in dining flexibility with the introduction of an all-inclusive Premium Meal Plan at only RM350++ per adult, per day while children aged between 2 to 11 years old will be charged at 50% of the adult rate. Indulge in a three-course meal across four restaurant venues that include house pouring wine, house beer, juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea, served during lunch and dinner. Guests can pre-purchase the Premium Meal Plan from YTL Travel Centre or upon arrival at Gaya Island Resort.  

About Gaya Island Resort

Situated on Pulau Gaya within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort is a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest. The 121 villas respect Sabahan elements and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance. Integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village Gaya Island, offering programmes that reflect the region's healing practices, from the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads. Discoveries and authentic experiences with nature all prevail across the YTL Luxury Resort's land and seascape, offering travellers an escape that is distinctively Borneo. www.gayaislandresort.com

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train.

2014 brought the launch of Kasara, a new brand of luxury accommodation offering bespoke, one-of-a-kind experiences in Niseko Village. In 2015, the group welcomes their latest addition, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in the city to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World's collection of legendary hotels. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information.

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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Tracy Khee

Director, Public Relations

Email: tracy@ytl.com.sg 

Tel: +65 6578 9035

Serena Tog

Director, Marketing & Communications

Email: serena_tog@ytlhotels.com.my

Tel: +60 18 799 9007

Luke Hurford

Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Email: lhurford@ytlhotels.com.my