Marine Ecology Research Centre

Where shall we dive next? The TAR marine park has so many beautiful dive sites, just waiting to be explored. Our rates include surface interval snacks and lunch at Bungaraya Island Resort so it’s really like a mini vacation. DM us to book your next dive. See you on the island! 🤙🏼

This place 🤩 Surface interval snacks and lunch is served at , so you can explore the Reef and then come back for a bite to eat afterwards. DM us for more info! See you on the island soon! 🤙🏼

ADOPT US PLEASE

There are many corral reef being destroyed in the past and it will take ages for these reef to grow back again. It’s either they grow or they simply vanish!
At MERC, we encouraged our guests to adopt a coral and ever since the program is introduced, we have increased a great area of coral reef within our vicinity.
Come and adopt one!

"New Seasonal Rates Available! DM us for more info!"

The Gentle GIANT

There are 8 species of giant clam through out the world and Tridacna Gigas is the LARGEST of them all. Gigas can grow up to 1.3 meter in length and weight up to 300kg!! Did you know that Giant Clams serve as nurseries and refugees for fish on the reef!

"New Seasonal Rates Available! DM us for more info!"

Invasion from the Deeper Ocean

The sea cucumbers might look like an alien species. But hey! They play an important role by helping to filter the ocean sediment and keeping the nutrients cycling throughout the ocean ecosystem.

Did you know that there more than 1200 species of sea cucumbers in the world ocean?

Come stay with us at GAYANA MARINE RESORT and Snorkle around to look for these beautiful Marine Life

Hats of Cowboys! Make way for the MAGNIFICENT 7!

We proud to say that in our water, we have 7 species of giant clams out of 8 in the world! YES! 7 out of 8!
But 15 years ago, we found out that 2 out of this 7 species have been classified as locally extinct. Driven by the belief that the ocean connects all forms or life, MERC through its dedicated and passionate Marine Biologist, we have brought back the 2 species, thus completing all 7 sets of giant clams in our surrounding ocean.

Ever wonder how a Giant Clam feeds itself? The Giant Clam actually gets MOST of their energy from symbiotic algae that live within their cells through the process of photosynthesis (like plants!). Symbiotic algae live safely with the Giant clam and receive the nutrients necessary for photosynthesis. They are also responsible for the beautiful colours we see on the Giant Clam's mantle! Amazing teamwork!

https://www.scubadivermag.com.au/borneos-marine-ecology-research-centre/

Borneo's Marine Ecology Research Centre - Scuba Diver ANZ Sited on Malohom Bay on Pulau Gaya, a 20-minute ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) started off with humble beginnings

Our team of dedicated Marine Biologists are working hard to ensure our gentle Giant Clams entrusted under our care are well taken care of. Our work is focused on giving those BABY GIANTS a chance at life, and giving them the means and environment to FLOURISH. These quiet creatures are a HUGE part of the healthy coral reef ecosystem and we are proud to be able to play a part in their SURVIVAL. Welcome to THEIR home at Gayana Marine Resort.