By Helen Ong ~ Enjoy sitting on the alfresco deck under the umbrellas soaking in the atmosphere

Tucked away in the Paradise Sandy Beach Resort, you’ll be surprised how pleasant it is to sit in Gaya’s Beachside Bar and Restaurant at the Paradise Sandy Bay Hotel in Tanjung Bungah. It really is a great get-away for couples or families, just sitting on their alfresco deck under the umbrellas or on the beach itself soaking in the casual and relaxing holiday atmosphere.

During the day, the little cove will allow younger members of the family to splash about in the water whilst you have a drink (or two – an ice-cold beer will never go amiss here; alternatively, try the “Mambo No.5 – a cold, creamy cocktail made from Baileys and other yummy ingredients) in the shade of the palm trees and still keep a watchful eye on them.

In the evening, it transforms into a pretty tropical garden, with fairy lights dotted about, where you can listen to the calming, soporific effects of the waves breaking on to the beach.

The a la carte menu offers local favorites like “Mee Karipoli” which is a slightly spicy dry curry noodles, and the “Surf and Turf” section includes old stalwarts like Fish and Chips or Rib-eye Steak.

One of their most popular is Pan-fried Chicken Breast with Three Mushroom Sauce served with mashed potatoes with cubed avocado mixed in. You’ll see why the dish bagged their chef the Silver in a “Culinare Malaysia” competition.

The fusion Seafood Platter is suitable for big appetites or as a starter for several people, as it includes six different types of pan-fried or battered seafood.  It’s served with a side plate of cous-cous and barbeque sauce – four different cuisines in one go!

Gaya’s also offers a good home-made, reasonably-priced thin-crust pizza menu if that’s your fancy. Besides their a la carte menu, every Friday and Saturday evening there are buffets available with live entertainment, which are proving to be a real hit with patrons, as it includes a good selection of both local, seafood and international favourites. There is always a Char Kuey Teow Action Stall and another local hawker delight, together with a barbeque corner serving marinated meats, fish and sausages.