Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu Offers Paradise in Borneo just 40 Minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport

From gorgeous sunrises to immersive cultural tours, this Bornean escape offers something for every family member.

NESTLED ON THE PRISTINE WHITE SANDS of Borneo’s Pantai Dalit sits Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu. The lush destination spans over 400 acres packed with verdant jungles, luxurious amenities, world-class food and drink, and indulgent rooms and suites. 

The resort houses its own Nature Preserve, Adventure Point and Discovery Centre where guests can hike, learn from experts, and observe rare plants and animals. It also offers a wide range of specialised and unique experiences, allowing you to get closer to nature. 

What’s equally amazing is that this botanical haven is just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and 35 minutes from the city’s vibrant shopping district. 

Immersed in Nature

The Rasa Ria Reserve is a 64-acre coastal jungle at the foot of Sabah’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu. The resort’s location amid the reserve allows guests to get closer to authentic Borneo by experiencing culture, adventure and nature on their doorsteps.

Inside the reserve, visitors can explore an incredible array of Borneo’s legendary jungle life, with more than 80 species of birds, 100 types of insects, and rarely seen wildlife — including the endangered animals.

The reserve is staffed by experienced and knowledgeable Resident Naturalists that can answer questions and guide informative journeys through the fascinating surrounds.

At the reserve’s entry is the Discovery Centre, an educational hub built from sustainable materials where guests can learn about indigenous flora, including medicinal plants and trees, and local fauna, such as long-tailed macaques, macaw parrots, Bornean keeled pit vipers, and huge-eyed slow loris. 

The centre also serves as the gateway to the reserve’s trail system, offering six trails over five miles of walks through the tropical environment.

The reserve provides a gathering place for visitors passionate about learning and experiencing nature firsthand amongst staff committed to conserving delicate habitats and local culture. 

Adventure Awaits

Also inside the resort is Adventure Point, a destination designed to please families and thrillseekers alike.

Consider this a one-stop shop for fun activities. It includes an outdoor playground for children, watersports and enthralling bucket-list activities. Designed in harmony with the reserve, Adventure Point is home to Bornean play sculptures, balance beams, swings, a climbing zone and a sandpit with dinosaur bones.

For the most fearless of guests, there is an opportunity to scale climbing walls with a height of 10 metres and a wide array of challenges designed to suit all ages and abilities.

Unforgettable Activities at Rasa Ria Reserve

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, offers a curated range of experiences sure to appeal to every guest.

Visitors can choose from Borneo Sunrise, a 98-metre hike to the summit of the resort’s forest reserve to watch the sunrise over majestic Mount Kinabalu. Guests call it breathtaking to watch the rising orb colour the forest and ocean below in gold.

Junior Naturalist is an experience popular with the resort’s youngest adventurers. Designed for children curious about the natural world, it includes fun, interactive, and educational activities, including exploring the resort’s lush tropical forest and learning about local plants, animals and ecosystems.

Guests can also explore the local community on the Laya Village Bicycle Tour, where they get a firsthand look at the rich heritage of the Bajau ethnic tribe. The tour includes demonstrations on making delectable indigenous snacks, discovering the art of crafting traditional cigarettes, enjoying the melodic sounds of rhythmic folk music, and trying on ceremonial Bajau clothes.

Whether planning an epic family vacation, a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat into nature, you can begin planning your trip, from picking your accommodation to booking activities, on the resort’s new online platform, www.rasariareserve.com.

Article Sponsored by Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu.
Images courtesy of Shangri-La Rasa Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu.

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