KOTA KINABULU, MALAYSIA
On the northwest coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea is Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort, in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. As a growing nature resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands and lush rain forest, travellers have a reason to stay here. And the quality of the resorts, like Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria encourages them to make a break.
Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort has 499 rooms in two wings. The Garden Wing is generally aimed at families where the ground floor rooms have small terraces while majority of the upper floor rooms offer private balconies. The Ocean Wing is like an oasis in a tropical forest for discerning travellers. It offers a different level of luxury. The rooms are larger with spacious balconies and double bath tubs. Of course, the views get better as you get higher.
Dalit Bay Golf & Country club is the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course. Bordered by two rivers, the course has stunning views of Mount Kinabalu in the backdrop. The course is open for both seasoned players and amateurs. Wonderful bird life out on the course, also monitor lizards and on one occasion we saw a family of otters that ran across the fairway. Other activities include nature walks, watersports and some are complimentary for about an hour.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeDisabled FacilitiesFamily RoomFitness CentreGardenGolf Onsite Or NearbyMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPoolside BarPrivate BeachRestaurantSpa/SaunaTennis CourtWater SportsWi-Fi AvailableStay Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria has 499 rooms that feature a balcony or terrace and are located either in the Garden Wing with forest or garden views, or the newer Ocean Wing with sea views. The Superior Rainforest Rooms face the tropical landscapes to the back of the resort, whilst the Deluxe Garden or Sea View Rooms on the upper floor have split-level layout and private balcony. Premier Ocean Wing Room, facing the sea come with a private outdoor bathtub and are a bit more luxurious.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria. There is a complimentary kids club for 5 to 11 years old engaging playtime in a supervised environment. The children’s pool is located in the main pool area. And the more adventurous can get to help the rangers look after the baby Orang Utans in the resort’s care.
Dine There is a wide choice to eat at the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria from the authentic Malaysian ‘street food’ at the Tepi Laut and Makan Street restaurant to Naan, serving Northern India and coastal Goa dishes, to 'Kozan Teppan-yaki' with top end Japanese food and Italian dishes at the Oceano Italian Restaurant. In addition, 'Coffee Terrace' boasts all day dining. Our only recommendation is not to miss the sunset at the laid-back Sampan Bar which overlooks the beach.
Relax The pool area at Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria is lovely with plenty of sun loungers. The pool attendants were fantastic, bringing you fresh cold water, fruit kebabs or ice-creams which was a lovely treat. Fresh towels were available free of charge all day. The Spa features a selection of treatments that showcase diverse Sabah Culture and use natural botanical and herbal products.
Experience The nearby Orang-utan Education Centre is the best place to see orang-utans. It is where they re-habilitate young Orangs for release into the wild. Seeing them from close and be able to touch them was my best wildlife experience. You can also enjoy complimentary one hour of Catamaran G-16, Windsurfing, Boogie Board, Dingy Sail Boat and Ocean Kayak. Motor and non-motor sports include fishing, jet ski, diving, windsurfing and more.
Location Rasa Ria Resort is set on Pantai Dalit beach surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation. Near Kota Kinabalu, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, which is perched on the northern tip of the island of Borneo.
Getting There International flights arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. A 30 minutes’ drive from the airport will take you to Shangri-La Rasa Ria hotel.
When to go A good time to travel to Borneo is between March and September/October, even though Southwest monsoon brings in short burst of showers between May to July. Showers usually occur on the upper slopes in the afternoon while Mount Kinabalu has its own climate. The driest season runs from April to October but even during this season, a good raincoat is a must. The heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January and the lowest in between February and April.
Destination
Western, Borneo
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