Rasa Ria Reserve, a 64-acre jungle nestled between rivers and the South China Sea, offers unobstructed views of UNESCO-listed Mount Kinabalu. It serves as a gateway to Borneo’s lush and diverse landscapes for hotel guests seeking an immersive nature experience.
The 64-acre reserve is home to numerous plants and animals endemic to Borneo, providing a protected sanctuary where biodiversity thrives. Carefully preserved natural habitats allow guests to experience Sabah’s rich ecological heritage in an authentic and meaningful way.
At the heart of the Rasa Ria Reserve is the Discovery Centre, where interactive exhibitions inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The Resident Naturalist plays a vital role in maintaining the reserve’s ecosystem, ensuring that its flora and fauna continue to flourish. Guests are invited to witness these endemic species firsthand through guided walking trails led by knowledgeable experts.
The Rasa Ria Nature Reserve was established in June 1996 by Shangri-La Rasa Ria in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah. Its primary purpose was to support rehabilitation programmes for endangered fauna native to Sabah. Over the next two decades, the reserve’s dedicated rescue, rehabilitation, education, and awareness initiatives contributed to a significant reduction in the number of orangutans requiring care.
The Orangutan Rehabilitation Project concluded successfully in 2016, with all orangutans relocated to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan. Following this milestone, the reserve refocused its efforts on providing the best possible environment for the diverse flora and fauna that now call the reserve home.
Today, the reserve is home to over 80 bird species that bring vibrant colour and melodic calls to its lush landscapes and gardens. Guests can immerse themselves in nature through solo or group bird-watching experiences.
As part of its continued commitment to biodiversity, the reserve also houses stingless bees. Through immersive activities, guests can discover the fascinating world of these remarkable creatures — learning about their anatomy, life cycle, and diet. Experience a live colony up close, tour the bee farm, sample raw honey, and gain insight into traditional harvesting methods in this engaging, hands-on encounter.