Closer to Borneo

The heart of Rasa Ria Reserve

Closer to Nature

Closer to Adventure

Closer to Culture

About Us

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Located along the stunning white sand beach of Pantai Dalit, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu is just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and 35 minutes from the city’s shopping and commercial district. The resort is surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical forest that includes a nature reserve where many of Borneo’s unique flora and fauna can be found.

Rasa Ria Reserve

Rasa Ria Reserve, a 64-acre jungle between rivers and the South China Sea, offers unobstructed views of UNESCO-listed Mount Kinabalu, serving as a gateway to Borneo's lush landscapes for hotel guests.

The Rasa Ria Reserve is divided into two distinctive zones - Nature Reserve and Adventure Point. The dedicated 64-acre nature is home to numerous plants and animals endemic to Borneo while the Adventure Zone is an experiential play space that recreates animal species along with experiential pieces like a climbing wall to encourage the development of body and mind through immersive experiences.

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At the heart of the Rasa Ria Reserve is a Discovery Centre that educates through tactical exhibitions. The Resident Naturalist nurtures the reserve with the maintenance of the natural surroundings to ensure that fauna and flora continue to thrive. They also offer an opportunity to witness these endemic species through guided walking trails.

The Rasa Ria Nature Reserve was established by Shangri-La Rasa Ria in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah in June 1996. The primary purpose of setting up this protected ecological space was to help facilitate rehabilitation programmes for endangered species of fauna endemic to Sabah. The reserve’s focus on rescue and rehabilitation work, as well as education and awareness programmes over the next 20 years after its establishment, saw a marked reduction in the number of orangutans sent to the reserve for care.

The Orangutan Rehabilitation Project concluded successfully in 2016, with all orangutans now residing at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan. The reserve then refocused its energy on providing the best possible environment for the remaining flora and fauna that have come to call the reserve their home.

The Rasa Ria Reserve is home to over 80 bird species that grace lush landscapes and gardens with vibrant colours and melodious calls. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature through solo or group bird-watching experiences. As part of our commitment to biodiversity, the reserve is also home to Stingless Bees. Discover the world of these remarkable creatures through our immersive activities. Learn about their anatomy, life cycle, and diet. Get up close with a live colony, take a farm tour, sample raw honey, and learn how to harvest it. It's a hands-on experience for those interested in these amazing creatures and their honey.

Conservation Project Milestones

Conservation projects initiated by Rasa Ria Reserve over the last 20 years have evolved from its primary role as a rehabilitation centre for orang utans to habitat enrichment, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, environmental education and awareness. Its long-term commitment to preserving nature for the future is a testament to how, given the right foresight and determination, the environment and people can live together in harmony.

The new development phase of Rasa Ria Reserve will see a continued strengthening of its collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department through its animal rescue unit, tree planting initiatives with resort guests and school students, and educational visits and projects for students to enhance their awareness and responsibility towards nature conservation.

Find out what you can do in Rasa Ria Reserve
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