Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Borneo
OVERVIEW
Borneo is one of those honeymoon-worthy destinations that ensure plenty to do for couples with differing tastes, but it’s also fantastic for families. One of our favourite resorts for a multigenerational trip is Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, just 30 minutes from the city of Kota Kinabalu and another 15 from the airport, so transfers are a breeze – great for post-flight grizzly little ones.
However, it’s the enormous array of activities on offer that makes this hotel a hit. Whatever your child’s interests, there’s something for them to do. Creative types will love puppet crafting, weaving coconut leaves, batik painting and making traditional instruments. Those who need wearing out can try dance lessons, rounders, horse riding, kayaking and paddle boarding to tire them before bed. Keen nature lovers can take part in activities called ‘tiny green thumb’ and ‘Flora the explorer’ or become a Ranger for the Day and join the grown-ups feeding the baby orangutans in the rehabilitation sanctuary.
Rasa Ria always makes the most of its fantastic location in between jungle and sea. The hotel is set on a three-kilometre long beach with a 64-acre nature reserve adjacent; there’s no shortage of possibilities to explore.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 499
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Nearest Airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board
6 Reasons to visit Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
- Fantastically family friendly, with a huge array of activities for all ages
- Beautiful location on a white sand beach backed by rainforest
- There’s a 64-acre nature reserved home to deer, monkey, slow loris and orangutan
- Divine spa, Chi, with indulgent treatments including massage and mud wraps
- You’ll find an 18-hole Ted Parslow-designed golf course
- Rooms in the new Ocean wing have outdoor bathtubs and views of the South China Sea
The firefly watching activity might be designed for children but it’s just as captivating for adults.
Explore Our Other Borneo Hotels
Where to stay
There are 499 rooms across two wings at the resort. We’d recommend the newer Ocean Wing where there are 173 rooms to choose from, with private outdoor bathtubs and panoramic views over the South China Sea. Guests of the Ocean Wing also enjoy extra privileges including a separate entrance, express check in and out, plus an exclusive swimming pool and concierge. The Garden Wing has also had a $20 million refurbishment but offers fewer extras.
The firefly watching activity might be designed for children but it’s just as captivating for adults.
What to do
Where to start! There is so much to do at Rasa Ria, you’ll wish you could stay longer. Guided bicycle tours, stand up paddle board lessons, cooking demonstrations, tai chi, horse riding, golf – and that’s before you’ve explored the nature reserve or dipped into the spa.
The firefly watching activity might be designed for children but it’s just as captivating for adults.
What and Where to Eat
As expected of a resort of this size, there are plentiful dining options. Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, you’ll find it all here. We especially love sampling the local Malaysian cuisine at the food stalls at the Tepi Laut Makan Street.
The firefly watching activity might be designed for children but it’s just as captivating for adults.
When to travel
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
27 | 8 | 443 |
Feb |
27 | 8 | 278 |
Mar |
28 | 9 | 188 |
Apr |
28 | 8 | 120 |
May |
28 | 10 | 154 |
Jun |
29 | 10 | 190 |
Jul |
30 | 10 | 184 |
Aug |
29 | 9 | 241 |
Sep |
28 | 9 | 231 |
Oct |
27 | 8 | 230 |
Nov |
27 | 7 | 300 |
Dec |
27 | 7 | 435 |