Stay on the edge of the jungle at this all-inclusive Malaysian resort

Experience Borneo’s rugged wilderness where ancient jungle meets the sea at the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

Borneo is a portal. Mention it, and your mind floats to the canopy of an ancient, untouched jungle where fuzzy-haired orangutans swing through vine-tangled branches. Stand at the jungle’s edge, though, and you’ll find beaches ensconced by prismatic coral reefs and white sand. It’s here, in the shade of Mt Kinabalu’s sacred, unwavering slope, that you’ll find Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

This eco-luxurious paradise sits in privileged proximity to UNESCO-listed Mount Kinabalu, and melds Malaysia’s rich culture with wild landscapes and charming hospitality. Find a private nature reserve teeming with wildlife, an 18-hole championship golf course

Float between pristine nature and incredible dining.

Location

Upon arrival, it’s hard to believe this secluded jungle sanctuary is so accessible. Once you land at Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Eastern Malaysia, you’re just a short drive away. The city is a dichotomous ode to Borneo’s energy. Nights are soundtracked by heaving markets where satay sizzles over hot coals and ripe durian splits open under machetes. Then, as day breaks, sit in awe-filled silence from one of South East Asia’s tallest mountains (Mt Kinabalu).

Back at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, it’s the same rhythm. Float between the quiet nature of the 64-acre forest reserve and clinking drinks at the beachfront bar.

See Mount Kinabalu from the golf greens.

Rooms & suites

Each of the 494 rooms dotted across the expansive property is designed to braid the threads of Sabah’s unique heritage with its rugged nature.

The hotel’s considered design means that no matter how you travel – couple, solo, or family – you’ll be paired with a room plucked from your daydreams. The resort is designed around two wings (connected via electric buggies). One faces the sun-drenched sea while the other gazes upon the hallowed peak of Mt Kinabalu.

Relax where the rainforest meets the sea.

Choose to stay in the luxury Ocean Wing, and discover your own private lobby. Here, arrive to the strum of local instruments and traditional music. Once in your suite, the colour palette is brushed directly from the landscape: hues of greens, blues and browns tell the island’s story. Each room is bathed in light through floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading out to your balcony. Soak in your private, oversized tub (complete with John Masters Organics products) as the Bornean sunset erupts in colour overhead. Or, slip into your private pool.

Lean into luxury in an Ocean Wing junior suite.

In the Garden Wing, you’ll still find sea views. But here they come spliced with riotous tropical colours and manicured gardens. Each suite is centred around the rich hues of cherry, teak, ebony and coconut woods to create a luxe retreat for tired parents. If you’re travelling with children, this is where you’ll want to be for a prime position near the children’s swimming pools and playgrounds.

Soak in ocean views from Garden Wing rooms.

Dining

Ask any Malaysian what they’re most proud of, and it will be their food. At the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, each recipe starts with a story – passed down among the local chefs – and is designed with sustainability at its core. As part of the Savour program, all produce is sustainably grown by neighbouring local farmers and changes with the seasons.

To find Sampan Bar, you’ll need to make your nightly pilgrimage to the three-kilometre stretch of white sand beach. Sip on cocktails inspired by Malaysia’s exceptional tropical fruits as the alchemic Malaysian sky turns the sea to gold.

For time-honoured, beloved Malaysian recipes, head to the fragrant hawker stalls of Tepi Laut. Dine barefoot at a beachfront barbecue or taste the local seafood through an elegant degustation. Stop for ice cream after dinner, before sneaking into the dedicated Karaoke bar.

Head to the fragrant hawker stalls of Tepi Laut.

Amenities

It’s ridiculously easy to fill your days. Opt for a workout at the fully equipped gym or 18 holes of golf on the resort’s green. Children can enjoy their own dedicated pool, kayaking and even archery.

Visit the spa for traditional Sabah treatments designed around the local people’s understanding of the native flora’s powers.

Relax with traditional Sabah treatments.

Activities & eco-immersion

No day looks the same here. Choose to laze beneath the palm trees, wake up with yoga on the beach, learn the ancient art of Batik Canting from local artisans or feel Malaysia’s rhythm with a cultural dance class.

It’s impossible to forget you’re staying on the jungle’s edge. Your backyard is a nearly 26-hectare private jungle sitting at the base of UNESCO-listed Mt Kinabalu. It’s connected via a network of trails into the heart of the jungle. Join a naturalist-led hike and encounter the endangered pangolin. At dawn, watch hornbills soar overhead as the jungle yawns to life.

See Rasa Ria Reserve from Shangri-La’s viewing platform.

Before heading out, get situated at the Discovery Centre. Don’t miss the sunrise hike to the reserve’s summit. Watch the sun crawl lazily over the summit of Mt Kinabalu from Shangri-La’s viewing platform – Champagne in hand, if you feel like it. Don your head torch and join a night walk to watch fireflies illuminate the jungle, or hop on a buggy to spot wild otters cheekily playing.

You’ll also find an extensive lineup of activities just for kids. They’ll love being a naturalist for a day and helping to reforest the jungle to support Borneo’s endemic species.

Learn and grow in the Discovery Centre.

Book your eco-luxury stay at Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort by visiting shangri-la.com.