Set amidst 400 acres of tropical paradise in Sabah, Malaysia, the award-winning Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu is a luxury sanctuary where the rainforest meets the South China Sea. The resort features a 64-acre private nature reserve, a 3-km stretch of pristine white sand beach, and the prestigious Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club with its world-class 18-hole championship course. Guests can choose from the Garden Wing, ideal for families and friends with tranquil, nature-inspired rooms, or indulge in the Ocean Wing, where spacious suites feature private outdoor bathtubs, large balconies, and exclusive access to an outdoor jacuzzi.
With over 60 recreational activities, from watersports and horse riding along the beach to guided rainforest treks, birdwatching, and wildlife encounters, adventure awaits at every turn. Families are well cared for with dedicated kids’ programs, while couples and adults can savour the romance of spectacular sunset views over the South China Sea, best enjoyed with cocktails at the beachside Sampan Bar.
Culinary journeys span across six dining venues, including Japanese teppanyaki at Kozan, authentic Malaysian cuisine at Tepi Laut, Italian-inspired grills at Oceano, and more—ensuring every meal is memorable. Just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is the ultimate escape into nature, adventure, and luxury.
"This hotel was fantastic for relaxing! I chatted with a guy at the watersports center and learned they've been fully booked lately. But since the hotel is so big and the public areas are really well-maintained, with plenty of loungers and parasols, you can easily spend your whole day lounging from morning till afternoon. Check-in was a bit slow, but everyone was very polite, and they kindly extended my check-out to 4 PM as requested. There's a beautiful big tree with silk floss flowers that I took so many pictures of. The hotel offers a huge variety of activities; if you're willing to participate, every day will be super fulfilling. Just remember to book in advance! There are also many restaurants at the hotel; note that some are not open for lunch. All the staff members are incredibly nice. It's not just Koreans and Chinese here anymore; there are quite a few older Western guests too. Breakfast is much better than at Magellan. All in all, I highly recommend it for families and friends who want a lazy, relaxing getaway."