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.
"Due to a last-minute change in plans, I ended up in Kota Kinabalu. Many popular hotels were fully booked, so I had no choice but to stay at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, which is quite far from the city center. However, it turned out to be a really worthwhile stay.
First off, the hotel provides a shuttle service. The bus stop is right next to Ba Wang Cha Ji at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and the shuttle was always on time.
The hotel itself is expansive, featuring a large golf course. Upon arrival at the reception, the staff were very welcoming and even rang a gong, which I assume was a welcome gesture. After checking in, a buggy was waiting to take us around. There are two pools: one at the Garden Wing and one at the Ocean Wing. The Garden Wing pool has a waterslide, which the kids loved.
The room was quite spacious, and the balcony even had a large plunge pool with stunning views, especially at sunset when the 'burning clouds' created a spectacular scene. The staff primarily spoke English, so communication was in English. Breakfast was excellent, especially the rice vermicelli, and you could also request custom-made fried eggs. One day, my little one wasn't in the mood to go down for breakfast, and the staff kindly packed a portion for us to take away.
Nearby restaurants are about a kilometer away, so we relied on Grab every day to get around, setting our location to the Ocean Wing.
The hotel offers many activities, but we didn't participate in any of them.
In summary: The location is a bit secluded, but the price is reasonable. The hotel has its own beach, and the service is warm and attentive. They also have a mini-program for communicating with staff. There are seafood restaurants nearby, and a shuttle service to the airport and city center, running three times a day, so be sure to note the schedule. With plenty of activities, it's an excellent choice for a family leisure trip with children."