Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, in Malaysian Borneo, has launched new immersive guest experiences as part of the re-development of the respected nature reserve in Sabah. The innovative recreational proposition is designed to enhance the reserve’s conservation education programme, as well as introduce a range of new nature and adventure experiences.
Completed in June 2018, Rasa Ria Reserve now has two distinct experiential areas that local residents and hotel guests can explore – Adventure Point and Nature Reserve.
The protected 64-acre nature reserve is nestled within Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria’s 400 acres of tropical jungle, watched over by Sabah’s iconic Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is home to the long-tailed macaques, western tarsiers, bear cats and the famous huge-eyed slow loris, plus over 60 species of birds, 100 species of butterflies and a wide spectrum of native plants.
Guests can choose from a variety of new and enhanced experiences in the Nature Reserve from the creation of a Discovery Centre, which will educate guests about the indigenous wildlife and plants through interactive exhibits.
Constructed with environmentally sustainable materials and designed to capture the essence of the rainforest, the Discovery Centre sits at the heart of the Rasa Ria Reserve and is the gateway to the reserve’s unique trail system that covers 21 kilometres of trekking through the tropical jungle. Six walking trails individually showcase a different side to the tropical jungle from entomology to herbs, native, adventure, wildlife and canopy offering days of exploration, learning and fun.
A new watering hole to enhance local wildlife’s habitat also provides the perfect lookout point in which to spot nocturnal animals including the endangered and shy Pangolin. Set in the midst of the Nature Reserve it encourages local wildlife that roam freely across the 64-acre Nature Reserve to feed and take water, creating a magical experience for visitors.