Find Your Shangri-La in Kota Kinabalu with Two Charming Resorts
PUBLISHED February 18th, 2016 02:00 pm | UPDATED June 2nd, 2020 07:20 pm
There’s no question that Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, is a beautiful place – the locals are friendly, the city is rich in old-world charm, and there are many gorgeous natural attractions to see (in particular, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Kinabalu).
As if that’s not enough, the sun here rises and sets with a fiery red passion, making each dawn and dusk a pretty magical experience.
To properly enjoy the magnificent of this coastal city, it makes sense to base yourself somewhere you can combine both relaxation and expedition, and we know just the place(s) for you: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa: The Tranquil Seaside Retreat
Love the peace and quiet? Just want to get away from it all? Well, situated amidst a nature reserve on Pantai Dalit Beach, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa will surely enchant you with its endless natural beauty.
Tranquility doesn’t equal boredom though – activities offered within the resort include horseback riding, deep sea fishing, water sports, and bird watching. Guests can also go on a jungle walk through the 64-acre site of coastal vegetation or cruise the nearby mangrove river.
The key highlight of Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa has to be the exclusive Ocean Wing, the newly extended accommodation wing complete with 173 sea-facing Premier Rooms. Catering to those who prefer a more exclusive experience, guests in the Ocean Wing can expect the same premium service, be it crafting a personalised itinerary of signature resort experiences, pampering spa sessions, or access to a private beachfront Jacuzzi.
The Ocean Wing also has many cosy nooks for quiet respite, such as the bamboo garden, sun lounges, beach cabanas, and a breezy tropical garden where you can indulge in some foot reflexology.
Located within such lush environs, it would come as no surprise that Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a 45-minute drive from the city. So it’s a good thing that there’s a wide selection of cuisines and dining styles on offer, from in-room meals to romantic beachside dining.
Don’t miss out on the new Oceano Italian Restaurant (which also serves as the Ocean Wing guests’ exclusive breakfast venue) and its gorgeous view of the Dalit Beach from the al fresco-style terrace. Other international eating places include the award-winning Naan Indian Restaurant and the Malaysian hawker-style Tepi-Laut.
Our verdict? Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is pretty much perfect for those seeking a relaxing retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Check out the special Advance Purchase Offer and enjoy a 15% discount off the resort’s Best Available Rate when you book more than 60 days in advance.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa: The Gateway To Borneo
Compared to its Rasa Ria counterpart, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is situated much closer to the city center and airport. STAR Marina, a private jetty, is also part of the resort, making five tropical islands and Mount Kinabalu an easy peasy five-minute speedboat ride away.
Consisting of the Tanjung Wing (which overlooks the South China Sea) and Kinabalu Wing (facing the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park), the resort has a total of 492 well-appointed rooms and suites. For a more inclusive experience, opt to stay on the Kinabalu Club Floor, and enjoy special privileges like priority check-in, complimentary breakfast, and pre-dinner tipples in the privacy of the exclusive Kinabalu Club Lounge.
Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is also home to Kota Kinabalu’s popular Tanjung Aru Beach. Locals frequent it for strolls or picnics, and there are many food stalls and bars around should you feel peckish. Soak in the splendorous sunset over a Sabah Golden Sunset Cocktail at Sunset Bar before winding down at Coco-Joe’s Bar & Grill’s beach side cabanas as you tuck into a fresh, succulent seafood tower.
If kids (even if they aren’t yours) are tagging along, take them to the Water Park; with three unique theme-park slides, a Super Splash feature, and a Water Wars section, they’ll be entertained all day long. Don’t have children? We’re pretty sure the young at heart will have loads of fun at the Water Park too. After all that time in the sun, round off the day with a relaxing session at CHI The Spa, one of Kota Kinabalu’s most picturesque spas.
Also, the resort’s proximity to Kinabalu National Park means that it’s easy to go on a day trip to the jungle and explore a paradise of natural wonders, rugged landscapes and scenic beauty around Mount Kinabalu. Iconic features of the jungle to keep an eye out for include the Rafflesia (the largest flower in the world) and Orang Utans.
Conclusion? With family-friendly facilities and the city centre a 15-minute drive away, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is fantastic for families with young(er) kids, and for those who enjoy being closer to the city.
We recommend the Family Fun Package (from MYR1015 per night), which includes complimentary buffet breakfast and dinner for two adults and two children below 12 years old, unlimited water balloon fights at the Water Play Area, and unlimited entry to the Cool Zone Kids Club.
It’s difficult to choose between the two, we know. But whichever resort you choose, staying at Shangri-La in Kota Kinabalu will always be a dream experience!
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is located at Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, 89208 Kota Kinabalu, KK, Malaysia, p. +60 88-797 888. See here for room and suite offers.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is located at 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, KK, Malaysia, p. +60 88-327 888. See here for room & suite promotional offers.
