Rasa Ria Reserve
The Rasa Ria Reserve is a 64-acre tropical jungle nestled between two rivers and the South China Sea. With unobstructed views of Sabah’s iconic Mount Kinabalu - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - this reserve acts as a gateway to the lush natural landscapes of Borneo for hotel guests.
The Rasa Ria Reserve is divided into two distinctive zones - Nature Reserve and Adventure Point. The dedicated 64-acre nature is home to numerous plants and animals endemic to Borneo while the Adventure Zone is an experiential play space the recreates animal species along with experiential pieces like a climbing wall to encourage the development of body and the mind through immersive experiences.
At the heart of the Rasa Ria Reserve is a Discovery Centre that educates through tactical exhibitions. The rangers nurture the reserve with the maintenance of the natural surroundings to ensure that fauna and flora continue to thrive. They also offer an opportunity to witness these endemic species through guided walking trails.
The Rasa Ria Nature Reserve was established by Shangri-La Rasa Ria in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah in June 1996. The primary purpose of setting up this protected ecological space was to help facilitate rehabilitation programmes for endangered species of fauna endemic to Sabah.
The orangutan rehabilitation programme was the reserve’s first and most successful project. It played a crucial role in providing the necessary habitat for orangutans rescued from various districts on the west coast and interior areas of Sabah. The Nature Reserve also provides educational programmes for local students and those from across Sabah. It actively conducts nature awareness and learning programmes for visitors from all over the world.
The reserve’s focus on rescue and rehabilitation work as well as education and awareness programmes over the next 20 years after its establishment saw a marked reduction in the number of orangutans sent to the reserve for care. In 2016, the reserve ended its orangutan rehabilitation programme after successfully returning 43 orang utans to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan to be released into the wild, and refocused its energy in providing the best possible environment for the remaining fauna that have come to call the reserve their home.