Enquire Now
Fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Borneo
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, on the beautiful island of Borneo. Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds.
The Venue: The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a 5 star luxury resort set amidst a nature reserve on Pantai Dalit Beach.A large variety of activities are offered by the resort and Nature Reserve. You can view an up to date schedule at
Orangutans
A Nature Reserve has been established at Shangri La Rasa Ria in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department. The reserve’s aim is to protect a 64 acre ecological space, to help facilitate rehabilitation programmes for endangered species of faunas endemic to Sabah including the Orangutan.
For the range of activities available at the nature reserve, see below.
Climate, Cultural courtesy & Getting to Kota Kinabalu
Equatorial/Tropical—the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round, with scattered unpredictable rains. Average temperature is 32 degrees celsius. Humidity can be high, so wear loose cotton clothing.
It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.
Kota Kinabalu is accessible with a variety of airlines. CPD Conferencing have negotiated special conference rates with both Malaysian Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines. Other airlines servicing the city are Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air Asia.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
The 40 minute journey from the resort will take you to long roads surrounded by a rich spectrum of greenery and overarched by wild blue skies. Upon arrival at the village, you will be ushered to the warmth of different homes of the ethnicities of Sabah. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent and offer you a truly genuine experience. Acquaint yourself with each tribe as they let you come into their house and their simple yet intricate lives.
As you traverse the village, you will find demonstration huts along the main houses in which daily activities of old times come into life. For example, the making of blowpipe, starting a fire from bamboo, tattoo-making and its symbolisms etc.
Manukan Island
Just 20 minutes away by boat from Kota Kinabalu city, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park beckons with its idyllic setting of sun, sand and sea. You can picnic, snorkel, and scuba dive or just relax. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure and it may be as lazy or as fun-filled as you wish it to be. Sumptuous barbecue is offered.
North Borneo Railway
The North Borneo Railway runs two weekly return departures (Wednesday, Saturday) from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, year round. Lasting approximately 4 hours, passengers experience the lush landscape of the coastal and rural regions of Sabah. A typical ‘tiffin’ colonial lunch will be served on the return trip.
Pre or post conference extension – Sandakan
History and nature lovers may like to consider spending a few days at Sandakan on the East Coast of Borneo, before or after the conference. Sandakan is accessed by 40 minute flight from Kota Kinabalu or by air conditioned coach or mini bus, a trip of approximately 8 hours.The Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates the death of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan POW camp.
Just outside Sandakan, in the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys. The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.
You can now get close to the world’s most smallest bear! The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is located next to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and to all wildlife lovers out there, Sepilok is a must-visit. The centre is equipped with key facilities including an observation platform, boardwalk and a visitor centre.