Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Although its a huge setup, it doesnt seem as big as the Shangri Las Tanjung Aru. With stunning views out to sea and a huge range of activities to enjoy, including their Orang-Utan Sanctuary, hornbills, shops, five restaurants, half a dozen pools and a wide range of water sports, you are spoilt for choice. If you like your own space, the bedrooms in the Garden Wing have their own Jacuzzi pools and sun loungers on their balconies and a quieter pool area. You can also escape down to the beach for an even more tranquil experience.

Rasa Ria has a prime beachfront location just outside of Kota Kinabulu. It is quite a big resort and is split into two wings Garden and Ocean. I would recommend staying in the Ocean View Wing as this allows you to use all facilities, whereas garden wing rooms are restricted to one pool for example. The beach here is lovely and stretched for quite a few kilometres and is a much quieter place to relax at than by the pool which is a bit busier the Ocean pool is quieter as the Garden one is more family friendly. Rooms are very spacious and offer a variety of views, the ocean is pretty much seen from all rooms although obstructed in most cases but the outlook is still lovely. You do of course also have the orang-utan sanctuary which is currently home to two young ones, so definitely make some time to pay a visit here. You can also enjoy some nature walks through the jungle too. There is quite a lot going on here and it feels less busy than Tanjung Aru located in the city and for a longer stay I would pick Rasa Ria over Tanjung Aru.

For those of you wanting to experience Borneo with a few more home comforts than the average guest house, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria is the perfect retreat for you. Set within lush gardens and right on a stunning stretch of beach overlooking the South China Sea, the Rasa Ria boasts luxurious accommodation, coupled with excellent service, making for a wonderful stay. Enjoy lazing on the beach, partaking in some beach volleyball, getting stuck into some watersports, or indulge in a spa treatment at the excellent and well-regarded spa. There is also an exquisite 18-hole golf course, as well as the hotel's own Orang-Utan Sanctuary. The new Ocean Wing is a firm favourite of ours, with more stylish bedrooms all with their own ocean-facing terraces. Boasting a fantastic children's club, this also makes for a wonderful family friendly hotel, with lots to keep the little ones entertained!

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is set on the fantastic Pantai Dalit beach surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, including a unique nature reserve. It is here that you can encounter Sabah's icon, the fascinating Orang Utan, as well as a fascinating array of indigenous flora and fauna. Enjoy breakfast with hornbills gliding overhead and peacocks walking by before indulging in the magnificent Spa at Dalit Bay, a wide range of water sports, Rasa Ria's own catamarans for cruises and deep sea fishing, a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, ATV safaris, tennis, horse riding, a fitness centre and, of course, a fun-filled Kids' Club to care for younger guests. Our favourite rooms are the newly transformed Ocean Wing rooms, with smart new décor and a really tropical vibe. For those not wanting to venture deeper into the wilds of Borneo, the Rasa Ria is an ideal compromise if you still want to get up close and personal with the gorgeous Orang Utan.