Tourism
STAR - An Amazing Tropical Getaway
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu (STAR) (the Group holds 60 per cent equity) is a five-star resort set amidst 25 acres of landscaped garden and a private cove overlooking the sweeping bay of the South China Sea. Located just ten minutes from the city centre and Kota Kinabalu International Airport, STAR is a luxurious, tranquil retreat that provides the perfect setting for an amazing tropical getaway.
Indulge in a sumptuous array of dining venues featuring an exquisite selection of six distinct restaurants and bars. The esteemed Shang Palace is a Chinese culinary masterpiece, while Coco Joe's Bar & Grill offers a vibrant and delectable experience. For those who crave culinary diversity, Café TATU presents itself as a contemporary haven with a buffet-style breakfast and dinner service, all set against an open-kitchen design. Should you desire a refreshing interlude, the Resort's Cool Box Ice Cream Bar awaits to revive your spirits. As the sun
gracefully descends over Kota Kinabalu, bask in the mesmerizing hues of twilight at Sunset Bar. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at the chic Borneo Lounge & Bar, where the ambience is as inviting as the cocktails are enticing.
Exclusively owned and operated by the resort, STAR Marina stands as a veritable oasis of aquatic thrills. With the distinction of being privately owned and meticulously operated by the resort, STAR Marina presents a tempting array of water sports activities, including
e-foiling, jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and the mesmerizing experience of underwater sea walking. Moreover, the marina serves as a gateway to maritime adventures, offering boating and cruise facilities that open up a world of exploration. Conveniently situated on the resort's grounds, STAR Marina extends a warm invitation to guests, affording them effortless access to the nearby islands for immersive day trips and a plethora of captivating beach activities.
The resort is home to the Clownfish Discovery Centre, which features three sections: the reef tank, breeding tank and juvenile tank. It hopes to educate guests and the local community on clownfish and many other marvellous marine species and the threats that face them
in the tropical waters where they live.
A pampering session at Chi, The Spa rounds off the day. Renowned as a picturesque spa in Kota Kinabalu, Chi, The Spa offers treatments based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. Enjoy an enchanted and indulgent journey on the resort's private spa island. During every experience here, you are surrounded by natural beauty. Your dream vacation begins at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.
For further information, please visit
www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort/
BRL-FIVE STAR RESORT in a Pristine Forest
The award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), owned and operated by Innoprise Jungle Lodge Sdn. Bhd. is nestled within the 43,800 hectares of the Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) protected virgin rainforest in Lahad Datu.
BRL, a prestigious five-star Green Hotel, is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the World Luxury Hotel Awards for its seamless blend of luxury and sustainability. To reach Lahad Datu, MAS Wings operates daily flights from Kota Kinabalu, where flight duration takes approximately an hour. Other ways to get there include overland transfer from Sandakan and Tawau. From Lahad Datu, guests embark on a 2.5-hour journey with our driver to the lodge.
The all-inclusive package offers various activities to suit guests’ fitness levels and preferences, including guided day treks, river tubing, evening walks, and night drives. Among the highlights are the award-winning Canopy Walkway, the ancient Coffin Cliff burial site, breathtaking panoramic views from the Viewpoint, and the mesmerising Fairy Falls. For an unforgettable experience, guests can also embark on night safaris to witness the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest.
At BRL, the award-winning Jari Jari Spa provides an ideal escape for guests seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation. Situated within the Lodge, the spa specialises in treatments made from natural, fruit-derived ingredients, ensuring a completely chemical-free experience.
The essence of the Lodge lies in the tranquil immersion into its lush, verdant surroundings. Guests can unwind while listening to the symphony of cicadas and birds and witnessing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. With the guidance of expert professionals, guests may spot rare species such as the Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Hornbills, Red Leaf Monkeys, Civets, Glow-in-the-Dark Fungi, Bearded pigs, Sambar deer, and the iconic Bornean Orangutan.
BRL is dedicated to sustainability and minimising environmental footprint. The Lodge implements eco-friendly practices such as using biodegradable bathroom products, waste segregation, and in-house organic composting. In addition, BRL is committed to green education, actively engaging in environmental awareness programmes at local schools to promote recycling, conservation, and the protection of fragile ecosystems.
For more information, please visit
https://danumvalley.rainforestlodge.com/
BORNEO NATURE TOURS
Borneo Nature Tours (BNT), a premier inbound tour operator specialising in nature and adventure programmes across Sabah, offers an unparalleled experience of the region’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. With offices strategically located in Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu, the company ensures seamless operations on Sabah’s east and west coasts, making each journey truly memorable.
As the exclusive marketing arm and ground handler for tourists visiting the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge, BNT delivers much more than just the beauty of Danum Valley. The company provides a range of thrilling adventures and tours, showcasing the very best of what Sabah has to offer:
Blue Rings Tour: This once-in-a-lifetime journey invites travellers to witness the rare natural phenomenon of a double ring in the sea, one of only three such events worldwide. Set in the crystal-clear waters of Sabah, this mesmerising sight offers a must-see experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Elephant Tour: In Tawau, the exclusive Elephant Tour offers a rare glimpse of the elusive Bornean pygmy elephants in their natural habitat. With an exceptional sighting rate, this tour allows visitors to observe these gentle giants up close as they roam the verdant forests of Sabah.
Whether travellers seek nature adventures, personalised itineraries, or romantic honeymoon getaways, BNT is committed to providing exceptional service. With meticulous attention to detail, the company ensures that every experience is not just memorable, but truly unforgettable.
For more information, please visit
https://www.borneonaturetours.com/
USUKAN COVE - Gateway to the Wonders of Diving
Usukan Cove, a bay area on the coast of Kota Belud, is adjacent to Kuala Abai, where the jetty to the Mantanani Islands is situated. It is a mere hour and a half drive from Kota Kinabalu and offers scenic views of paddy fields, rural neighbourhoods, and Mount Kinabalu.
Usukan Cove is blessed with various natural attractions, abundant coral and marine life, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear and soothing calm waters, to name a few. With its pristine and serene environment, Usukan Cove is a perfect leisure getaway and a gateway to the wonders of diving in Sabah.
Tucked away in the quiet and peaceful Usukan Cove is Pandan Pandan Island. The island is a ten-minute boat ride from the Usukan Cove Lodge departure point. Separated from the mainland by just a mere distance, Pandan Pandan Island captivates its visitors with its sheer beauty. Set in a secluded location, tourists may devote their time to enjoying the various sea sports activities, swimming in the calm sea, or sunbathing on its white sandy beach at this privately owned island destination.
Pandan-Pandan Island offers an opportunity to unwind in its peaceful and private ambience. Intact fringing reefs encircle the island. Just a stone’s throw away from the mainland, visitors can marvel at the variety of corals and marine life as they immerse themselves in snorkelling on the island. Avid divers may encounter grouper, squid, baby barracudas, and snappers. They might also spot playful dolphins or mother turtles with a bit of luck. The uninhabited mainland provides opportunities to hop to other untouched beaches.
For diving enthusiasts interested in enjoying Pandan Pandan Island's beauty, the Group's wholly-owned company, Inno Travel & Tour Services Sdn. Bhd. (ITTS) conducts daily visits to the island.
Being one of Sabah’s leading tourism industry players in providing a complete range of tourism-related services under the product brand ‘SABAH HOLIDAYS,’ ITTS operates a river cruise under Le Cruise De Kota Belud at Kg. Tamau, Kota Belud. The base can accommodate up to 100 pax per day trip. The cruise showcases Kota Belud’s wetlands apart from discovering one of Sabah’s icons, the Proboscis Monkeys. The cruise begins at the Tempasuk River, where the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu greets visitors in the background. Before long, the sight of a bouncy family of Proboscis Monkeys will engross river cruisers. Hence, binoculars may well be needed.
The panoramic view of the villages along the cruise will equally fascinate visitors. Further along the cruise, the fascinating view of the sunset awaits them, and if they are lucky, a slight drizzle will add colours to their excursion as the rainbow appears on the horizon. For the second cruise along the Nanamun River, the enchanting sight of Christmas lights emanating from thousands of fireflies will brighten the journey.
In an exciting development, Usukan Cove Lodge has announced the addition of a new cabin, bringing the total to ten units with stunning sea views. Each standalone cabin features a private verandah, allowing guests to fully appreciate the breathtaking vistas of Usukan Cove, framed by majestic mountains and the crystal-clear sea.
Nestled in this picturesque location, the newly built cabin presents a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of sunrise and sunset. Guests can relish the gentle sea breeze from their balconies, creating an unforgettable experience.
This new cabin marks an exciting development for Usukan Cove Lodge, further enhancing the appeal of Kota Belud as a premier tourist destination.
For further information, please visit
www.sabahholidays.com