A KK Getaway

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Pacific Air, equipped with the youngest fleet, offers the opportunity for everyone to travel domestic or international with its low cost fares. We were fortunate to be given the chance to discover and explore one of its many destinations, Kota Kinabalu.

And when the airline of choice organizes a familiarization tour, it always promises each and every participant a great experience. It certainly kept its promise.

On hand to personally and efficiently facilitate pre-departure requirements and hassle free arrival were Don Romulo Gregorio RG Orense – CEB Corporate Communications Officer, Viveca Singson – Corporate Communications Manager of JG Summit and PR consultant Charles Lim.

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu. Often known as KK, its name literally means “man of the forest”. It is home of the soulful Orang Utan. Named after Mount Kinabalu, it is the capital of Sabah State in Malaysia facing the South China Sea , and is popular with foreigners and locals alike.

After approximately 45 minutes of leisure driving on paved roads, we reached our destination, the luxurious five star Shangri-La Rasa Ria Hotel. And surprise of surprises, Shangri-La Mactan’s former GM, the well-respected and sorely missed Tim Wright, was at the lobby welcoming us all with “maayong gabii”. For a brief moment, we were brought back in time – Cebu with its many unforgettable and memorable memories.

 Rasa Ria is a hotel of many superlatives. It is rare to be able to stay at a resort that allows one to enjoy the highlights of the country without having to travel further than its grounds. The attractions include its warm and friendly people, complex rainforest, glorious beaches and stunning wildlife.

Rasa Ria offers many opportunities to experience the unique natural wonders of Borneo, including a Nature Reserve with an Orang Utan Rehabilitation center, the only one of its kind in the region. It likewise offers a tantalizing glimpse into Borneo’s tropical forests. The reserve, the first of its kind in Sabah, is a key part of their commitment and contribution towards a sustainable environmental conservation that combines leisure travel with ecological sensitivity.

There is simplicity about the hotel, where all the facilities and amenities of a luxury resort are available and everything is supremely comfortable yet never grandiose. The service is exceptional and has won for Rasa Ria a number of awards.

For golf enthusiasts, the superbly sculptured 18-holes at Dalit Bay Golf Club and Spa designed by Ted Parslow offers a stimulating playing experience while experiencing the natural beauty of Sabah.

Back in the vicinity of the city, there are various places of interest including one notable landmark, the 30-storey circular Sabah Foundation building at Likas Bay. An architectural marvel, this building is unique because it is one of the few buildings in the world to utilize a single column structure.

The State Mosque, resplendent with its majestic domes and golden motifs is the central place of worship for KK’s Muslim population. The State Museum nearby has several galleries exhibiting valuable ancient pottery from all over South East Asia, antique Korans, old photographs, and numerous life-size replicas of the traditional houses of the many ethnic entities in Sabah.

Major shopping malls are located along the main artery of Kota Kinabalu where   you will find just about anything and everything, from branded high end jewelry and goods, to local handicrafts.

No matter what your holiday state of mind is, Kota Kinabalu has within its boundaries everything to meet everyone’s idea of the ultimate tropical getaway.

Make your choice, from mountain tops to ocean depths, seawater adventure, flora and fauna to virgin forests and from traditional fishing villages to cosmopolitan beach resorts – there’s always something for everyone in Kota Kinabalu.