Flying high on Cebu Pacific

When Cebu Pacific Airways, the fastest growing airline of choice organizes a familiarization tour, it always promises each and every participant a great experience.

It certainly delivered during our recent trip to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. On hand to personally and efficiently facilitate pre-departure requirements, on-board flight refreshments and hassle-free arrival were Don Romulo Gregorio, RG Orense, CEB corporate communications officer, Viveca Singson, corporate communications manager, JG Summit and PR consultant Charles Lim.

Kota Kinabalu often known as KK, and named after Mount Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah State in Malaysia and faces the South China Sea. After what seemed like an hour drive 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, 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 Risa 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.

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

We spent the succeeding days at the chains other property Shangri-La Tanjung Aru located just a couple of  minutes from the airport. We met personable resident manager Philip Dewar and director of communications, Tulip Noorazyze.

The four-story building resembling a starfish encloses a lush tropical garden and overlooks the resort grounds.  Walking into the room, we were greeted by a large wooden carving along the room corridor. Different textured fabrics adorn the furnishings and walls while exquisite down-feathered duvets and pillows, hand-tuffed rugs and carpets pamper guests in a style that can only be Shangri-La.

 The highlight of our wonderful stay was the signature Chi Spa experience. This place provides the ultimate mood for a true escape that holiday-seekers yearn for. 

Shopping, simply a must for every tourist, was very much a part of our itinerary. We ventured into a number of shopping malls. The more popular ones include Kompleks Karamunsing, Centre Point, and the largest hypermall in Malaysia —  Borneo 1.

The Gaya Street Sunday Market was a fun-filled experience for everyone.  Local hawkers sell a wide range of items from traditional ethnic cultural souvenirs to pets and flowers. The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market (formerly known as the Filipino Market) features vendors selling traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and foodstuffs.

Kota Kinabalu with its many facets endlessly delights guests with its unique wildlife, virgin rainforests and incredibly welcoming people.

Cebu Pacific flies three times weekly Manila to Kota Kinabalu and vice versa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The flight departs at  4.40 p.m., arrives 6.30 p.m.  and returns to Manila that same evening.  A perfect connection for a two-day or weekend escape for refreshing the mind, renewing the spirit, and nourishing the soul.