Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu has received recognition from the International Sustainability Awards for its EcoRia initiative, a unified and holistic sustainability platform that reflects excellence in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible tourism. This honour highlights the resort’s leadership in proving that luxury can be designed with purpose and lasting impact.

Located 34 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, in the Tuaran District of Sabah, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is surrounded by 400 acres of natural richness, diverse ecosystems and a close-knit community whose heritage and traditions have shaped the resort’s sustainability journey. The setting has inspired a deeply rooted commitment to mindful, purpose-driven hospitality.

General Manager Fiona Hagan explained that pursuing global standards such as ISO 20121 played a crucial role in strengthening this mission. She said the certification “was not simply about recognition, but anchoring Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s values within a globally respected framework.” She added that the sustainability journey “has always been deeply rooted in the people of Rasa Ria and the community of Pantai Dalit and Tuaran. Their knowledge, traditions and unwavering support have inspired us to go beyond hospitality.”

A Holistic Approach Across Land, Sea and Community

EcoRia unites long-standing environmental and cultural efforts into a forward-thinking framework that spans land, sea and community. On land, the resort has reduced energy consumption by 6 percent since 2019 through solar installations, building upgrades and climate-conscious mobility, including lithium-powered buggies and EV charging stations. Water-saving systems such as smart meters, rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse contributed to a 26 percent reduction in water use in 2023. Ongoing research through the K-Smart Water Treatment project is expected to bring further innovation.

Behind the scenes, essential resource systems operate quietly but contribute significantly to minimizing environmental impact. Rainwater harvesting, laundry water recovery, electricity conservation and food waste management work in harmony to preserve the resort’s natural surroundings. In 2024, waste management and recycling efforts resulted in an impressive 63.21 percent diversion rate from landfills.

One of the key contributors to this progress is the Glass Bottle Recycling Programme, which crushes used glass bottles into reusable glass sand. This sand is repurposed for construction and landscaping within the resort, while local communities are invited to drop off their own glass bottles to support circular resource use.

Protecting Biodiversity and Celebrating Culture

Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also a guardian of Sabah’s wildlife, with a special focus on Pangolin Conservation. In partnership with local environmental organisations, the resort supports biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection and awareness programmes aimed at protecting this endangered species. These efforts reinforce the resort’s mission to safeguard the rare and remarkable life sustained by the surrounding ecosystems.

Cultural celebration is another defining pillar of EcoRia. Indigenous artisans contribute to projects such as the Sarimpak Robe, crafted using authentic Bajau Samah fabric in collaboration with women-led brand Changgih Designs. Upcycled décor and eco-conscious guest souvenirs support local livelihoods. Guests can also take part in educational and conservation-focused experiences, including the Junior Naturalist programme, Stingless Bee Tour and Glowing Mushroom Hike, which welcomed more than 1,900 participants in the first quarter of 2025.

Empowering Communities

The resort’s commitment to community upliftment is long-standing and multifaceted. In 2024, Shangri-La Rasa Ria invested RM243,360 in ESG-related activities, with 63.9 percent directed to its Embrace programme. This initiative supported over 60 schoolchildren through enhanced facilities, educational workshops, World Pangolin Day participation and food safety training.

Through partnerships with artisans, vendors and women-led groups in Tuaran and Tamparuli, the resort continues to promote cultural preservation and sustainable income opportunities. Rasa Ria also champions inclusivity, employing individuals with disabilities, including its long-serving carpenter, Samri Butak, who represented Sabah at the Malaysia Paralympic Games. Last year alone, 169 local beneficiaries, including families and schoolchildren, participated in community engagement programmes organized by the resort.

Operating Responsibly and Leading with Purpose

Responsible operations extend to supply chain integrity and sustainable sourcing. The resort prioritises local produce to reduce its carbon footprint while showcasing the flavours of Sabah. Staff at every level participate in ongoing sustainability education and workshops, ensuring that purpose-driven hospitality becomes a shared mindset rather than a single-department responsibility.

Looking ahead, Shangri-La Rasa Ria aims to expand wildlife protection and reforestation initiatives, achieve EarthCheck Gold certification and progress toward carbon neutrality by 2030. By continuing to partner with universities, NGOs and community organizations, the resort sets new benchmarks for sustainable hospitality in Southeast Asia.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the team: “Congratulations to Shangri-La Rasa Ria for this well-deserved recognition. EcoRia proves that sustainability in hospitality can be both innovative and inspiring, creating lasting impact for communities and ecosystems while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.”

General Manager Fiona Hagan added: “EcoRia represents our belief that luxury hospitality can contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, cultural preservation and social well-being. It is a philosophy that touches every aspect of what we do, guided by the spirit of Tuaran and shaped by the communities who support us.”

Make your next stay a meaningful one at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu: https://www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort/