Throughout the month of June, the boyfriend and I decided to do "Cuti-Cuti Sabah" as our weekend getaway. This is what happen when you can't travel internationally, you travel locally. Since there are handful of local hotels and tours are doing promo now, why don't we take this opportunity to do staycations and at the same time, to help to boost the local tourism industry, right?
We kick-off our Cuti-Cuti Sabah plan in the early week of June with jungle trekking at Rasa Ria Reserve. This nature reserve is located within the prestigious Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, a 5-star resort situated in a colourful town of Tuaran, which is almost an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Because it's protected area, therefore it opens to the in-house guests only with an additional charge of RM20 per guest. So if you happen to stay in this resort, do take this opportunity to explore the Rasa Ria Reserve.
In collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah, there are varieties of new and enhanced recreational activities in order for the guests to get closer to the nature, learn more about exotic plants and indigenous wildlife. Guests can choose activities such as bird watching, jungle walk for sunrise, adventurous night walk and even breakfast with a view at the peak. Interesting, right? Want to know more about their recreational activities, you can check out more here.
We assembled as early as 5.30 am at the lobby, before picked up by the hotel staff with the electric golf cart to the discovery centre. At the discovery centre, we were greeted by two rangers where they will give us briefing before starting the jungle trekking. As the sun has yet to rise and because it was slightly dark, each of us were given a mini torch light. And you know what, according to the ranger, we're the first group to do the jungle trekking ever since MCO implemented in the mid of March.
And because it was raining earlier, hence there were certain trails which were quick slippery while we're walking through this tropical jungle. The trail from beginning to the lookout point wasn't that long - it's approximately 4.8km long and within 40 minutes, all of us had finally arrived the peak point. We managed to reach at the lookout point few minutes before the sunrise took place. Though the weather wasn't clear as pairing with picturesque scenery. Don't you think this view is breath-taking?
In collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah, there are varieties of new and enhanced recreational activities in order for the guests to get closer to the nature, learn more about exotic plants and indigenous wildlife. Guests can choose activities such as bird watching, jungle walk for sunrise, adventurous night walk and even breakfast with a view at the peak. Interesting, right? Want to know more about their recreational activities, you can check out more here.
We assembled as early as 5.30 am at the lobby, before picked up by the hotel staff with the electric golf cart to the discovery centre. At the discovery centre, we were greeted by two rangers where they will give us briefing before starting the jungle trekking. As the sun has yet to rise and because it was slightly dark, each of us were given a mini torch light. And you know what, according to the ranger, we're the first group to do the jungle trekking ever since MCO implemented in the mid of March.
And because it was raining earlier, hence there were certain trails which were quick slippery while we're walking through this tropical jungle. The trail from beginning to the lookout point wasn't that long - it's approximately 4.8km long and within 40 minutes, all of us had finally arrived the peak point. We managed to reach at the lookout point few minutes before the sunrise took place. Though the weather wasn't clear as pairing with picturesque scenery. Don't you think this view is breath-taking?
Throughout our jungle trekking, there were no any local wildlife in sight, except for squirrel. I think mainly due to MCO where no guests were allowed to come and visit, hence the animals must be roaming somewhere else. I think so lah! As much as I love to encounter these animals where they can roam freely across the reserve, I did pray hardly that I won't bump into snakes cause that is one of the things I fear the most. I can't imagine if I stumble upon one, probably I will immediately fainted on the spot. I'm not kidding.
If you are planning to stay in Shangri-la Rasa Ria and interested to sign up for this sunrise jungle trekking, do remember to bring along comfortable walking shoes, trousers and the most important one, the mosquito repellent cause there are plenty of mosquitoes waiting to have their meals.
By the way, Shangri-la Rasa Ria is currently having great deal for your ideal and relax staycation. Hurry up and book with them before the deal end.
Last but not least since you are in the town of Tuaran, don't forget to try its fried "Tuaran Noodle" which is well-known among the local. It's one of the food you must try when visiting Sabah, particularly Kota Kinabalu. It's best to serve with lihing (the Kadazan-Penampang native's rice wine).
Tuaran Mee - one of the most popular noodles in Sabah. Majority the local would recommend the Lok Kyun Restaurant of Tuaran town.
