What I admire most about Rasa Ria is how much they give back to the land that holds them. Their ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) efforts aren’t loud or performative. They’re practical, thoughtful, and woven into daily life here. I was shown their bottle-recycling centre where glass is crushed and turned into sand, then repurposed into tiles used around the resort. Ten tonnes of bottles have been crushed and recycled in the last two years. What amazed me more was how locals from nearby villages also send their bottles in. This isn’t a resort initiative anymore – it has become a community habit.
Their rainwater is processed on-site and reused safely for irrigation, and the resort runs its own system to convert and purify water. The technology is monitored live from Korea, and yes, I waved at the camera with a loud “annyeonghaseyo!” It was a moment equal parts funny and impressive.
The chefs also work closely with their permaculture garden. Rows of herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown right here. Some of this produce ends up on your plate, some is used to educate local school children, university students, and youth groups about farming, soil, composting, and respecting the land. This isn’t a “tourist experience.” It is real education. It is a bridge between the resort and the next generation. Under Shangri-La’s Rooted in Nature philosophy, they also work with local farmers to source ingredients as sustainably and as locally as possible, from edible flowers and pineapples to seafood brought in from nearby waters.
Many of the staff at Shangri-La Rasa Ria come from Tuaran and neighbouring kampungs, and there is a sense of pride in their voice when they talk about their land, forest, and nature. They welcome school children into the Rasa Ria Reserve to learn about nature and sustainability, not because it looks good in a portfolio, but because they genuinely believe awareness begins young, and it belongs to everyone.
Even with just a glimpse into their projects, it is clear that Rasa Ria isn’t just surrounded by nature – they are protecting it, restoring it, teaching it, and treating it like a living responsibility.
And this is what struck me. Rasa Ria doesn’t operate in a bubble. The local community is involved, supported, and uplifted, from employment, to conservation to education. The relationship is mutual. Real. Respectful.
And I have to say this honestly : I AM IN AWE. Total respect to the entire team of Shangri-La Rasa Ria.
In a world where sustainability is often used as a marketing word, here it is rooted, lived, and carried forward.
Resorts like this deserve to be supported – BIG TIME – because the good they do extends far beyond their beautiful grounds. It reaches families, forests, students, future generations, and the very land we all depend on.
If you have a moment, explore what they’re doing for the land and the people here. It is genuinely impressive. Read about their sustainability efforts → HERE
