J a n u a r y - M a r c h 2 0 1 4

Dear Friends and Family of our Resort,Warmest Greetings from the team here in the land below the wind!

After the calamitous and slithering Water Snake Year 2013, here comes the galloping and recuperative Wood Horse 2014.

A new year marks a new beginning and brings new hope.

We hope you will become a returnee too.At Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, family is at the heart of who we are and this is in-line with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 which is the nation’s biggest and most important tourism celebration with Malaysia Truly Asia’s

endless wonders of events, festivals and activities all-year round. This is the perfect time to see, feel and experience Malaysia.

I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff to wish you a warm welcome from beautiful Borneo.

Yours sincerely,

Craig PowellGeneral Manager

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa would like to take this chance to create a unique masterpiece by using traditional Chinese decorations. Since the Chinese like numerous blossoms on a branch, the many buds of the pussy willow make it a favourite flower for Chinese New Year.

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is richly blessed with unique cultures, diversity of nature, sandy beaches and fantastic cuisine that will leave your taste buds longing for more. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is blessed to have the opportunity to create a unique masterpiece by using what Borneo has provided such as the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu.

January’s creationthe green wooden horse

February’s creationcolours of land below the wind

If you enjoy basking in the sun and swimming, this tour will definitely cater to your needs! Conducted daily at 10:30 a.m. (weather and visibility permitting), it is complimentary for anyone using STAR Marina transportation. The age requirement for snorkelers starts from children aged 10 or above and must be a competent swimmer.

The resort’s brand new facility – STAR Marina was officially launched on 6 July, 2013. Fully operated by Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, STAR Marina is adjacent to a 60-metre-long private jetty at the water’s edge and offers outdoor enthusiasts a choice of motorized and non-motorized water activities, speed boat transfers to the exotic sights of the neighbouring islands, as well as an open-air venue for intimate dinners for two or evening functions for up to 100 people. STAR Marian’s broad menu of activities include dive certifications classes, island excursions, deep-sea fishing and private charters to the crystal waters nearby the resort.

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu was ranked one of the Top 25 Hotels in Malaysia, Top 25 Hotels For Service in Malaysia and Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Malaysia in the recent Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2013 by Tripadvisor.com. The 10th annual awards honors the most outstanding properties from 30 countries and eight regions worldwide. The winners of the awards are based on reviews and opinions written by millions of real travelers around the world. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa features in Kuoni’s top 10 luxury hotels for the first time this year at no.5

awards

personalized snorkell ing tour

star marina

Snorkelers will have the opportunity to swim with our marine biologist and learn to snorkel safely without impacting the reef or sea life. Underwater slates with fish guide will be provided for snorkelers so that they can identify the many types of hard corals, anemones, sponges as well as fishes such as clown fish, snappers, butterfly fish, parrot fish, needle fish, grouper, and damsel fish etcetera. Occasionally, if you are lucky enough you will be able to spot larger species such as cuttlefish, moray eels, turtles and black tip reef sharks.

“Excellent property and experience”

There are two (2) Shangri-La properties in KK. We stayed here. It is less than 5 minutes from the airport. With two small children and desired “getaway” from KL, this was an ideal spot. As soon as we landed… we were here.

We had a room at the Club level. The pull out couch/chair served as the rollaway bed for our 7 year old. It was wider than a twin size bed, but a little smaller than a double (by American standards). The position of the rollaway bed/chair was not intrusive and allowed us to enjoy the room without being cramped.

The Club Level allowed and encouraged children to come from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. After 6:30 p.m., it was adults only. My husband and I loved this. We have been to places that ban the kids, and other places where they are allowed, but not welcome. This was a reasonable set-up, and I hope that other hotels might follow this model.

This property is great for young children/emerging swimmers. Very well designed, and the water slides can be enjoyed without having to swim as there is no “pool” at the bottom. So parents can park themselves in a chair and watch without having to wait at the bottom. Lifeguards were professional and well-trained.

Breakfast was great – both in the Club, as well as the main buffet. In the main buffet, I loved that what I’ll call the “egg translation” ordering guide by the omelette bar. As you know, everyone has a different idea of what “scrambled” means, and various cultures like their eggs runnier/harder than others. This simple solution was brilliant, and should be used in every hotel that caters to a global crowd.

No complaints about this property.

Guest from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

excerpted guest comments

HOTEL LAUNCHES AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu has expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to include aquaponics, a self-sustaining food production system. The process combines aquaculture, the farming of fish, and hydroponics, the farming of plants in water.

The resort’s aquaponics project is a sustainable food production system constructed out of discarded materials found in and around the resort. The resort will use this system to cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables and to breed freshwater tilapia. It will soon be upgraded and powered solely by solar energy.

The resort also intends to introduce aquaponics to schools as an educational tool to teach students on the mechanics and advantages of this system in promoting a better environment.

QUALITY TO ME IS

The definition of Quality is broad; it can be the standard of something as measured against other things of similar kind; the degree of excellence of something, or a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something. Here is what the team from Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa have to say.

GUEST DINE IN DARKNESS

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu hosted a wine dinner in darkness for invited guests and the event, themed ‘Dining in the Dark: A Sensory Journey’ was jointly organised between the resort and AsiaEuro Sdn. Bhd. alongside special guests from the Sabah Society for the Blind.

The event is the first of its kind in Kota Kinabalu with the intention of educating and generating public awareness towards challenges faced by individuals who are visually impaired.

VISIT TO ASRAMA HARAPAN BARU, PITAS

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu took their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to Asrama Harapan Baru which is a hostel housing children from the surrounding districts. A total number of 39 hotel staff and trainees journeyed to Pitas on 22 February, 2014.

The hostel accommodates 40 children aged between 13 – 17 years old who are in search for education and depends heavily on donations for the upkeep of the place. The hotel managed to receive donations such as clothing, shoes, toys and a sum of RM1, 975.50 used for buying food items such as rice, eggs, and canned products.

There were several activities arranged which included painting the exterior walls of the hostel and the children and warden were delighted to participate, followed by a talk on hygiene & sanitation from our hygiene manager Mr. Jaibin Asap, and lunch provided by the hotel. To end the day with the children, our guitarist Mr. Judin played some local favourites such as sayang kinabalu, anak kampong, kosorou kopo nangku doho, and Christian songs sang in Malay for everyone’s enjoyment.

SABAH: calendar of events

New Talents Exhibition | 16 Jan 2014 – 31 March 2014 An annual show introducing the masterpieces of up and coming artists in Sabah, with the objective

of encouraging and promoting talents on the rise in the visual arts scene of Sabah.

Ruhiang / Kiulu Adventure Challenge | FebruaryAn exciting obstacle challenge set against the stunning backdrop of Tamparuli and Kiulu. This

two-day event will have adventure enthusiasts crossing rivers, running, and cycling and even have a

go at the traditional slingshot!

Daing Sulaman Eco Festival | MarchThe fisherman of Lok Nunuk Dantai in Tuaran celebrate thanksgiving during the fishing season. See

them compete in unique competitions reflective of their livelihood as fisherman, such as

lobster-catching, oyster-collecting and the casting of fish nets.

KK City Tourism Treasure Hunt | 02 March 2014The KK City Tourism Treasure Hunt is an event anticipated by treasure seekers across the nation each

year. The hunt will bring them to the city’s historical landmarks and favourite tourist attractions.

2nd FAI Asian Paragliding Accuracy Companionship (FAPAC) | 12 March 2014 – 19 March 2014Glide in the sky and feel the rush of wind against your skin at the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup

Sabah, which will be held at the picturesque Lohan Hill in Ranau.

Sabah Agricultural Park’s 13th Anniversary | 23 March 2014 – 24 March 2014This is one of the best times to visit the sprawling Sabah Agriculture Park in Tenom. A variety of activities

and competitions for all to enjoy will be held during this two-day event.

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