Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu opens Nature Interpretation Centre

A Nature Interpretation Centre, designed to foster education and conservation of Borneo's unique natural environment, opened today, November 29, 2005, adjoining the acclaimed Nature Reserve at Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu. The diverse eco-facility complements the Nature Reserve's nine-year history in the rehabilitation of baby orangutans.

Situated on a hill overlooking the South China Sea, the Nature Interpretation Centre is a place to touch, feel and see the diverse flora and fauna of the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. The centre includes a dedicated Forest Garden, viewing and feeding platforms, an observation tower, a veterinary clinic, nursery and animal food preparation kitchen, meeting hall for daily briefings and audio-visual presentations and a reference library.

The 25-hectare (64-acre) Nature Reserve, which is the first and only one of its kind in the state, is a rehabilitation centre for baby orangutans -- gentle red apes found only in Borneo and Sumatra -- which are trained for eventual release into the rainforest. The Nature Reserve is also home to countless small mammals, over 60 species of birds, 30 species of butterflies and a wide spectrum of indigenous flora.

Visitors have always been fascinated by the twice-daily feedings of the baby orangutans. There are now specially built viewing areas, although visitors might well encounter one of these irresistible apes along the forest trails as well. Other engaging creatures in the reserve include the tiny mousedeer and the beautiful Borneon long-tailed macaque, which swings through the forest like a furry pendulum.

Since as much as 60% of Borneo's wildlife is active at night, there is a new nocturnal watch area where it is possible to catch sight of the huge-eyed Slow Loris, civet cats and ant-eaters.

Nature Interpretation Centre gardens have also been planted with indigenous herbs, medicinal plants, shrubs and trees, letting visitors learn about native flora before they first step foot on the trails. In the reserve itself, alien plants and trees are continuously being replaced with native species. As the indigenous vegetation takes over, increasing numbers of insects and other creatures have made their way to the Reserve.

Anyone who fancies the idea of being a ranger for the day can learn about the temperament, habits and food preferences of the different animals, as they help the rangers with their daily activities. Children can get in on the act, too, helping prepare the food for those animals which need supplementary feeding.

Twice-daily guided walks take visitors along the trails of the Reserve, and dedicated bird watchers can venture out in the cool early morning with a ranger to look for some of the 63 species found in the Nature Reserve and surrounding areas of the resort.

Thanks to its highly successful collaboration with the State Wildlife Department, the Rasa Ria Resort has offered visitors the chance to assist directly in Sabah's conservation since 1996.

One way for visitors to make a long-term commitment is to foster any of the animals within the Reserve. Guests can also leave a lasting legacy by planting a native fruit tree in the Nature Reserve. "In partnership with a visionary government, we are dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of Sabah's biggest asset, its amazing flora and fauna," said resort General Manager Alain Borgers. "We hope our nature conservation efforts will truly benefit both local and international communities."

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