Ask any of my friends and they will tell you I still can’t stop talking about my three-day “working” trip to Sutera Harbour Resort last November – for me, it has become a yardstick by which all other 5-star resorts will be measured!

There is a wide array of activities to indulge in when there, one of which is to explore the five strategically-located eco-resorts that make up the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Nestled within the state of Sabah, one of Asia’s most intriguing destinations, the five properties are wholly-owned by the Sabah Government under Sabah Parks. Sutera Harbour Resort encompasses The Pacific Sutera, The Magellan Sutera, Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf and Country Club and The Residences at Sutera Harbour. The resort complements Sabah, renowned for its rich diversity of flora and fauna, and as a tropical haven where its ancient rainforests are home to botanical splendours and rare species of wildlife. 

Manukan Island Resort

Located just fi fteen minutes away by boat from the city of Kota Kinabalu, Manukan is the second largest of the fi ve Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands. For the avid diver, the reefs off the island offer excellent crystal-clear waters and breathtaking corals.

Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trail or simply laze by the 1.5-kilometre stretch of dolphin-shaped beach on the island’s eastern side. All 20 units of hilltop or beachside lodges overlook the South China Sea and encourage overnight visitors to lose themselves in the romance of a tropical island paradise. Dining options include a sumptuous BBQ lunch served daily at the beach front from 11.30am to 2.30pm. A tri-section restaurant is also available with an alfresco area – the Prahu Terrace and Pulau Restaurant.

Kinabalu Park

Designated as Malaysia’s first World Heritage site by UNESCO for its outstanding universal values and as one of the world’s most important biological sites, Kinabalu Park is located 1,585-metres above sea level and plays host to the annual Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon event, proclaimed the “World’s Toughest Mountain Race”. At the park, guests can choose from 30 private lodges of one or two bedrooms. At the Liwagu Restaurant, where diners can enjoy the relaxing ambiance brought on by the fireplace and soft music, try their famous “Linogu Beef” served with local cili padi (bird’s eye chilli). Special and private gatherings can be held at the Fern Room. The Balsam Restaurant features a popular daily steamboat dinner.

Mesilau Nature Resort

Nestled at the foot of the mountain at 2,000 metres above sea level within the World

Heritage Site, Mesilau Nature Resort enchants visitors with its cool temperate climate and serene surroundings. The Mesilau Trail is a new climbing route to the peak of Mount Kinabalu which joins the existing Summit Trail at Layang-Layang (2740 metres above sea level). The world’s largest pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah” grows in abundance here. This resort is an ideal venue for a retreat, seminar or company outing with a

total of 22 private lodges of 2 or 3 bedroom, meeting rooms and indoor recreation facilities. The Renanthera Restaurant, which has a spectacular view of the mountain, has a stream running underneath it and is famous for its piping hot steamboat and BBQ dinners, also available at the Lounge and Terrace. A challenging 18-hole gold course awaits avid golfers nearby.

Laban Rata

Experienced climbers andnovices alike will begin theday’s ascent from either Kinabalu Park or Mesilau Nature Resort to Laban Rata at approximately 3,272 metres above sea level. Laban Rata offers climbers hostel accommodation (a total of 160 beds) and a restaurant before they resume their climb to the peak. Savour the life-enriching experience of watching a sunrise from the peak and feel the excitement that you are indeed on top of the world.

Poring Hot Springs & Nature Reserve

The natural hot spring is perfect to soothe tired and aching muscles after a long climb up Mount Kinabalu. The reserve derives its name from the giant bamboo plants found in the area (Poring meaning ‘bamboo’ in the dialect of the local Dusun tribes). It offers four private lodges of 2 or 3 bedrooms as well as a camping ground for the more adventurous. Located in Ranau, a fortyminute drive from Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs is renowned for its open-air baths of sulphuric water known for its skin-curative properties. Try the canopy walk and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surrounding rainforest. You can also see a wide variety of lowland orchids, rare butterfl ies at the Butterfl y Farm and Tropical Garden within the nature reserve and at times, the world’s largest fl ower – The Rafflesia. The Rainforest Restaurant located 5 minutes away from the entrance serves a variety of Asian and Western favourites. Only in Sabah can guests enjoy the freedom to ascend, immerse and explore it all in the comfort of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges with these five strategically located eco-resorts.