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SHANGRI-LA Rasa Ria has recently invited key opinion leaders, corporate clients, agents, partners, and local guests to join the enchanting festivities as they illuminated the holiday spirit with their much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony. 

This magical event, taking place at the Garden Wing Lobby, not only marked the start of the festive season but also underscored the resort’s commitment to sustainability through innovative initiatives.

 

The evening started with the ‘Sing for Joy’ carollers' harmonious tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

This was followed by a speech from Miss Tourism International subsidiary title winner Miss Closest to Nature, expressing her excitement about the resort's initiatives this festive season.  

Guests were treated to a captivating video presentation, shedding light on the artistic process behind their eco-friendly cornhusk decorations, the significance of their unique grow bag initiative and a heartfelt insight from Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s General Manager Fiona Hagan.  

“This year in Shangri-La Rasa Ria, it is really about promoting our local community, telling the stories of the locals, and sustainably doing business,” she said.

 

The main event of the evening is the grand unveiling of Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s Christmas Tree by 10 cheerful children.  

This eco-friendly masterpiece is a testament to their commitment to reducing environmental impact while celebrating the holiday season in style.  

The event concluded with the carollers serenading their guests with the beautiful sounds of the season in the Garden Wing lobby.

In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, Shangri-La Rasa Ria introduced guests to sustainable initiatives.  

The Eco-Felt Grow Bag with potted spider plants or the bag alone are also available for purchase. Proceeds from these initiatives will benefit local organisations, including Mama Jarum in Tamparuli, Jireh Homes in Tuaran, and the Society of the Blind Tuaran.

 

Eco-felt Grow Bag Christmas Tree  

Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu presents a distinctive and sustainable Christmas tree for the 2023 holiday season, crafted from 700 spider plants in felt grow bags made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.  

Complemented by a 100 per cent biodegradable plant fibre saucer crafted from recycled bamboo fibre, the display harmoniously fuses sustainability with functionality.  

Designed by Jo Luping, the Eco-felt Growbag, made from upcycled plastic bottles, adds an artistic touch with motifs symbolising The Rasa Ria Reserve.  

Eco-Friendly Christmas Decoration 

Shangri-La Rasa Ria is transforming festive celebrations with Upcycled Shack, DumoWongi, Pacos Trust, Happy Plastic, Corn Husk Craft and Wagas Di Asi, introducing eco-friendly Christmas decorations made from repurposed corn husks and discarded items.  

Beyond aesthetics, this collaboration empowers over 20 local artisan women, offering upskilling opportunities and contributing to household incomes.  

Sourced from crops and coloured with natural elements, the zero-waste decorations exemplify the resort’s dedication to sustainability.  

Curated by upcycled shack in collaboration with Sabah communities and social enterprises, this initiative symbolises strong community collaboration.  

Aligned with Shangri-La’s ESG principles, it is a tangible step towards a responsible and eco-conscious hospitality future, inviting guests to partake in positive transformation and sustainability.