Kota Kinabalu at Xmas?

Posted by gigglepants (434 days ago)

We have only been in HK for 4 weeks and haven't travelled in Asia at all. Friends are coming for Xmas and we are hoping to go on a beach holiday. We've been trying Thailand but are having trouble getting 8 flights - travel agent recommended Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu. We were concerned about the weather at Xmas...is it ok for a beach holiday? Has anyone been here at Xmas???Feel responsible.....as family coming a long way - don't want to book holiday in the rain...

(I am based in Other)

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Posted by scytran (415 days ago)

Hi gigglepants
Don't know if you have booked anything for Xmas yet but try this agent Wincastle Travel or check out their website : www.wincastle.com.hk (tel: 8101-1652 express hotline or 2499-2278 fo enquiries and/or bookings)
They are holding blocked seats and room allotment for travelling for 22 Dec on Malaysian Airlines and 24 Dec on Dragonair to Kota Kinabalu with choice of hotel incl Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort.
My family (total of 15) are going there at the end of Oct. We have stayed at the other sister hotel Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru in March this year and our kids loved it as they had a good kids club. But this time we wanted to try the Rasa Ria as they have an orangutan sanctuary right next to his resort. It says on their website about the weather :
Sabah has a typically tropical climate of warm, sunny weather throughout the year. Cool breezes along the coast makes for comfortable temperatures. Rain is most frequent from November to January, but can be expected in any month. The Mount Kinabalu range shelters Kota Kinabalu from the harsh weather systems sometimes associated with the monsoon season.
Even when we went in March their were a few odd showers but it dried up very quickly so shouldn't worry about it too much as long as you're with your family and having a good time.
Sorry for a very late reply as I hardly come on this website now but hope this
helps.
Here are the 2 links for the packages :

http://www.wincastle.com.hk/PDFfiles/bki/BKIKXX.pdf

http://www.wincastle.com.hk/PDFfiles/bki/BKIMBX.pdf

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by dizzydog (415 days ago)

we stayed at the Rasa Ria just 2 weeks ago, and although it was supposed to be rainy season, there were only light downpours in the afternoon (lasted 10-20 mins) 2 days out of the 5 we were there. We had a great time, very relaxing and the restaurants were good. Stay in the Ocean Wing if you can, well worth the extra $$$ because your breakfast experience (at Coast restaurant on the beach) will be more leisurely instead of fighting it out with everyone at the buffet queue in the Coffee shop.

Rasa Ria is a good family hotel, has all the necessary baby equipment if travelling with small children and the Orang Utan sanctuary is delightful.

We also managed to book a private car with 2 car seats (one for toddler one for baby), the only one in KK I believe for airport transfers and day trips. Indispensable if travelling with small children. PM me if anyone wants details.

(I am based in Hong Kong)