A Refined Encounter with Sabah’s Liquid Heritage - Special Feature in Favstyle Magazine | Essentials by Writer On-The-Go Lorena Binisol

At the prestigious MAG Trade Elevation Summit held at the elegant Shangri-La Rasa Ria, guests were invited into an immersive cultural tasting experience celebrating Sabah’s iconic rice wine, Lihing.

Curated as a sophisticated highlight of the summit, the session elevated Lihing beyond tradition, presenting it as a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary cultural appreciation. Guests embarked on a sensory journey through the origins, artistry, and ceremonial significance of this treasured Sabahan delicacy.

The introduction of rice wine making to guests at Rasa Ria Resort

Event Sales Manager Roger Guaner shared that this marked the summit’s very first dedicated Lihing tasting experience, introducing distinguished attendees to an authentic expression of Sabah’s living culture. More than a tasting, it became an intimate exploration of identity, storytelling, and connection.

A guest from Paris first time discovered Lihing making

The experience unfolded with two exquisite expressions of Lihing. The first, youthful and golden, offered delicate sweetness with a light, vibrant character. The second, aged for nearly two years, revealed a darker, more complex profile layered with depth and bold sophistication. Each pour reflected the artistry of time itself, much like a finely curated vintage.

Guests were shown how two ingredients rice and yeast fermented to make into rice wine

Guests engaged closely with the craft behind the wine, discovering the traditional fermentation process and the deep communal significance Lihing holds during Kaamatan celebrations. Every glass carried echoes of gratitude, unity, and Sabahan pride.

Guests enjoying the Lihing tasting during the session

Guests enjoyed discovering Sabah's cultures and heritage

As the evening concluded, the atmosphere transformed into one of warmth and celebration. Conversations flowed effortlessly while guests raised their glasses to a heritage that continues to inspire across generations. What began as a tasting evolved into a memorable cultural encounter, elegant, meaningful, and unmistakably Sabah.

Lorena the facilitator who conducted the session of rice wine making