Stunning tropical island and luxuraint nature makes Sabah the ideal destination for eco-advantures. The state's most famous icon is the majestic Mount Kinabalu, reputed to be of the highest in Southeast Asia. Another jewel is sipadan, an internationally-famed dive destination.
Its population of nearly 3.1 million is made up uf of 32 ethnic communities. The capital of Sabah is Kota kinabalu. It is the gateway to eco-advanture such as diving,river crusing, mountain claimbing, white-water rafting and caving
Standing majestically at a height of 4,095.2 m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the Kinabalu Park, a wonderland of ecological treasures covering some 754sq km.
The diversity of plant life in Kinabalu park rangers over four climate zone. Over 5,000 types of flowering plants including 1,200 species of orchids, 26 special of rhodendrons, over 80 species of fig trees as well as 60 species of oak and chestnut trees are found here. About 100 species of mammals and 326 species of bird are also known to reside in the sprawling park.
Ascending and desceding Mount Kinabalu's summit takes two to three days, depending on the weather and one's fitness level. There are two popular trails to the peak, one from Timpohon gatee and the other from Mesilau. Climber can ascend up to Laban Rata at an elevation of 3,273m and spend a night at the rest house before setting off to the peak early the next morning. Climbers must register at the peak head office.
CROCKER RANGE PARKKeningauA massive range of forest-clad ridges, Crocker Range stretches from Mount Kinabalu to the border of Sarawak. This protected area has no modern facilities and is a thriving destination for jungle-tracking and four-wheel drive excursions. Nature lovers can trek to the Rafflesia sites and spend a night camping amidst the greenery. Crocker Range Park is about 13km or a 30-minute drive from Keningau Town.
Openning hours:8.00 am-5.00pmAdmission Fee: RM3 (RM 5 for camping)Tel:019 862 0404TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PARKKota KinabaluJust a 20-minute boat ride away from the mainland,this marine park is a vibrant playground for sun-seekers. Tunku abdul Rahman Park consist of five island,Gaya,Sapi,Sulug,Manukan and Mamutik. This cluster of tropical island is ideal for day trips. accomodation is available at Gaya (the largest island) as well as Manukan. the staging point to the island is form the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
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| Try sea-walking at Sapi Island, a novel way for non-driver to explore the underwater world. |
Must Do:* Go swimming, snorkelling or diving
*Camp out at the Island of sapi and Mamutik
*Enjoy the thrill of parasailing above the emerlad waters
*Go island-hopping or ride on banana boat
* Get a gorgeous sun tan!
SEPILOK ORANG UTANREHABILITATION CENTERSandakan Enjoy the rare and thrilling opportunity to see an orang utan up close. Situated in the Kabili-sepilok Forest Reserve which sprawla over 4,300ha, this sanctuary serve to rehabilitate orphaned orang utans as well as educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation. a boardwalk which leads to a viewing gallery gives an opportunity to see the orang utans being fed by the rangers.
Opening Hour:9.00am-4.00pm dailyFeeding Times: 10.00 am and 3.00pmAdmission Fee: Malaysian RM5 Adult, RM2 (below 18)Non-Malaysian RM30 adult, RM15 (below 18)a fee of RM10 will be charged for cameras.Tel:089 531 180
TURTLE ISLANDS PARKSandakan
Turtle landings are an uncommon sight. Lucky visitors to this island may be able to watch endangered species such as hawksbill turtles and green turtles when they swim to the shore to lay their eggs.
Laying in the Sulu Sea, Turtle Island Park is a cluster of three island: selingan, Bakung and Gulisan Kecil. Selingan the largest Island is open to visitors and it provides accommodation and some basic facilities. The Park Headquarters is also located here. Prior permission must be obtained from Sabah Park Sdn.Bhd access is via Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan.
Admission fee: RM10 Adult, RM6 ChildTel:089 212 711 (Crystal Quest Sdn.Bhd
LOWER KINABATANGANWILDLIFE SANCTUARY Sukau, SandakanThe Kinabatangan river sustains one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Its lower basin has the largest forest-covered floodplain in Malaysia. exotic wildlife such as orang utans, proboscis monkeys, Asian elephant and Sumatran rhinos roam free in the jungle. There are many tour agencies in Sukau providing accommodation, transfers and tours. Sukau is 135km from Sandakan.
Must do:* Go on a river safari to spot the wildlife and birds
* Join a night tour to view crocodiles and nocturnal birds.
* All eight species of hornbills found in Borneo reside here-try and spot them!
* Join a homestay programme in the nearby villages.
TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVELahad DatuTabin Wildlife Reserve is the ideal gateway for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Situated in a dipterocarp forest that sparwls over 120,500ha, Tabin is home to three of Sabah's largest mammals,the Borneo pygmy elephant, Sumatran rhino and Tembadau.
Accommodation is available in the form of river lodges or hill lodges nestled amidst the wildneress. It comes complete with modern amenities such as en suite bathroom and hot shower. Tabin is about 1 hour 15 minutes away from Lahad Datu. There are daily flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu.
Must Do:* Go jungle trekking or go on a night safari to spot the small animals
* Trace the footprits of animals at the mineral spring
* Try a natural facial-put on the mineral-rich mud from the mud volcano!
Tel:088 267 266 www.tabinwildlife.com.myDANUM VALLEY CONSERVATION AREALahad Datu |
| Danum Valley is one of the richest conservation areas in the world. It has over 200 species of tree per hectare |
Located deep in an untouched tropical forest, the Danum Valley Conservation area is a thriving paradise of diverse tropical vegetation and wildlife. The forest is a sanctuary to animals such as the Asian elephant, clouded leopard, orang utan, proboscis monkey and Sumatran rhino. All tour must be pre-arranges with tour agent. Danum Valley is situated about 70km west of Lahad Datu.
Must Do:* Enjoy a nature walk in the virgin rainforest
* Watch bird from the 170m-long canopy walkaway
* Trek to the seven tiered Sungai Purut waterfalls
* Visit an ancient Kadazandusun burial site
* Go on a night drive in open jeep to catch sight of noctural animals.
Tel: 088 267 637 (Borneo Nature Sdn.Bhd)Website: www.borneonaturetours.com
RAINFOREST DISCOVERY CENTRESepilok
Situated just 20 miles from yhe Sandakan Airport, the Rainforest Discovery Center offers a chance for visitors to enjoy nature without leaving the comforts of civilisation and modernity. It gives an excellent overview of the state's rainforest with sprawling gardens, walking trails and a 147m-long steel canopy walkaway. This center is situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. It is only about ten minutes away from the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilition Center.
Must Do:* Walk along the Rainforest Discovery Trail to see towering dipterocarp trees
* Observe nearly 250 species of bird from the canopy walkaway
* Visit the exhibition center
* See more than 250 species of orchids as well as pitcher plants and aquatic plants at the Plant
Discovery garden
Opening Hour: 8.00 am-5.00 pm dailyAdmission fee: Malaysian RM5 Adult (RM2 for visitor aged 5-17) Non-Malaysian RM10 Adult and child above sixTel: 089 533 780/781Web site: www.forest.sabah.gov.my
MARI-MARI CULTURAL VILLAGEKota Kinabalu
Step into traditional home and immerse yourself in their cultures and rituals. The homes are built in the style of the five main ethnic communities of Sabah. Experience thier simple, yet interesting traditional lifestyle. Get a glimpse of age-old activities and savour the local food.
MALIAU BASINTouted as Sabah's Lost World, Maliau Basin is a remote and isolated area containing a rare assemblage of 12 types of forest. Further in the thick jungle, the seven tiered Maliau Falls stands as one of the most astounding sights here.
Tours to Maliau Basin are the best done in groups. The destination is only suited for serious naturalist due to the limited communication facilities and amenities. Prior permission must be obtained from Yayasan Sabah and visitor must be accompanied by guides or rangers. The nearest towns to Maliau Basin are Tawau or Keningau. From these town, Maliau Basin is accessible via four-wheel drives and the journey to its security gate takes about five hours. Alternatively, helicopter rides are available.
For more information, please contact Tourism Malaysia Sabah or Sabah Tourism Board.
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| Lost world: Aerial view of part of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area |
SABAH TEA GARDEN
Ranau
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Tea Garden is an enclave of sprawling tea plantation. Enjoy a tour of the tea factory and plantation, or learn new skill such as surviving in the jungle and crossing a river safely. Visitor can also savour freshly brewed tea at the Tea House. Reactional activities such as jungle trekking, night walks and obstacle training are also available. Accommodation rangers from bungalows, longhouses and campsites.
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| Sabah Tea Garden is the only organic tea farm in Borneo and one of the few in the world. |
Opening Hour: 8.00am- 4.30pm
(the best time for visit is before 12.00 noon)
Admission fee: Entrance is free but guided tours are chargeable.
Rm10 (tea factory guided tour)
RM30 (guided tour and lunch)
Tel: 088 440 882
Website: www.sabahtea.net
SIPADAN ISLAND
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| Sipadan was made famous by Jacqoe Yves Cousteau, a famous French oceanographer in his documentary 'The Ghost of the Sea Turtle' |
Sipadan is an internationally famous dive site surrounded by the Sulawesi Sea. The geographic position of Sipadan at the Indo-Pasific Basin (the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world) makes it a paradise for divers. The seascape is decorated eith huge gorgonion sea fans, barrel sponges and gigantic soft tree corals. Steeps walls from a stunning backdrop while pelagic species such as sharks and turtle swim gracefully.
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| Sipadan's lion fish |
Further away, the Turtle Cavern contains skeleton of turtle that were lost in the tunnels. At Barracuda Point, drivers can have exciting encounters with school of barracuda. To preserve the delicate ecosystem, accommodation is only provided at the neighbouring island of Mabul and Kapalai.
Tours must be pre-arranged. The nearest airport to Sipadan is Tawau. From Tawau, take an hour's drive to Semporna before proceeding with a 40-minute speedboat ride to the Island.
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Sipadan's most thrilling feature is its Drop Off, where knee high water suddenly gives way to a 600m drop!
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MABUL AND KAPALAI
Situated just 25 minutes from Sipadan, Mabul is another gem in the Sulawesi Sea. However, the seascape in Mabul is starkly different, yet equally stunning. A diversity of tiny marine life makes Mabul a great site for macro and muck-diving. Blue-ringed octopus,mandarin fish,lionfish,frogfish,moray eels and spike-fin gobies are definite show-stealers in the relatively-shallow waters. Mabul is slightly larger than Sipadan and has several resort as well as a local village.
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| Kapalai is not actually an island, but a large sandbank where a resort has been built on stilts. |
Kapalai is another great location for muck-lover. In fact, this little island is rated by many diving journalists as one of the best macro-diving destinations in the world. Mandarin Valley, Gurnard Ground and Stringray City are enchanting sites with a prolific marine life.
Just like Sipadan, the jumping-off point to Mabul and Kapalai is Semporna. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes. Semporna is about an hour;s drive from Tawau airport. There are regular air services connecting Tawau and Kota Kinabalu. Transfer can be arranged with tour operators.
LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK
Kota Kinabalu
Made up of two components, zoological and botanical, this park is a delight for children and adults alike. Must-see attraction include tiger, proboscis monkey, deer, orang utan, and Borneo pygmy elephant. A wide range of plants can be observed from the walking trails.
Opening hours: 9.30am- 5.30pm
Admission fee: Malaysian RM10
Non-Malaysian RM20
Tel: 088 765 793/ 710
MONSOPIAD CULTURE VILLAGE
Kota Kinabalu
Situated about 16km from Kota Kinabalu, this cultural village pays tribute to the powerful and tribute to the powerful and feared Kadazan warrior, Monsopiad, who lived about 200 years ago. Visitors gain an insight into the ancient cultural. Don't miss the cultural performance which recants this legend. A very interesting point to note is that the village is run by Minsopiad's direct descendants, on the very land where he lived.
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| The house of skulls displays 43 skulls or 'trophies' collected by this legendary warrior. |
Opening Hour: 9.00 am-5.00pm
Admission Fee: Malaysia
RM45 Adult, RM15(12 years and below)
Non-Malaysian
RM65 Adult, RM25(12 years and below)
Tel: 088 774 337
Website: www.monsopiad.com
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