SABAH
KOTA KINABALU
Blessed with nature's diversity, beautiful cultures, dream beaches, fun adventure, tasty cuisine - Sabah has it all, and what better place to start than its capital Kota Kinabalu.
KK as it is known to the locals, it is from here visitors will begin their trip, whether it involves diving, wildlife culture or trekking.
KINABALU
NATIONAL PARK
Located in the district of Ranau, Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site. With more than 5000 plant species including the world’s largest pitcher plant and rare orchids, it is a botanist’s heaven - or to visitors who just love plants. In and around the park there are a multitude of activities to do.
Ranging from mountain biking, birding, golf, visit to the farms, photography, and the canopy walk.
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At 4095.2 m, Mount Kinabalu is the main attraction, whether you intend to climb or admire from afar, it will be a sight to remember. Experience the ‘iron road’ or via Ferrata. At above 3200m above sea level this will be an experience you will never forget.
CROCKER
RANGE
Covering about 3500 sq km, at an average height of about 1800m above sea level, The crocker range is the highest mountain range in Malaysia.
Has been a park since 1984 and recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere in 2014,
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Due to the lack of facilities, the Crocker received few visitors. However with the development of a Sabah Parks facility since 2004, it is becoming an ideal area for camping, jungle trekking and any outdoor educational activities, the number of visitors are increasing.
KUDAT
Capital of the Kudat District in the Kudat Division located about 190km, in the heartland of the Rungus people, a subgroup of the Kadazan people. Famous for its white beaches, crystal clear water which are among the most unspoilt in Sabah. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, a headland forming the northernmost point of Borneo, is within close proximity. Beautiful Luxury Villas and a typical Longhouse are available for the beach stay.
Within the district also you will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of the Rungus culture, which is showcased by individual villages for example; Kg. Gombizau where visitors can observe the production of honey and Kg. Sumangkap for its gong making industry.
Beautiful sunrises and stunning sunsets will make one linger for more.
SEPILOK AND SANDAKAN
Sandakan, formerly known as Elopura is the second largest town in Sabah after KK. This former capital of British North Borneo also has its own attractions within the city, such as the Agnes Keith house, Chartered Company Memorial, Japanese Bunker, St. Mary’s cathedral, War Memorial, Jamek Mosque, Turtle island and many more. But, Sandakan would not be complete without Sepilok!
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre founded in 1964 is one of only four Orangutan Sanctuaries in the world. It is a project to provide rehab and training for rescued orphaned baby Orangutans. Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest reserve, allowing the rescued Orangutan to roam freely. An ideal spot to train rescued Orangutans to survive.
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Next Door is The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. A centre established to improve the welfare of The Malayan Sun Bear and to raise public awareness on the conservation of the species.
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Down the road you will also find the Rainforest Discovery Centre, set up by the Sabah Forestry Department with the aim of educating the general public on various types of flora. Discover the rainforest from above along a 347m steel canopy walk and embark on a walk of discovery among the various trails on the forest floor.
KINABATANGAN RIVER
The longest river in Sabah. The Kinabatangan is well known for its remarkable wild life and fascinating habitats such as ;
Limestone caves at Gomantong, Dryland dipterocarp forests, riverine forest, freshwater swamp forest,ox bow lakes and salty mangrove swamps.
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It has one of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in the country if not the world. A river cruise along the Kinabatangan will also give you the opportunity to observe the wildlife and river conservation projects. Look forward to seeing Proboscis Monkeys, Langurs, Gibbons, Orangutans, many species of birds, and if you are lucky, The Bornean Pygmy Elephant.
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Night walks within the vicinity of one of the locally run river lodges will allow you to sample the jungle during the night.
The Kinabatangan is one of the few places on earth where you can really experience the riverine jungle from the comfort of a river resort.
DANUM
VALLEY
With an extensive diversity of flora and fauna like Orangutans, Gibbons, Mousedeer, Clouded Leopards, the rare Pygmy Elephant and many more, over 250 species of bird, The Danum Conservation Area is a heaven to Naturalists, Botanist’s or Wildlife Enthusiasts.
A unique experience within the vicinity of a comfortable resort, another unforgettable experience of Borneo.
TABIN
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve was created as a nature reserve to preserve Borneo’s disappearing wild animals along the Dent Peninsula, North East of Lahad Datu town extending from the lower reaches of the Segama River to the Silabukan Protection Forest Reserve.
Declared a wildlife reserve due to the many species of animals inhabiting its forests, many of which are endangered. The area is owned by the Sabah Government while The Sabah Wildlife is appointed custodian of the animals.
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A bonus for visitors to the area would be the natural mud volcanoes, an important natural attraction for wildlife seeking salt. Among the wildlife that regularly visit the mud volcanoes are elephants, wild buffalo and the bearded pig.
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Among the activities allowed from the Tabin Wildlife Resort are jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, photography and filming. A night drive from the resort through the jungle will allow visitors to observe the nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.
MALIAU
BASIN
Located around the center of Sabah, The Maliau basin Conservation Area represents a natural catchment surrounding the Maliau River. Designated a class 1 protected forest reserve it remains largely undiscovered befitting its nickname - Sabah’s Lost World.
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Only until the 80’s was an expedition sent in where it was discovered that the area is a self contained ecosystem with an abundance of wildlife.
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With the opening of the Maliau Basin Studies Centre, visitors can now visit the area, and who knows, make a discovery of their own.
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A popular visit would be to the 7 tier Maliau falls. A sight not easily forgotten.
As it is a very remote area, visitors have to be physically fit as trekking can be up to 8 hours mostly uphill, and to also have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Accommodation and meals are basic, but if you look for something challenging with a unique and remote jungle experience, then a visit to Maliau is a must.
SEMPORNA ARCHIPELAGO
Semporna, a small coastal town on the east Coast of Sabah, is the gateway for diving and snorkelling trips to the nearby islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom Thanks to Jaques Cousteau’s visit to the area, his comments on Sipadan have made it Internationally famous. Naturally making Sipadan island the main draw. But we cannot discount the other islands that make up The Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
A region recognised for its marine biodiversity, it has now become diving heaven for all forms of diving - from recreational to serious deep water.
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Not only for divers, the various resorts on these islands offer many activities for non divers too.