 Borneo is one of the world’s largest and most fascinating islands and home to the exotic Malaysian state of Sabah. Known as the “Land Below The Wind”, Sabah boasts an impressive array of natural wonders, from South East Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. In the dense rainforests there is also an abundance of interesting animal life that includes the playful orang-utan. (image courtesy of Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort)
PLACES OF INTEREST
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
Located inside a forest reserve close to Sandakan, this sanctuary gives visitors the chance to view orphaned young orang utans (found only in Borneo or Sumatra) being rehabilitated to live back in the wild. Feeding time of the semi-wild animals is at 10am and 2.30pm in the forest. Bookings are essential prior to leaving Australia as this is a very popular tourist attraction and a "must see" when travelling to Sabah.
Turtle Island Marine Park
This is a marine reserve protecting three small islands where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Sabah Parks has limited accommodation and a restaurant on Pulau Selingan, where visitors can observe the nesting turtles and the hatchery. You will need to overnight on the island to witness the nesting turtles. As their is very limited accommodation, bookings are essential prior to leaving Australia.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
This consists of five islands - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. It is just minutes from downtown Kota Kinabalu by speedboat. There are walking trails on all the islands, good beaches, snorkelling, barbecue and picnic facilities. Manukan Island is the only island that has accommodation facilities.
Gomantong Caves
This small reserve includes famous caves where swifts build edible nests of saliva, which are gathered twice a year in a dangerous and spectacular operation. Bats, swifts, birds and butterflies virtually guaranteed, with occasional sightings of mammals including the orang utan.
Sukau
This village on the lower Kinabatangan River is in a region renowned for its wildlife. Borneo's unique proboscis monkey can be seen along the river and its tributaries, as well as a wide range of other mammals and spectacular birds.
Pulau Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and Pandanan
These islands are reached by boat via Semporna and are all well known dive areas. Accommodation is no longer available on the world renowned Sipadan Island, however divers can stay at Mabul and still dive in the Sipadan area.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Set aside for research and conservation, this area offers a complete range of the flora and fauna of the lowland rainforest. Excellent for bird watching from special towers - there a re 50km of trails.
Pulau Tiga Marine Park
This marine reserve that includes three islands is accessible by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. There are interesting walking trails, unusual small mud volcanoes, and one of the islands is renowned for its breeding sea snakes. |
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Hotels in Sabah
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Day Excursions
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