Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise
SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination
situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest
island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife
conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and
islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal
clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are
thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and
activities will whet your appetite!
Mount Kinabalu
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be
missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu (4,093m). It is
the summit of Borneo and the tallest mountain in South East
Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands from
around the world have trekked to its peak. At the feet of this
mountain is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise where
rare plants are found: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants
and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
If you haven't heard yet, the most popular native of Borneo is
the Orang Utan. The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
enables visitors to come in close contact with these amazing
animals. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting
conservation programme in action. Set in 43 square km of
beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orang
Utans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these
orphaned Orang Utans being taught to climb, and then go to a
platform where you can witness them coming in from within the
forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.
Danum Valley Rain Forest
If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination I
am going to introduce you is a must visit, Danum Valley. Danum
Valley is nestled deep in the rain forest of Borneo where nature
is at its most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeper into
the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of
the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), erected overlooking the
magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill
ranges. BRL is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and
built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and has the
comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. I totally recommend Danum Valley to
those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest
- the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orang Utan,
elephants and over 275 species of birds.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park
When you think you have enough of sightseeing and you want to
take a day's break idling around to charge your energy, then I
suggest you take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman
Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is a
well-known sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The
tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning.
The crystal clear water is fantastic if you fancy snorkeling or
watching the sea lives and corals. The park is also a great spot
for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Other
activities include windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking
and bird watching.
Golfing Holidays
If golf is your sport, then try the numerous high quality golf
courses in Sabah. One of the courses as described by its
designer - "I had to create a masterpiece by combining the
natural splendor of the mountains and the seas, with ingenious
architecture, and create a first class championship course to
provide an enjoyable, yet challenging game for top professional
golfers and amateurs alike" - Graham Marsh. Enough words said
for the quality of golf courses here.
White-Water Rafting
For the true adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping
activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in
the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good
swimmer, is white-water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3
river). Whilst trying to negotiate the rapids along this raging
river for a distance of about 5 kilometers, do enjoy the
breathtaking view that the surrounding rain forest does offer.
However, be warned, don't take your eyes off the rapids and
waves too long!
Scuba Diving
Off the North Eastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an
island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique
that it is world renowned as one of the best dive spots in the
world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, 650
meters from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This pinnacle off the
eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As
soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island,
you'll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken
you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this
tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife
Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life
than this island."