Places

Mount Kinabalu

This is the world's youngest non-volcanic mountain which is still growing at about 5mm a year. Because of its closeness to the city of Kota Kinabalu, the mountain and its park becomes very accessible. To the Kadazandusun people, the mountain is known to be sacred, "nabalu" means resting place of the dead which inspired the name of the mountain. Low’s peak is the summit at 4,100 metres. It was named after Hugh Low who led an expedition in 1851 but unfortunately didn’t make it to the top in both attempts. The summit was actually conquered by naturalist John Whitehead who named the peak after Hugh Low. There are now 2 trails to the top, Summit Trail and Mesilau Trail, the latter was recently opened to allow the climber more opportunities to view flora and fauna life.

Kinabalu Park is a World Heritage designated by UNESCO in 2000. It is not only home to the magnificent Mount Kinabalu but also to an estimated 1,200 species of orchids, 26 species of Rhododendrons, 9 species of Nepenthes (pitcher plants – the ones that dine on insects), 80 species of trees, 100 species of mammals and 326 species of birds… The natural diversity is so rich here that no naturalists and botanists can resist exploring the park. The famous Rafflesia, world’s largest flower can also be found here, unfortunately the flower has no particular blooming season, so it is not easy to spot it

Nearby to the park is Poring Hot Springs, rich in sulphuric minerals, provides a perfect soak for tired and aching muscles. Also within these surroundings, you will find a butterfly park, orchid farm, Kipungit waterfall and a treetop canopy walkway where you can admire the rainforest at 41 metres above the ground! As you go further, there are trials that will lead you to Langganan waterfall.

Reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu will take you approximately 2 days with one night staying at Laban Rata Resthouse or similar. Usually you start your trail in the morning and stop to rest late in the afternoon. The rest day begins at about 2 or 3am. You will try to reach the summit, Low’s Peak by sunrise.

Mount Kinabalu is not considered easy neither extremely difficult to climb, but you do need a bit training beforehand. It’s quite fun as you ascend. Take time to enjoy the flora and fauna around you. The last part is a little tougher where there is a guided rope that leads to the top.

The trip is a good add-on to your other plans or itineraries. You can spend a night or 2 at the Park Headquarters.

Our Suggested itinerary:
Summit Trail 2D1N

Sukau

Sukau lies in the lower Kinabatagan floodplain is a biodiversity hotspot where the Kinabatagan River runs through at 560 km in length. It is the longest river in Sabah and also the realm of the Proboscis Monkeys. You will also find wild orang utans, leaf monkeys, gibbons, western tarsiers, slow loris, Asian elephants, estuarine crocodiles, snakes, hornbills, flycatchers, trogons, broadbills, kingfishers, bulbuls and the list goes on!

Lower reaches of this floodplain are estimated to have the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Malaysia. It is possible to explore this region by cruising along the river and its tributaries. This is the best way to see the canny looking Proboscis Monkeys as they come to the riverbanks to rest in the evening. Trekking in the jungle also give you plenty of opportunities to come close to nature. The locals here are mainly known as the Orang Sungai (river people). They depend on the river for food, transportation and trade.

The Gomantong Caves are one of the historical sites found within this floodplain. Thousands of bats and swiflets live on the ceiling of the caves. Every year between March to May and September to November, collectors will climb up to 90 metres above ground by bamboo ladders to harvest birds’ nests (saliva of swiflets).

Sandakan, on the east coast is the gateway to Sukau. You can get to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu via 40minutes domestic flight or if you have a little bit more time, you can try busing to Sandakan in about 6 hours. The ride also takes you through Kinabalu Park.

From Sandakan, the best idea is to stay in Sepilok. We recommend the Sepilok Jungle Resort. From the resort you can either take a day trip or an overnight trip. The resort is next to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

Our Suggested itineraries:
East Coast Wildlife 4D3N
Relaxing Reef & Rainforest 6D5N

Sipadan Island

The name Sipadan is simply legendary. It is the only oceanic island of Sabah. The island on the wish list of many divers rises at about 600 metres from the ocean floor. As you enter the waters, you will be greeted by schools of fish. Turtles are practically at every corner. Sipadan features excellent wall dives. Sipadan is famous for pelagic action where the waters are frequented by barracudas, jacks, sharks & bumphead parrot fish. Sometimes you might even encounter green or hawksbill turtles coming up to the beach to lay eggs at night.

Another highlight in Sipadan is the Turtle Tomb. It is actually an underwater cavern where skeletal remains of turtles can be found. No one really know why these turtles died in the tomb but it is believed that turtles entering the cavern could not find their way back to the surface to breathe.

Sipadan island is also known to be in a trio of 3 islands, the other 2 being Mabul & Kapalai islands. The three islands are within 15 minutes boat ride to each other. Whichever island you choose to stay on, you will get the chance to dive in all 3. Each island has its own uniqueness. Mabul, the largest of them has a village which you can visit. The island is covered with many coconut trees, the resort here has a nice beach & hammocks to spoil you. Kapalai is actually a sand bar which goes missing sometimes when the tide comes in! The resort is a water village style where the rooms, restaurant & dive shop are linked by walkway with the sea under your feet. Dives sites around Mabul & Kapalai are rich in macro marine life.

Sipadan is ever popular with many divers who can conveniently dive the famous “Drop-Off” practically anytime they like.

Travelling to these islands may be time-consuming due to extra domestic flights from the capital but IT’S WORTH IT!

We recommend at least 5 days, because you do loose a bit of time traveling. Of course if you do not have enough time, a shorter trip is possible or if you have plenty of time stay as long as you like. To get to the islands, the best way is to fly in from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau (45 mins), then transfer overland (1 hour) to the seaside town of Semporna where you take a 45 mins boat ride.

Our Suggested itinerary:
Reef Adventures 5D4N

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

This is a sanctuary started in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utans, where their parents are killed as a result of logging, land clearings and illegal hunting. These babies are returned to the wild as soon as they’re rehabilitated and ready. The centre is the largest of its kind in the world and is nestled in more than 4,500 hectares of virgin jungle dedicated for the rehabilitation program. This jungle is also known as Kabili-Sepilok Forest where you can explore and observe nocturnal wildlife at night.

Everyday visitors come to the centre to observe these gentle and shy creatures on the feeding platform where they are treated to bananas and milk by the rangers. There are also semi-wild orang utans that comes to the sanctuary for these daily treats.

To take your time to enjoy the charms of the forest, you can stay in lodges situated outside the centre which are built to blend in with nature. Century old trees and plants surround these establishments where occasionally a troop of macaques comes for a visit.

The Rehabilitation Centre is situated in Sepilok, 30 minutes from Sandakan. This is a place where you can be in tune with nature. The area is surrounded by virgin jungles and lodges built here blends in well with its surroundings.

We recommend staying at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, where it is a great place to start exploring Sepilok, the Rehabilitation Centre and plenty of other trips available from here. To get to Sepilok, you can either take the domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (40 mins) or take the public buses that comes either from Kota Kinabalu (6 hours), Tawau (5 hours), Semporna (4 hours) or Lahad Datu (31/2 hours).

Our Suggested itinerary:
East Coast Wildlife 5D4N
Relaxing Reef & Rainforest 6D5N

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

This is another sanctuary but for another specie of primates. There are a few families and bachelor groups of Proboscis Monkeys in this sanctuary, which is located in the middle of a mangrove forest.

Labuk Bay provides the visitor opportunity to observe these rare monkeys in close proximity. The sanctuary is not too far away from Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the township of Sandakan. For travelers who are limited with time, Labuk Bay is the perfect place to see the monkeys.

We recommend staying at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, the sanctuary is about half an hour's drive from the Resort. To get to Sandakan you can either take the domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (40 mins) or take the public buses that comes either from Kota Kinabalu (6 hours), Tawau (5 hours), Semporna (4 hours) or Lahad Datu (31/2 hours).

Our Suggested itineraries:
East Coast Wildlife 5D4N

Turtle Islands Marine Park

In the Sulu Sea lie three islands namely Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan that form a marine park that is one of the most important breeding grounds of green and hawksbill turtle. Turtles come to these shores almost every night to lay their eggs. Strangely these turtles were once released as hatchlings on these same shores.

It is recommended to stay at least one night on Selingan Island. After dinner, park rangers will take you for a rare glimpse turtle laying eggs and after which, you can also witness the release of young hatchlings for their first ocean swim.

To get to Turtle Islands Park will require a boat ride from Sandakan. You can take a domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (40 mins) or take the public buses that comes either from Kota Kinabalu (6 hours), Tawau (5 hours), Semporna (4 hours) or Lahad Datu (31/2 hours).

Our Suggested itinerary:
East Coast Wildlife 5D4N

Lankayan Island

Lankayan is a rare piece of jewel of the Sulu Sea. The waters around the island are shades of turquoises and blues that resemble gemstones. There is only one resort on the island, allowing the visitor plenty of privacy basking or snorkeling on the beaches. The island’s marine life is diverse in rare macro creatures. Probably the most famous creature of Lankayan is the Jaw fish. Giant groupers, red emperors and barramundi cods also can be found roaming the wrecks. Whale Sharks can be spotted during the migration season between March and May. The island also has a small turtle hatchery and spotting of turtles laying eggs is possible.

The atmosphere on the island is very relaxing with lots coconut palms fringing the beaches. Diving is also very relaxed here because of the close proximity of the dive sites. One can feel the clock stopped ticking on this tiny island of Lankayan.

Lankayan is reachable from Sandakan, where you can either take a domestic flight ot bus from Kota Kinabalu. The boat transfer from Sandakan is appoximately 75 mins. Because of the relax and frienly environment of the island, it is very suitable foe families, honeymooners, snorkellers and scubadivers.

Sandakan is famous for its nature and wildlife treasures, you can complete the trip by incorporating some wildlife itineraries.

Our Suggested itineraries:
Diving Jewel of Sulu Sea 5D4N
Relaxing Reef & Rainforest 6D5N

Mantanani Island

Mantanani island is actually in a group of 3 islands on the South China Sea. The bigger, where the resort is situated, has 2 fisherman villages that depended on the waters for their livelihood. The island is not only known for amazing underwater photo opportunities, it is also a sport fishing paradise where Marlins and Sailfish are the main objectives.

Dugongs have also been spotted in front of the resort, which is nestled within tall coconut palms and a white sandy bay. They come in to feed on the rich seagrass that grows aplenty in the bay.

The gateway to Mantanani is a boat ride from Usukan Bay in Kota Belud which is about one and half hours drive from Kota Kinabalu then another 60 mins of boat transfer to the island.

Our Suggested itinerary:
Diving Mantanani 5D4N

This page is constantly updated to provide you with more information about the interesting places in Sabah and Borneo.

go to tours