Sabah Borneo, Malaysia - What To See
Places of interest
Kota Kinabalu Formerly known as Jesselton Kota Kinabalu became Sabah's capital after the second world war. The original town was blitzed and in 1967 a new town was carefully planned and built with main roads lying parallel to the coast leading to the waterfront. In Kota Kinabalu you can visit the state mosque ,state museum and just a 20 minute speedboat ride takes you to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park which is spread over 50 acres and has 5 islands on which there are great white beaches and facilities for snorkelling and diving.
Turtle Islands Lying 40KM north of Sandakan in the Sula Sea you will find a group of eight islands making up Turtle Island Park. From July to October you can see the Green and Hawksbill turtles returning to lay their eggs
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary This is a centre where you can see orang utans being re-trained for life back in the jungle .The best time to visit is between 10.00 and 14.30 hrs when they emerge from the forest for their daily ration of bananas and milk.
Gomantong Caves Situated 30km south of Sandakan they are the homes to over one million swiftlets which produce the black birds nests and are harvested twice a year by licensed collectors.
Tawau A huge plantation that supports rubber, copra, cocoa and oil palm on its rich volcanic soil. The town lies in the south east corner of the state on a stretch of coastline.
Danum Valley This is a conservation area rich in wild life such as the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, orang utan, gibbons, mousedeer and bearded pig roam wild. Some 270 species of birds have recorded in the area.
Poring Hot Springs Located some 40km from Kota Kinabalu the park has open air hot sulphur baths set amidst a landscaped garden and individual concrete pools with taps for hot spring mineral water and cold water, various trails around the area lead through rich forest to streams, waterfalls, walkways and caves.
Mount Kinabalu At 4,093m it is one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. It dominates the landscape in the National Park which is 85km from Kota Kinabalu. The park is not only popular with climbers but also nature lovers whom come to observe birds, butterflies and the flora and fauna. Ascending and descending the summit takes 2 to 3 days depending on the weather and one's fitness levels.
Sandakan Set on a bay on the north east coast, Sandakan is billed as the Gateway to Borneo's Wildlife. It is a busy port with the town lying behind and tall, jungle clad mountains beyond the town.
Berhala Island One of the islands off Sandakan which is easily reached by motor launches and is an ideal place for picnicking and swimming. Recommended excursions
Kota Kinabalu Highlights An introductory tour of the city including a panoramic view from Signal Hill, the 24 acre Likas Wetland bird sanctuary, Sabah Museum, sandy beaches of Tanjung Aru and Sembulan water village.
Sapi Coral Island Spend the day on an offshore coral island - just 20 minutes by speed boat from the jetty will bring you to Sapi for a day of relaxation on its white sand and clear crystal waters.
Gaya Island mangrove broadwalk Depart by boat to nearby Gaya Island where you will begin your discovery with an interesting stroll through the coastal vegetation of mangrove swamps and tropical rainforests,
Tuaran cultural delights Just half an hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu will get you to the market town of Tuaran. During the tour you will visit the Mengkabong Water village and Sabah's longest suspension bridge at Tamparuli.
Kiulu river rafting Ride down one of Borneo's scenic rivers over gentle rapids passing lush green jungle forests and Dusun orchards and villages.
Kinabalu world heritage site To naturalists, trekkers and virtually every one, Kinabalu Park and its crown jewel, Mount Kinabalu evoke much awe and amour. Highlights include the 41m high treetop canopy walkways at Poring and the Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden with an estimated 1,400 species of orchids ,over 600 species of ferns and 300 species of birds.
Train to Tenom A full day trip by train with lunch to the Orchid Centre and Crop Museum at Tenom.
Our hotels in Sabah Borneo
Shangri Las Rasa Ria Resort
in Sabah BorneoA picturesque resort with beautiful rainforest, glorious beaches and stunning wildlife.
More informationShangri Las Tanjung Aru Resort
in Sabah BorneoA deluxe property in beautifully landscaped gardens, excellent base for exploring Sabah
More informationSutera Harbour Resort
in Sabah BorneoCommanding fabulous views of the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and with a 27 hole golf course
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