Exploring Malaysia 
| < Prev |
|---|
CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU
Adrenaline junkies will adore the challenge of hiking up this summit, which many use as a
training point before attempting to scale Mount Everest. Located in Kinabalu Park, which was
declared Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site in 2000, the park teems with wildlife and flora
and as such attracts bird watchers, botanists and rock climbers. It also houses two species
of Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. Several trails lead to the summit of Mount Kinabalu
but be warned that it’ll take at least two days and a night to reach the peak.
WATCH TURTLE LANDINGS
Sandakan
A safe haven for the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles, Turtle Island Park offers visitors
a rare opportunity to watching turtle landings. As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an
overnight stay is recommended to observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and
releasing of baby turtles into the sea. Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time
to head here is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Comprising three islands,
accommodation is available at Selingan Island. Permission to visit the park must be obtained
from Sabah Parks and is currently co-ordinated by the sole agency of Crystal Quest, located at Sabah
Park Jetty in Sandakan Tel: +6089 212 711.
HANG OUT WITH PRIMATES
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
Set in the lush 4,300ha Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this is the world’s largest sanctuary for
orang utans. Located 25km from Sandakan, this shelter is home to orphaned and once illegally
confined primates. They are rehabilitated to survive in the wild before being released to
their natural habitat. Plan to head there during feeding time between 10am and 2pm when the
primates emerge from the forest.
EXPLORE SABAH’S LOST WORLD
Maliau Basin, Tawau
Nature lovers will feel at home in this remote, atavistic and isolated area that’s perfect for jungle-trekking, bird-watching and spying on wildlife by night. It contains an unusual assemblage of 12 forest types, comprising mainly of lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest and lowland, and hill dipterocarp forest. Th e highlight of the adventure is to trek the majestic seven-tiered Maliau Falls. Because of limited access, communication and safety facilities, this trip is best done in large
groups. Th e journey form Tawau or Keninggau to the security gate of Maliau basin will take at least five hours on rugged terrain.
STAY THE MIDDLE OF THE RAINFOREST
Borneo Rainforest Lodge,
Danum Valley Conservation Area
www.borneonaturetours.com
The award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge is nestled in Sabah’s largest protected lowland rainforest – the Danum Valley Conservation Area – with 438sq km of undisturbed tropical flora and fauna. The Lodge is a basic and rustic international-standard lodge built beside Danum River. Unlike mass-market tourist destinations, the lodge accommodates a maximum of 60 people, ensuring each guest a unique and individual jungle experience. Lodge activities include jungle walks, bird watching with resident nature guides, canopy walkways high above the jungle floor that allow the viewing of the rainforest from the treetops, and night safaris with sights and sounds emanating deep from within the rainforest.
PLAY GOLF AT SUTERA HARBOUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard,
Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu
www.suteraharbour.com.my
Tel: +6088 308 194
This luxurious resort houses the magnificent 27-hole par 72, 9,351m championship golf course designed by Graham Marsh. Centrally located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu and just 10 minutes from the international airport, it offers both day and night golfing. Its signature hole is the par 4 24th hole, with the challenge provided by the sandy waste and the ocean, which comes precariously close to the
undulating green.
