The ecological richness of Sabah has given birth to a whole host of nature-based attractions. Climb the highest mountain in South East Asia, Kinabalu, or play with the gentle Orang-Utan primates in Sepilok. It’s all here in Sabah!
Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu in Kinabalu Park is believed to be the highest peak in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 meters high. The mountain is rich in a diversity of flora and fauna from the world’s largest flower the Rafflesia to tiny white orchids and colourful snakes to fast-moving squirrels. Kinabalu is also the very first Malaysian place to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
The path up Mount Kinabalu is also a relatively easy one, as there are ready-made paths and ropes secured in steep places to assist you. Mid-way to the peak, climbers will have to spend the night at Laban Rata, an on a plateau before ascending to the top in the early morning. Once on the peak, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of the surrounding lands of Borneo – truly as sight to behold.
Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary
The Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary is a place where visitors can get up, close and personal with these gentle primates that are Southeast Asia’s only great ape. This sanctuary doubles up as a rehabilitation centre for returning stranded Orang-Utans back into the wild.
Best times to visit are in the afternoons where the primates come out from the deep forest to the feeding grounds to get their daily ration of bananas and milk. Visitors can watch workers feed them from platforms built upon the grounds.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay near Sandakan is a sanctuary for the unique Proboscis monkey, the only monkey with a stump for a nose. These endangered primates are shy, gentle and reclusive, making them hard to spot in virgin rainforests outside this park. Here, visitors get a better opportunity to view these magnificent creatures that feed only on young mangrove leaves.
Poring Hot Springs
The Poring Hot Springs located 40 km away from Kinabalu Park Headquarters features natural, open-air hot springs in a landscaped garden. The springs are fed directly with mineral water that rises naturally from the ground. In addition, there are facilities such as taps and chalets to cater for overnight visitors. The hot springs aren’t the only attractions in the area as there are many walkways that lead for adventures in the forest, streams and waterfalls to bathe in and caves to explore.
Gomantong Caves
The Gomantong Caves 30 km away from Sandakan consists of two large caves that are home to millions of swiftlets. Every year, many locals risk their lives to climb the precarious caverns to reach the nests of these birds, as they are believed to hold therapeutic qualities when ingested, especially for the Chinese. There are also very unique stalactite and stalagmite formations in the cavern which are popular with researchers.
Madai Caves
The Madai Caves are another important spot for the collection of birds’ nest. The village that sits near the entrance of the cave conduct two harvests annually, a special community event for them. Known as the Idahan community, they are a unique people whose claim to the cave is believed to be over 20 generations old.
Rafflesia Centre
The Rafflesia Centre in Tambunan is an educational centre dedicated to teaching visitors about the world’s largest flower. This area has a high occurrence of this unique flower that gives off the stench of rotting meat as a propagation mechanism. There are also other unique plants in the area along with some very large trees.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve located North East of Lahad Datu is home to a large variety of wildlife that is mostly endangered. Here, Borneo’s three largest mammals are found; the Asian elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros and the Tembadau buffalo. In addition, there are nine species of primates and 220 species of birds living in this area. This reserve places a very important role in the conservation and breeding of Borneo’s most endangered wildlife. |
