Sabah – 10 interesting discoveries

Sabah State on the eastern coast of Malaysia has many beautiful natural wonders, charming islands and pristine forests.

1. Contents

   Climb to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia – Kinabalu

 

Kinabalu is 4,095.2 meter above sea level, the central peak of Kinabalu Park, Sabah and the “roof” of Southeast Asia. It is also one of the highest mountains in the world that is easy to conquer. The Kinabalu tour is managed by travel companies in Kota Kinabalu and must be booked in advance for months ahead of time. Every year there is an international competition running to the top.

2. Explore the abundant flora at Kinabalu Park

Situated on an area of 754 km2, Kinabalu Park at an altitude of over 1,520 m is the starting point for the hikers who want to conquer Kinabalu. The park is Malaysia’s first landmark, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, in December 2000 thanks to its rich fauna and flora, with more than 4.5,000 species of trees, more than 300 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Nature also offers here the Poring Hot Spring, which attracts many tourists.

3. Contemplate the largest flower in the world in Sabah

Rafflesia is one of the two largest flowers in the world. When blooming, diameter can reach up to 3 m, and lasts for about 3-4 days, but has an unpleasant odor. Tambunan Rafflesia Center is where you can see this flower, about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu. When the flower is about to hatch, the center management will put the bulletin board in front of the door. Rafflesia normally blooms during the dry season, from February to August.

4. Visiting the Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Established in December 2008, about 30 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu city, Mari Mari is a museum of ethnic minorities in Borneo Island, introducing knowledge, history, culture and the traditions of the five ethnic minorities: Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau and Murut. In Mari Mari, visitors wil have chance to experience culture and live as ethnic people learn how to create fire, cook food, hunt, tattoo …

5. Take a break on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman

Tunku Abdul Rahman is made up of five islands including Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug. Sea water here is blue jade and crystal clear with many types of coral and marine life. The shallow water is well suited for scuba diving and eco-tourism. Each island has different features. Gaya is the largest and most biologically diverse island. Sapi and Manukan are two of the most popular tourist island.

6. Buy pearls in Sabah

Pearls are the most popular jewelry in Kota Kinabalu, at a very affordable price. You can bargain to own hand bracelets, necklace, ring … with many designs. The traditional craft market in the city center and some shops on the main street Jl. Tun Razak will be the good choices.

7. Visit the city of Sandakan

Sandakan is the second largest city in the state of Sabah, after the capital Kota Kinabalu, located northeast of the island of Borneo. Sandakan can surprise you by an interesting street life. You can wander all day without being bored with the discoveries of antagonism between ancient and modern, mysterious and realistic. Sandakan is the stop before you explore the Kinabatangan, Orangutan Reserve or Turtle Island.

8. Explore Tortoise Island Park

Turtle Island is located about 40 km from the city of Sandakan, in the park complex of three islands Selingan, Gulisan and Bakungan Kechil, 1,740 ha, surrounded by the sea and reefs. There are two large species of turtles: the Green Turtle and the Hawksbills are slow ashore at night to lay eggs. If you dive into the sea, you will be amazed to see these turtles cruising like ballet dancers searching for food in coral reefs.

9. A sight to see the lives of rare animals in the Sepilok Conservation Center

Sepilok Orangutan Conservation Center, 25 km west of Sandakan, was established in 1964 to feed illegally caught orangutans. Orangutans are trained to live in nature and will be released into the forest as soon as they are ready. The reserve is located in the Kapili-Sepilok Conservation Forest with an area of nearly 4,300 hectares with the majority of tropical forests and about 60-80 orangutans living. Travelers have the opportunity to get close to endangered species and watch as they are fed.

10. Sail on the Kinabatangan River, watching Proboscis long nose monkey

 

Kinabatangan is the second longest river in Malaysia (560 km), about 2 hours by bus from downtown Sandakan. Both sides of the main river and in the creeks are habitats of many wildlife such as Proboscics long nose monkey, Asian elephant, rhinoceros, crocodile … This is also the large bird sanctuary of the Southeast Asia. Let’s spend the night in the houses on the banks of the river to experience the true life in the river.

See some Sabah tours from GoAsiaDayTrip here