Living in the busy concrete jungle would make you feel as if experiencing nature is a distant peaceful dream but did you know paradise is only a short flight away? With wonders from mountain high to ocean deep, fascinating plants and wildlife from the smallest invertebrates to the largest tropical tree, Sabah is a paradise for nature enthusiasts!
Here are the top 5 activities you can do to explore Enchanting Sabah:
Trekking
Surround yourself in nature through jungle trekking where you can discover exotic plants, bird watch, and if you’re lucky you might be able to spot some iconic wildlife. Sabah has over ten forest reserves with guided trekking routes open to travellers.
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is located on the outskirts of Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, one of the most accessible forest reserves in Sabah. They offer guided walks for visitors and if you’re not too keen to be on the ground, you can also experience nature with their canopy walk. RDC is also known for being the official venue for Borneo Bird Festival. You will be able to spot many bird species and on lucky days, orangutans might appear too!
Aside from Sepilok, guided jungle trekking is also available at Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. In these areas, you will be able to see the extensive diversity of tropical flora and fauna, including such species as the rare Bornean orangutans, gibbons, mousedeer, clouded leopards and over 200 bird species.
Hiking
They say that it’s not just about the destination but the journey, however in Sabah the destination is a reward because many hiking spots boast jaw dropping views.
Chase the sun rise hiking to the peak of Maragang Hill. At 2,232 metres above sea level, you will have an uninterrupted 360 view of Mt. Kinabalu and the surrounding landscape.
Over on the east coast, hiking Bohey Dulang is a must, at the peak you will be able to see the curve that joins Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya Island surrounded by coral reefs all the way out into the horizon.
River Cruise
Get a close up of wildlife in their natural habitat, observe their behaviours and interactions with other animals from a safe distance on a river cruise.
Kinabatangan river, the second longest river in Malaysia, known for its high-biodiversity habitats including its limestone caves, oxbow lakes and salty mangrove swamps near the coast. Morning, evening and night river cruises are available during your stay at any one of the lodges along the river. You will be able to see wildlife such as the Borneo Pygmy Elephants, freshwater crocodiles, Proboscis Monkeys, and a wide variety of Hornbills.
Night Safari
Observe unique behaviours of wildlife in the dark as they come alive at night to party in the jungle! The wildlife in Sabah rarely get around while the sun is out, to beat the heat, they travel and hunt more often during the night.
If you’re looking to spot the elusive clouded leopard, there are night safaris available in Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Mountain Climbing
Lastly and one of the most popular activity in Sabah, challenge yourself to conquer the majestic Mt. Kinabalu! In the beginning of your climb, you will enter Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
During your climb climb you will see how nature changes along with the altitude, from large tropical trees to bonsai. And If you’re lucky you might spot the ‘Maragang’ or red leaf monkey, a protected species that was recently spotted again near the Laban Rata resthouse.
To find out more on these fascinating places in Sabah, visit www.sabahtourism.com and follow us on social media!
Sabah Tourism Board
51, Jalan Gaya,
Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +60 88212121
Email: info@sabahtourism.com
Website: www.sabahtourism.com
