Immerse in Sabah’s Wonders
BEST OF SABAH
www.sabahtourism.com
SABAH is one state where you can find Malaysia’s best eco treasures – at the top of a mountain or deep in the ocean.
Sabah is home to some spectacular, unspoilt natural treasures. It has the highest peak in the region and one of the globe’s best diving spots. Then, there is also a Hollywood-famed island and outstanding wildlife sanctuaries.
With award-winning and world-renowned resorts and attractions, Sabah is a favourite holiday destination for both local and foreign tourists.
The festivals celebrated by the 30 ethnic groups are delightful showcases for the unique Malaysian Borneo culture and heritage.
Stand above the clouds
MOUNT Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak. The mountain’s signature crooked flat top at 4,000 metres above ground makes it the most prominent feature of Sabah’s skyline.
To go up, choose between two trails – the Timpohon or Mesilau, and prepare for a twoday trek. Your reward is the cool mountain wind, the beautiful sunrise and enchanting jungle. The peak draws tens of thousands of climbers every year. They come not only to savour its adventure and beauty but also to test their mental and physical strength. They do this by taking part in annual events like the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon and Mild Seven Quest.
Go under the blue water
SIPADAN is one of the world’s top diving spots. It is a precious jewel set in the pristine ocean off the coast of Semporna. No less impressive are Sabah’s other islands – Kapalai, Mabul and Mataking, also off Semporna, as well as Layang-Layang off Labuan, Lankayan off Sandakan, Pulau Tiga (Survivor Island) off Kuala Penyu and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu.
Best of all, these islands are just off the shore, requiring no time-consuming boat ride. Yet, they still bear the exotic beauty of far-flung open-sea islands. Added bonuses to discovering the islands are exclusive resorts for a blissful sojourn at sea.
Find yourself in the just-found world
THE lost world of Maliau Basin has just been found. Nature lovers have hailed it as one of the richest of Earth’s most luxuriant tropical islands. The basin also has the highest number of waterfalls in any equivalent area in Malaysia. Once it was a privilege to trek through its dense jungle, but now accessibility is easier. But Maliau Basin is still a remote, rugged and isolated area with limited access, communication and safety facilities. The highlight of your adventure here is trekking to the majestic seven- tier Maliau Falls.
Stand at the tip of Borneo
IT is not just any tip but is the northern-most tip of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. So just stand there and scream: “What a feeling!” Enjoy the thrill and the view, too. See how two seas – South China Sea and Sulu Sea – collide. Wait for the sun to set and let the moon (full moon is better) to take over. The Kalampunian lighthouse and the beautiful beach add the right touch and colour to the already beautiful painting of nature.
Meet the `Dutch Man’ in Borneo
IT’S a special date that can only happen in Borneo. Meet the “Dutch Man” – the unique proboscis monkey. The locals call it the “Dutch Man” as the strange-looking monkey has a red face, a potbelly and orange, white and brown fur like those of the Dutch their ancestors first encountered a century ago.
Borneo is the only place on Earth where this shy animal can be found. One of the best places to catch a glimpse of this primate is Kinabatangan River. Mind you, the river is the only two known places in the world to have 10 species of primates.
Get intimate with a gentle giant
IT’S not every day, nor everywhere, that you can see the orang utan up close in its natural habitat. That place is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Though your movements are restricted to walkways, you can learn a lot about orang utan conservation and research. Be there at feeding time and see how the furry gentle giant and long-tailed macaques share their meals. If you are adventurous enough, try the mangrove forest trail to track them in the wild. But, to do this, you need to get a permit from the Forestry Department.
Ride the river rapids
NO, you don’t get to use bamboo rafts like the natives used to. You just need to have guts – and of course the standard life jacket and helmet as well – to raft down two of Sabah’s rivers, Padas (or hot in local Sabah Malay) and Kiulu. These have been certified Grade 3 and 2 respectively under the international white-water rafting grading system. However, be mindful that heavy rains can cause them to swell to Grade 4 rivers.
For a pleasant stay
SABAH offers an extensive choice of exclusive resorts and hotels to make your holiday memorable. If you don’t want to splurge on accommodation, Sabah offers unique but affordable lodging. These lodges – cheap or star-rated – boast warm Sabahan hospitality. Just choose one to suit your budget and travel preference.
Immerse in the colourful culture
WITH more than 30 ethnic groups, each having its own ancient traditions and customs, you can expect a lot of diversity when it comes to festivals, food, culture or costumes. So Sabah is the place for you to experience tribal culture at its best. Plan your holiday during the state’s festival celebrations and let these show you the way to indulge and be merry the Sabahan way. Look out for Pesta Keamatan, Lepa Semporna and Tamu Besar, among others.
Start from Kota Kinabalu
THE state capital of Kota Kinabalu is the best place to start your holiday in Sabah, especially if it is your first visit to the state. The best of Sabah are just less than two hours’ drive from the city – cool mountains, beautiful islands and colourful traditions!
What about shopping? Well, who can holiday without spending a sen for some keepsake to remember the vacation by? Forget the big shopping malls and head for the Filipino Market and the Wet Market instead. If nothing catches your fancy, just being there is good enough. Also, don’t miss the Gaya Street Weekend Market or the tamu (traditional weekend market).
Walk on the seabed!
YES, you can do this at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine park. Why would you want to do the traditional beach combing on the park’s islands, when you can actually walk on the seabed and wade through colourful underwater marine life? Once you are at the park, just find out how you can do this.
Get all hot at a cool mountain
TAKE a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabalu Park, at the foot of the region’s highest peak. The weather there is different, so is the vista and adventure. Spread here is a temperate park, home to many species of orchids, pitcher plants and other flora and fauna. Drive for another 30 minutes and you will reach Poring Hotspring. Soak in the therapeutic water or venture into the jungle to be one with nature. Don’t miss the canopy walk.
Hunt `heads’ at Monsopiad
THE Monsopiad Cultural Village is Sabah’s answer to the Sarawak Cultural Village. What’s interesting here is that the village is privately owned by a descendant of Monsopiad, a great head-hunting warrior. Come and learn the culture while you brave yourself to see the family’s winning trophies – skulls!
Wolf down the freshest catch
YOU just have to do this: Binge on cheap, fresh seafood! Though you may not know which is the best or the cheapest place, any seafood restaurant in town is considerably cheaper than those back home (especially when you compare them with those in Kuala Lumpur).
(c) 2006 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.