Sabah Top Destination

Kinabalu National Park, RANAU

The first World Heritage Site in Malaysia, role as one of the most important biological sites in the world rich in flora and fauna, species of bird, and more than 100 mammal species, home to the mighty and pride of people of Sabah – the Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu park is one of the most popular destinations in Sabah, or Malaysia in general

 

Kinabalu National Park is situated on the Crocker Range on the western coast of Sabah, covers an area larger than Singapore – approximately 75,400 hectares. It is the centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia, boasts more than 5,000 vascular plant species, an estimated 1,000 orchid species, 621 fern species, nine Nepenthes species, 29 Rhododendron species and two Rafflesia species. The Park has no shortage of fauna as well, being home to some 90 lowland mammal species, 22 montane mammal species, 21 bat species, 326 bird species, 62 toad and frog species and a large population of the 850 butterfly species that occur in Sabah. Out of the 29 bird species that are endemic to Borneo, at least 17 are confined to the mountains, notably Mount Kinabalu. These include subspecies of the Red breasted Tree-partridge, Crimson-headed Wood-partridge and Mountain Blackbird. Such diversity is truly the makings of a naturalists’ paradise!

 

The main attraction at the Park is, of course, none other than the majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia standing at 4095.2 metres which is known to be one of the most accessible mountains in the world.  

 

Sipadan Island, SEMPORNA

Known as one of the best diving spots in the world, this beautiful island is an oceanic island formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano which rises 600m from the seabed. The Sipadan Island is geographically located in the heart of indo-pacific basin (35km south of Semporna, Sabah), where it becomes the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world.

 

Sipadan is famous for its green turtles and hawksbill turtles which can be found in an unusual large numbers. Hammerhead Sharks and Whale Sharks, massive barracuda parrotfish and big-eye trevally schools, eagle rays, undersea caves are some of the highlights for the divers. With crystal-clear water surrounded the island, the visibility ranges in the water is up to 30m and above. Some of the variety of these species also still can be seen even without leaving the surface.

 

It is not only the big fish that amaze divers coming to Sipadan, the macro life is equally mesmerizing. Garden eels, leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, fire gobies, and various pipefish are guaranteed at various dive sites.

Above water, the island is thickly forested and homes many types of tropical birds such as kingfisher, sunbirds, sea-eagles, starlings and wood pigeons which make the island declared as a bird sanctuary. There are also fruit bats and large monitor lizards and at nightfall a turtle may come to lay her eggs on the beach.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, KOTA KINABALU

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the Marine Park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches.

 

The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.

 

Among the sandy seabed a good variety of marine life can be found such as Scorpion fish, Blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtle. At some locations, rare creatures such as the harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish can be found especially with the help from local dive guides.

During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the world's largest fish. At times, the density of the krill can be so thick in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.

Non-diving visitors can still have as much fun in the islands with other optional activities such as snorkeling in Pulau Sapi and Manukan and seawalking in Pulau Sapi. If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary , SANDAKAN

Sepilok, renowned for its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, has become one of the most visited places by tourists in Sabah. It gives visitors the opportunity to watch the Orang Utan up close in their natural habitat. The Sepilok Orang UtanSanctuary has stimulated a greater local and international awareness of the protection laws for endangered species, and the Centre has resulted in an increase in detection and confiscation of illegally held captive animals.

 

Located about 25 km west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah, the centre is set within the lush 5,529 hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, much of which in virgin rainforest. The centre was set up to rescued orphaned baby Orang Utans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. 

 

Meet the astonishingly gentle and highly intelligent creature and watch yourself how they gaze at you with almost disconcerting frankness!

Turtle Island Park , SANDAKAN

The Turtle Island Park lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities. 

 

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures. 

 

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.