Sabah is one of the most richly culturally and bio diverse states in Malaysia.
It has something for everybody as as result of its abundant, natural wildlife, rocky mountains, white sandy beaches, large populations of primates, exotic and rare animals and outstanding diving opportunities off the coast.
Sabah really is a destination in itself - you could easily spend two weeks here trekking, diving, river cruising, wildlife spotting, relaxing on sandy beaches and shopping for curios in local markets. That is not to mention Orangutan feeding, staying in jungle lodges and dining on excellent local cuisine. Sabah is like no other place on earth and a Borneo family holiday is well worthwhile and truly unique.Things to see and do:
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the main draw for Sabah, and is well worth coming to the island alone for just this. Feeding time at the centre is around 10am which means you can fit a trip here before either heading south to Danum Valley or off for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River. The orangutans are rescued from all walks of life and cared for and trained before being set back into the wild. The volunteer staff have a great knowledge and are happy to share as much about these incredible creatures as you want.
The Kinabatangan River is one of the longest rivers in Malaysia and has along its banks some of the most incredible wildlife in the world. Spending a couple of nights along the river will allow you to go further down and more chances of seeing more wildlife like wild orangutans, Asian elephants, the famous saltwater crocodiles, rare birds and the big nosed proboscis monkeys can all be seen from your boat as you gently cruise up the river.Danum Valley is one of the must see parks in Sabah, the area is teeming with rare and exotic wildlife from the Spectacled Flowerpecker bird to the rare Bornean Elephant as well as primates of all sizes. Danum Valley is well known to birdwatchers who are regular visitors to spot the incredible varied population here. There is only one lodge to stay within the park, which guarantees good wildlife spotting due to the parks underdevelopment, but can also mean missing out as spaces are limited, so best to book early.
The magical Turtle Island or officially Pulau Selingan lies off the coast of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea. More or less all year round Giant Green and Hawksbill Turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs along the sandy beaches with October being the best month for viewing. No day visitors are allowed on the islands as viewing of the turtles is only at night, so you will have to stay on the island overnight. The accommodation is rustic, but clean and comfortable and the food in the canteen is very good. But it’s the turtles you are here for, and to see them clambering ashore, digging their nests in the sand and laying up to around 100 eggs in a night before returning to the waters is an incredible sight and one that will stay with you for years to come.
Scuba Diving off the east coast of Borneo, especially around Sipidan, often regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world is an amazing experience. The handful of coral islands perched on the continental shelf each fringed by shallow reefs with an incredible range of aquatic life. The legendary walls of Sipidan buzz with schooling fish of all sizes and variety. Diving here is an absolute must on a Borneo holiday.
Kinabalu National Park is one of the most easily visited national parks in Borneo due to its proximity to Kota Kinabalu plus it is home to the impressive Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Borneo at over 4000 metres and can be climbed without mountaineering equipment. We can arrange the 2 day trek to Low’s Peak with a guide and a night in the shelter half way up, the following morning you rise early to walk to the summit for one of the most spectacular sunrises you will see.
Sabah really is a destination in itself - you could easily spend two weeks here trekking, diving, river cruising, wildlife spotting, relaxing on sandy beaches and shopping for curios in local markets. That is not to mention Orangutan feeding, staying in jungle lodges and dining on excellent local cuisine. Sabah is like no other place on earth and a Borneo family holiday is well worthwhile and truly unique.Things to see and do:
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the main draw for Sabah, and is well worth coming to the island alone for just this. Feeding time at the centre is around 10am which means you can fit a trip here before either heading south to Danum Valley or off for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River. The orangutans are rescued from all walks of life and cared for and trained before being set back into the wild. The volunteer staff have a great knowledge and are happy to share as much about these incredible creatures as you want.
The Kinabatangan River is one of the longest rivers in Malaysia and has along its banks some of the most incredible wildlife in the world. Spending a couple of nights along the river will allow you to go further down and more chances of seeing more wildlife like wild orangutans, Asian elephants, the famous saltwater crocodiles, rare birds and the big nosed proboscis monkeys can all be seen from your boat as you gently cruise up the river.Danum Valley is one of the must see parks in Sabah, the area is teeming with rare and exotic wildlife from the Spectacled Flowerpecker bird to the rare Bornean Elephant as well as primates of all sizes. Danum Valley is well known to birdwatchers who are regular visitors to spot the incredible varied population here. There is only one lodge to stay within the park, which guarantees good wildlife spotting due to the parks underdevelopment, but can also mean missing out as spaces are limited, so best to book early.
The magical Turtle Island or officially Pulau Selingan lies off the coast of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea. More or less all year round Giant Green and Hawksbill Turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs along the sandy beaches with October being the best month for viewing. No day visitors are allowed on the islands as viewing of the turtles is only at night, so you will have to stay on the island overnight. The accommodation is rustic, but clean and comfortable and the food in the canteen is very good. But it’s the turtles you are here for, and to see them clambering ashore, digging their nests in the sand and laying up to around 100 eggs in a night before returning to the waters is an incredible sight and one that will stay with you for years to come.
Scuba Diving off the east coast of Borneo, especially around Sipidan, often regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world is an amazing experience. The handful of coral islands perched on the continental shelf each fringed by shallow reefs with an incredible range of aquatic life. The legendary walls of Sipidan buzz with schooling fish of all sizes and variety. Diving here is an absolute must on a Borneo holiday.
Kinabalu National Park is one of the most easily visited national parks in Borneo due to its proximity to Kota Kinabalu plus it is home to the impressive Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Borneo at over 4000 metres and can be climbed without mountaineering equipment. We can arrange the 2 day trek to Low’s Peak with a guide and a night in the shelter half way up, the following morning you rise early to walk to the summit for one of the most spectacular sunrises you will see.
