Sepilok, amidst densely forested terrain and lush landscapes, is situated within the Malaysian Sabah District of North Borneo. This alluring town is home to wonderful attractions and exciting activities, which draw in travellers from far and wide. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many hiking and paddling opportunities; while those interested in animal care can visit various sanctuaries which include: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a wonderful establishment which provides care to rescued sun bears; and the acclaimed Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a mixed dipterocarp forest which offers a natural home to orphaned orangutans. A must-see attraction is the Bristlehead Tower, a wondrous viewing platform providing panoramic views over the surrounding scenic landscapes.
An impressive landmark on the map of Malaysian Borneo, Kinabatanagan River meanders for 560 kilometres from its source in southwestern Sabah in the soaring Crocker Range to its vast river mouth at the Sulu Sea. It is the longest river in the incredibly scenic state of Sabah and provides a rich ecosystem for a host of wildlife. A boat cruise down the river is the best way to explore the region’s lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife, with both day trips and overnight water-based safaris offered to visitors. Regularly sighted wildlife includes proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, macaques hornbills, Irrawaddy dolphins, owls, civets and if you’re lucky – the endangered Borneo pygmy elephant.
Set along the Dent Peninsula on the Tawau Division of Sabah, Lahad Datu is a rustic port town on island of Borneo in southeastern Malaysia. This unassuming small town serves as a convenient launch point to explore the bountiful natural attractions that surround the area. Explore the pristine jungle of Sungai Kapur, a wild tropical retreat that calls to every nature lover as visitors can enjoy trekking, wildlife spotting, and a scenic boat cruise along the mangroves. East of Lahad Datu is Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a 300 000-acre reserve engulfed in exuberant rainforest and is home to endangered wildlife. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Danum Valley Conservation Area, a wild tropical paradise famed for conserving over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in its vast, untouched landscape.
Spanning over 438 square kilometres of relatively undisturbed landscapes, Danum Valley Conservation Area is extraordinarily rich in both wildlife and plant life. Dubbed the the130-million-year-old rainforest, Danum Valley's low-lying wilderness of virgin rainforest is recognised as one of the planet's hubs of biodiversity. Its vast canopies shelter some 300 bird species and over 100 mammals - including the clouded leopard, Malayan sun bear, Bornean orangutan and the rare Bornean pygmy elephant - and a profusion of vividly coloured butterflies. This exceptional ecosystem is a popular research destination among natural scientists, and it is possible to attend talks by resident environmental experts at the Danum Valley Field Centre. A network of trails wind through the surrounding jungle, passing viewing platforms tucked amidst the treetops, a suspension bridge over the Segama River, cascading waterfalls and even several ancient burial sites.
