A tropical paradise awaits on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, where pristine beaches meet the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. Exuberant greenery blankets the landscape, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts. The area's stunning blend of white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and verdant tropical forests invites visitors to engage in activities like snorkelling, diving, and jungle trekking. Beneath the waves vibrant coral reefs are teeming with marine life as families unwind on the powder-white beaches of Pulau Udar Kecil, a small islet just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
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.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is an extraordinary wilderness area occupying the majority of the the peninsula which forms the northern headland of Darvel Bay in the eastern section of the Malaysian Bornean state of Sabah.
The reserve covers 112,000 hectares, including 9,000 hectares of primary unlogged forest which provides a haven for a remarkably diverse range of wildlife including, among others: orangutan, gibbon, Borneo Pygmy elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, proboscis monkey, silver langurs, bearded pigs, monitors and all eight species of Borneo's hornbills.
Visitors can look forward to trekking to The Lipad Mud Volcano, visiting breathtaking waterfalls, and going on night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife.
This 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, 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, taking in viewing platforms tucked amidst the treetops, a suspension bridge over the Segama River, cascading waterfalls and even several ancient burial sites.
In the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, lies the picturesque Gaya Island. This sizable Malaysian island has been protected as a reserve since the early 1920s and is home to a legendary beach at Police Bay.
A 400-meter stretch of pristine white sand slopes out gently to the sea forming an ideal spot for swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters.
There is also a 20 kilometre long hiking path as well as plenty of coral reefs along the entire coast making Gaya a dream destination for snorkelers, scuba divers and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can choose between three luxury resorts, namely: Gaya Island Resort, Gayana Marine Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort.
