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.
Set in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu’s now-sleepy little sister, Sandakan, was the capital of British North Borneo until 1946.
Today, the town functions as one of the main ports for oil, tobacco, coffee, sago and timber exports. During a visit, travellers can explore the elaborate Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple on the hill and, just out of town, the fishing village of Buli Sim Sim, where residents live on stilt houses perched above the water.
Further afield is the Sandakan Memorial Park, which is situated on the original site of a notorious WWII prisoner-of-war camp.
With its small museum and leafy surroundings, it is a must for history buffs and nature lovers.
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.
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.
