Sabah’s Top 10 Attractions

Choosing only 10 out of so many wonderful places in Sabah is not easy. The top4 though are easy choices. Reflecting Sabah’s fame as an eco-paradise, all the places listed here are nature-related.

1. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Although climbing a mountain might not appeal to everyone, this is one mountain that you should make an exception for. Relatively easy to climb, the incredible view from the top, the magnificent sunrise and the almost-can-touch starry sky at night are a few of the reasons why this should be top of your to-do-list in Sabah.

2. Dive in Sipadan Island

One of the best diving spots in the world with turtles, sharks, rays and other big marine creatures a definite sighting. If you can’t dive, snorkel.

3. See proboscis monkeys and other wildlife on a Kinabatangan River Cruise

One of the best places in the world to see wildlife. A river cruise on Sabah’s longest river is a lazy man’s way to see wildlife without getting all sweaty and muddy. Must-visit for wildlife lovers.

4. Jungle trekking and wildlife-spotting at Danum Valley

If you have always dreamt of jungle-trekking in a tropical rainforest, this is one place you should not miss. 400-year old, 60-m tall giant trees, wildlife that can be spotted without spending the night hiding on top of a tree, and luxurious accommodation at the end of the day – get your jungle experience here.

5. See orang utans at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

The largest and oldest orang utan rehabilitation centre in the world, this place is a nature success story that has been around even before the world came up with the phrase eco-tourism. Come here not just to see the adorable orang utans, but also to learn more about the threats that they are facing.

6. Dive and get to know the sea gypsies at Tun Sakaran Park

Perhaps the least well-known of the places listed here. Tun Sakaran Park consists of 8 islands located off Semporna. The islands here are incredibly beautiful. A few of the islands have been settled by Sea Bajaus. The innocent sea gypsies, a group of people who spend most of their lives on boats that they call home, know no national boundaries and drift between the southern islands of the Philippines, Borneo and Sulawesi.

7. Jungle-trekking at Maliau Basin

Also known as the Lost World. An untouched tropical forest in the heart of Sabah. Getting here is not easy and special permits are required. But if you want to venture into the darkest, deepest Borneo, this is it.

8. See a turtle lay eggs at Turtle Islands Park

Sightings of green turtles are a daily occurence in these three islands that make up Sabah’s smallest national park.

9. Search for the Rafflesia at Kokob/Poring/Rafflesia Centre

The largest flower in the world is distributed more widely in Sabah than anywhere else. One of the best places to see this strange flower is at Kokob, a small village located between Kinabalu Park Headquarters and Poring Hot Springs.

10. Soak in a mud volcano at Pulau Tiga Park (Survivor Island)

The location of the first survivor series, these three islands are a relaxing place to get away from it all. Very few tourists come here, and even less stay overnight, so you have the whole beach to yourself. For novelty’s sake, soak in a mud volcano. And don’t forget to watch the sunset.

~ by losttraveller on March 22, 2009.