by Walter Rajah

Sabah is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination, situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. It is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, its rain forest, its
surrounding nature and islands, its beach resorts, its tropical white sandy beaches, its crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. Here are some main attractions.

Mount Kinabalu

Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu. It is the summit of Borneo and the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. At its base is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise flowing in rare plants: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables you to come in close contact with Orangutans. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation program in action. Set in dozens of square miles of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orangutans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned Orangutans are taught to climb, then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.

Danum Valley Rain Forest

If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination is a must visit: Danum Valley. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. It is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and it has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. Danum Valley is for those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest -- the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orangutan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park

When you think you have enough of sightseeing and you want to take a day’s break idling around to charge your energy, then take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The crystal clear water is fantastic if you’re into snorkeling. The park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Plus windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and bird watching.

White-Water Rafting

For the true adventure-seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good swimmer, is white water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3 river). Apart from trying to negotiate the rapids for a distance of about three miles, enjoy the breathtaking view from surrounding rain forest. However, be warned that you should never take your eyes off the rapids and waves!

Scuba Diving

Off the Northeastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world renowned as one of the best dive spots in the world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, about half a mile from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This 3,000-foot pinnacle off the eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island, you’ll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life than this island."

For more information about tours to Borneo, click here.

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