SABAH 's beauty lies in its natural resources, wildlife and intriguing mix of
ethnic peoples. Until European powers began to gain a foothold here in
the nineteenth century, the northern tip of this remote landmass was
inhabited by tribal groups who costumes, traditions and languages were
quite unique to the region. Today, the peoples of the Kadazan/Dusun
tribes Murut of the southwest, and Sabah's so-called "sea gypsies", the
Bajau. Latterly, many economic migrants from the southern part of the
Philippines and from neighbouring Kalimantan in Indonesia have made
Sabah their home, further contributing to the state's rich ethnic mix.
Since joining the Malaysian Federation in 1963, Sabah has undergone
rapid modernization. This is good news, as Sabah's swampy coasts,
rainforests and spectacular high mountains host an astounding range of
wildlife , the region's chief draw. Here, you can watch turtles hatch on
Turtle Islands Park, see baby orang-utans at the Sepilok Orang-utan
Rehabilitation Centre , and marvel at forest-dwelling proboscis monkeys
along the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan. And then there are the
turtles, sharks, barracuda and reefs of Pulau Sipadan , which is rated as
one of the top diving destinations in the world. Sabah's other huge
attraction is the climb up the awesome granite shelves of
4101-metre-high Mount Kinabalu , its challenging but manageable
slopes seemingly tailor-made for amateur climbers.
ethnic peoples. Until European powers began to gain a foothold here in
the nineteenth century, the northern tip of this remote landmass was
inhabited by tribal groups who costumes, traditions and languages were
quite unique to the region. Today, the peoples of the Kadazan/Dusun
tribes Murut of the southwest, and Sabah's so-called "sea gypsies", the
Bajau. Latterly, many economic migrants from the southern part of the
Philippines and from neighbouring Kalimantan in Indonesia have made
Sabah their home, further contributing to the state's rich ethnic mix.
Since joining the Malaysian Federation in 1963, Sabah has undergone
rapid modernization. This is good news, as Sabah's swampy coasts,
rainforests and spectacular high mountains host an astounding range of
wildlife , the region's chief draw. Here, you can watch turtles hatch on
Turtle Islands Park, see baby orang-utans at the Sepilok Orang-utan
Rehabilitation Centre , and marvel at forest-dwelling proboscis monkeys
along the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan. And then there are the
turtles, sharks, barracuda and reefs of Pulau Sipadan , which is rated as
one of the top diving destinations in the world. Sabah's other huge
attraction is the climb up the awesome granite shelves of
4101-metre-high Mount Kinabalu , its challenging but manageable
slopes seemingly tailor-made for amateur climbers.
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East Malaysia on the island of Borneo hosts two
National Park. The state of Sabah, which is in the
northern most part of Borneo has some of the
most interesting places to visit.
National Park. The state of Sabah, which is in the
northern most part of Borneo has some of the
most interesting places to visit.
Danum Valley
The Danum Valley Conservation Area, 83km
south-west of Lahad Datu, is blessed with a
startling diversity of tropical flora and fauna.
This vast Eden-like basin is home to the rare
mousedeer and the beautiful clouded
leopard. Some 270 species of birds have
been recorded in the area. The Danum Field
Research Centre is located within the
confines of the 440 sq km forest reserve.
It also boasts one of the first eco-resorts in
Sabah, known as the Borneo Rainforest
Lodge. This comfortable resort has a
restaurant, bar and comfortable chalets
overlooking the Danum River. Jungle treks,
river swimming, bird watching, night jungle
tours and excursions to nearby logging sites
and timber mills are some of the activities
offered here.
The Danum Valley Conservation Area, 83km
south-west of Lahad Datu, is blessed with a
startling diversity of tropical flora and fauna.
This vast Eden-like basin is home to the rare
mousedeer and the beautiful clouded
leopard. Some 270 species of birds have
been recorded in the area. The Danum Field
Research Centre is located within the
confines of the 440 sq km forest reserve.
It also boasts one of the first eco-resorts in
Sabah, known as the Borneo Rainforest
Lodge. This comfortable resort has a
restaurant, bar and comfortable chalets
overlooking the Danum River. Jungle treks,
river swimming, bird watching, night jungle
tours and excursions to nearby logging sites
and timber mills are some of the activities
offered here.
Kinabalu Park
Kinabalu Park, the entrance to Mt Kinabalu, is
located at 1,585 metres above sea level and
is the main starting point for the summit trail
that leads to the top of Mt Kinabalu. Its covers
an area of 754 sq km and is made up of
Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the
foothills.
It was gazetted to preserve this valuable
natural environment. The mountains have a
fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a
million years to form. The mighty Mount
Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was
later thrust upwards through the crust of the
surface.
Subsequent erosion removed thousands of
feet of the overlying sand and mud stone,
exposing this massif. During the Ice Age,
glaciers running across the summit
smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that
stood out above the ice surface remained
unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged
surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal
point of the National Park.
Kinabalu Park, the entrance to Mt Kinabalu, is
located at 1,585 metres above sea level and
is the main starting point for the summit trail
that leads to the top of Mt Kinabalu. Its covers
an area of 754 sq km and is made up of
Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the
foothills.
It was gazetted to preserve this valuable
natural environment. The mountains have a
fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a
million years to form. The mighty Mount
Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was
later thrust upwards through the crust of the
surface.
Subsequent erosion removed thousands of
feet of the overlying sand and mud stone,
exposing this massif. During the Ice Age,
glaciers running across the summit
smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that
stood out above the ice surface remained
unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged
surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal
point of the National Park.
Monkey Tops Safari
It is accessible by highway and takes about 1
hour 30 minutes to get there. You can see an
abundance of mangrove tress are found in
the Klias Wetland Peninsula. This wetland
forest is enriched with vegetation and wildlife
such as the Proboscis Monkeys, Long Tail
Macaques, Crocodile, Fireflies and many
species of Birds.
The building is made of local building
materials and can accommodate at least
200 visitors at any one time. The complex
houses a Counter Bar and a Souvenir Shop
with a good assortment of local handicrafts.
It also has a 30 feet observation tower that
enables you to enjoy the sighting of tropical
wetland and its rich wildlife across the river
banks. The complex has a 500-feet
boardwalk with Nipah Atap roofing and a river
jetty providing a comfortable river cruise.
Facilities they have is built using Local
Materials, Eco-Lodge consist of boardwalk,
Bird Watch Tower, Dining Hall, Sundeck, Fish
Spa and space for 300 visitors. Multi-media
facilities for seminar for seminar etc are
available. Incentive group event most ideal.
River cruise boat 25-33ft, capacity 16-30 pax
on most comfortable seating.
It is accessible by highway and takes about 1
hour 30 minutes to get there. You can see an
abundance of mangrove tress are found in
the Klias Wetland Peninsula. This wetland
forest is enriched with vegetation and wildlife
such as the Proboscis Monkeys, Long Tail
Macaques, Crocodile, Fireflies and many
species of Birds.
The building is made of local building
materials and can accommodate at least
200 visitors at any one time. The complex
houses a Counter Bar and a Souvenir Shop
with a good assortment of local handicrafts.
It also has a 30 feet observation tower that
enables you to enjoy the sighting of tropical
wetland and its rich wildlife across the river
banks. The complex has a 500-feet
boardwalk with Nipah Atap roofing and a river
jetty providing a comfortable river cruise.
Facilities they have is built using Local
Materials, Eco-Lodge consist of boardwalk,
Bird Watch Tower, Dining Hall, Sundeck, Fish
Spa and space for 300 visitors. Multi-media
facilities for seminar for seminar etc are
available. Incentive group event most ideal.
River cruise boat 25-33ft, capacity 16-30 pax
on most comfortable seating.
Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata
The highest point for the via ferrata starts at
3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. An activity for
everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give
access to rock faces normally reached by
mountaineers and rock climbers.
Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a
mountain path consisting of a series of
rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock
face. There are more than 300 via ferrata
routes around the world and the world's
highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mt
Kinabalu in Malaysia.
This is the first time that the sport of via
ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia.
The highest point for the via ferrata starts at
3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. An activity for
everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give
people with little or no climbing experience
access to rock faces normally reached by
mountaineers and rock climbers.
There are several requirements to follow the
via ferrata activity, including having an
average fitness level and able to hike up to
3,200 m in 6 hours; at least 10 years old and
1.3 meters tall, and especially do not have a
fear of heights (or willing to conquer their fear
of heights!).
This is challenging adventure, and those
interested to experience via ferrata on Mt
Kinabalu should note that the beginner's
route will let the climber take their first
experience along the granite walls of Mt
Kinabalu (a journey of about 2- 3 hours).
The intermediate route will let the climber
experience a 4 to 5 hours journey, which will
reward the climber with a breathtaking view
of the heights and sights. Ready to take the
challenge? Give via ferrata on Mt Kinabalu a
try! (*pictures are courtesy of Mountain Torq)
The highest point for the via ferrata starts at
3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. An activity for
everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give
access to rock faces normally reached by
mountaineers and rock climbers.
Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a
mountain path consisting of a series of
rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock
face. There are more than 300 via ferrata
routes around the world and the world's
highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mt
Kinabalu in Malaysia.
This is the first time that the sport of via
ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia.
The highest point for the via ferrata starts at
3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. An activity for
everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give
people with little or no climbing experience
access to rock faces normally reached by
mountaineers and rock climbers.
There are several requirements to follow the
via ferrata activity, including having an
average fitness level and able to hike up to
3,200 m in 6 hours; at least 10 years old and
1.3 meters tall, and especially do not have a
fear of heights (or willing to conquer their fear
of heights!).
This is challenging adventure, and those
interested to experience via ferrata on Mt
Kinabalu should note that the beginner's
route will let the climber take their first
experience along the granite walls of Mt
Kinabalu (a journey of about 2- 3 hours).
The intermediate route will let the climber
experience a 4 to 5 hours journey, which will
reward the climber with a breathtaking view
of the heights and sights. Ready to take the
challenge? Give via ferrata on Mt Kinabalu a
try! (*pictures are courtesy of Mountain Torq)
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