Entertainment and Attractions in Sabah, Malaysia

Attractions in Sabah, Malaysia

The sights of the state of Sabah: the Sepilok orangutan reserve, the Gomanthong caves, under the arches of which there are hundreds of nests of swifts. Turtle (or “Turtle Islands”) off the northeast coast of Sabah, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Reserve. Check jibin123 for customs regulations and visa requirements of Malaysia.

The sights of the state of Sabah: the Sepilok orangutan reserve, the Gomantong caves, under the arches of which there are hundreds of swift nests. Turtle (or “Turtle Islands”) off the northeast coast of Sabah, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Reserve.

Semporna is once a dilapidated fishing village on the peninsula, today it is a popular beach and dive resort. Here you can go diving, boating or water skiing, as well as arrange trips to nearby islands. For example, to the quiet volcanic island of Pulau-Bohei-Dulang, where there is a farm for breeding Japanese pearls. Lake Tingkayu is also noteworthy, where the oldest stone tools found in Southeast Asia were discovered.

The area of ​​fertile volcanic lands of Tawau is one continuous plantation: rubber, copra, cocoa and oil palm fruits. The city of Tawau itself stretches along the coast at the northeastern tip of the state and is famous as a major trading center for the region, not least due to the local port. At Tawau City Market, local women sell fresh fish, mats, hats and handmade baskets. Nearby is Tawau Hills Park, with excellent picnic and swimming areas, as well as hot springs.

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah, which carries its waters from the mountains of central Borneo to the Sulu Sea for 330 km.

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah, which carries its waters from the mountains of central Borneo to the Sulu Sea for 330 km. In the lower reaches of the river, which can be reached in a three-hour boat trip from Sandakan, a variety of animals live: proboscis monkeys (Proboscis), pot-bellied males of which are simply irresistible with their drooping noses, as well as orangutans, macaques, elephants, smoky leopards, hornbills, crocodiles, civet and otters.

In the Sulu Sea, 40 km from Sandakan, there is a reserve of eight islands – the legendary Turtle Islands. The largest of them are Pulau-Selingaan, Pulau-Bakungan-Kechil and Pulau-Gulisan. From July to October, two types of turtles come here to lay eggs – green and hawksbill. You can get here in 1-2 hours by boat, and stay in a chalet on the island of Pulau Selingaan. Tours are arranged by East Coast Parks (tel: 6089-273 453).

The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary allows you to see these amazing monkeys up close. Best hours to visit: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm when the primates come out of the forest just a twenty minute walk from the administration building. There, on a special platform, they receive their lunch.

The pile village of Mengkabong is located near Tuaran, a half-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, in the town of Mengkabong. The local people, Bajau-Laut, that is, “sea Bajau” many years ago had the glory of sea gypsies, living in boats or flimsy huts in shallow water. Today, all the houses in Mengkabong are raised on piles and dug into the seabed. Also notable are their sampan boats and canoes, which serve as the main means of transportation here.

238 km north of Kota Kinabalu is the city of Kudata, which at one time (in 1881) managed to be the capital of the state of Sabah. These places are inhabited by the Rungus, one of the amazing Kadazan tribes. Every Sunday, the women of this tribe, dressed in knee-length sarong skirts, beads and heavy bronze bracelets, invariably appear at the fair in Sikuati, 23 km from Kudat. The nearby shore is not very suitable for swimming, but it will appeal to all owners of cameras without exception. You can swim on a good beach with a strip of coconut trees in the town of Bak-Bak.

Kota Belud is a small town 77 km from Kota Kinabalu, notable for its large tamu fair, which is held here every Sunday.

In the village of Penampang (13 km from Kota Kinabalu) lives a traditional Kadazan tribe who supply rice to the entire region. Every year they celebrate the harvest festival for several days and prepare the famous strong tapai wine.

Mount Kinabalu

A special mention is the ascent to Mount Kinabalu (4093 m) with its hot springs and unreal landscapes. The directorate of the park is located two hours from the state capital (85 km from Kota Kinabalu), at an altitude of 1558 m. Daytime temperatures here range from +13… 20 ° С.

What you can see here: an unrealistic variety of birds, butterflies, mammals, as well as stunning vegetation – carnivorous nepenthes, orchids and rafflesia up to 45 cm in diameter. Low-lying rain jungle, mountain oaks and alpine conifers also grow within the reserve.

A special mention is the ascent to Mount Kinabalu (4093 m) with its hot springs and unreal landscapes.

The ascent and descent take two or three days, depending on weather conditions and the skills of the expedition members. To climb to the very top, you will have to spend the night in the mountains. It is better to stay at Mesilau Nature Resort, which is located on the eastern side of the park at an altitude of 2000 meters. There are several shelters along the way.

The most popular period among tourists is April and July-August and December. At this time, it is better to book a hotel in advance. Kinabalu Nature Resorts Tel: 088-257 941, Fax: 088-242 861. Other accommodation options are Perkasa or Zen Garden Hotels located in Kundasang.

Poring Sulfur Baths are located 40 km from the Kinabalu National Park Authority in the open air landscape park. The individual concrete tanks are equipped with faucets—one with hot mineral spring water and the other with cold water—allowing bathers to regulate the temperature.

Attractions in Sabah, Malaysia