Sabah Land Of Beauty, Tourist Destination, Diving Site

Kota Kinabalu or "KK as it is popular known, is a pleasant Borneo surprise, set between lush tropical hills and the South China Sea. It is the state capital of Sabah (North Borneo)and a resort-city of exciting contrasts- vibrant, serene and hassle-free, with modern infrastructure and many attractions.



Strategically situated less than three hours by air from East Asian capitals, KK has direct flights to/from major cities - Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Seri Begawan, Singapore, Manila, Cebu, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaoshiung, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. KK was granted city status on 2 February 2000. It is the Eastern hub and Gateway to Malaysia.

Gaya Street



Originally known as Bond Street, this is the main street of KK. Fully rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s, the shophouses were used in the traditionally way, with shops on the ground floor and residential units of the upper floors. Today, Gaya Street has the largest number of legal offices, banks and financial institutions of any street in Sabah. It also has many eateries open during the day and night.

The Gaya Street Fair




Every Sunday morning, Gaya Street is closed to traffic for the morning to sell almost anything - fruits and vegetables, fish, cut flowers & plants, puppies, rabbits, books, clothes, toys, souvenirs & handicrafts, antiques, home made local cakes & kueh mueh, food, the famous Tenom coffee, and the traditional medicine. There are also mobile health clinics offering minor check-ups and even politicians who set up desks to meet their constituents.


Its amazing what you may find at Gaya Street Fair.

It will not be completed if you don't travel 'Sabah, Land Below The Wind' by road. There are so many places to visit in Sabah and one way to travel is by road and and the cheapest and easy way to go is to rent a bike. There is one company provided services which I think will help you arranging all the necessary transportation, documentation without you worry where to look for and they give good services to anyone.

Introducing GG Rent Motorbike



Sabah Land Below The Wind" being the most beautiful and fascinating state which are famous and well known worldwide for its majestic Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan diving paradise, beautiful beaches and islands, breathtaking forests, exotic wildlife and rich multi cultural groups which consist of 28 laid back, friendly tribes and ethnics .The best way to experience this fascinating and nature rich state is to travel FREE AND EASY.

Establish in July 2009 under the leadership and enterpreneurship of our Chong Kim Wah, "GG(God's Given) Rent A Motorbike" service provider is definitely the choice for a fun, unique and adventurous way to explore Sabah. "Freedom to Move" is the motto for GG Rent A Motorbike, that's guarantee excellences service that would make your stay in Sabah an ever lasting memories that you would cherish for the rest of your life.

GG Rent A Motorbike frequently update its fleet with reliable and well priced motorbikes and our rates are also highly reasonable which includes daily, weekly and monthly rates to accommodate our customer needs.

Diving has become a sport for people who love to go to the bottom of the sea and see for themselves life living sea creatures.

Divers travel thousands of miles to experience the amazing wonders of the underwater realm and where better than to the bio-diversity hotspot of Southern Asia-Sabah, Malaysia Borneo. with its sandy beaches, tropical islands, blue waters, coral reefs and atolls, Sabah has several dive sites rated to amongst the top ten in the world and many more yet to be truly explored. Over years many prominent marine biologists have visited and dived Sabah's waters, including oceans greatest ambassador, Jacques Costeau. He commented 'I have seen the places like Sipadan, 45 years old ago, but now no more. Now we have found again an untouched piece of art....a jewel'

In fact a diver may find many rare or endangered sea creatures such as green and hawsbill turtles,napoleon wrasse,giant clams, as well as countless species of sharks and schools of thousands of barracuda and jacks. Sabah is not only known for its reef's larger inhabitants but also as a'Muck diving' paradise with such rarities as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish mandarinfish, harlequin ghost pipefish plus many types of weird and wonderful frogfish and nudibranchs. These underwater delights are not restricted to the certified diver, snorkelers and hopeful divers may enroll in one of many PADI affiliated dive courses run at any of Sabah's dive resorts. Whatever your underwater wish, Sabah's seas and coral reefs can easily fulfil and surpass your wildest dream.

Beginning life some 450-500 million years ago, the Earth's coral reefs are now the largest ecosystem upon the planet. They sustain and support over 1 million species worldwide and one coral reef alone may harbour some 3000 species. The major Indo-Pacific ocean currents cross the seas that surround Sabah's sandy shores making them amongst the most biodiverse marine environments in the world. Within a single dive around Pulau Layang-Layang divers may observe many of the 150 species of butterflyfish. Diving on Sipadan's coral reefs the incredible phenomenom of thousands of schooling chevron barracuda and big-eye trevally of 'Jacks can be witnessed.Floating inside such a tornado of fish is a truly breath taking.

This chart shows how Sipadan just out from the bottom of the ocean, nearly a thousand meters straight up. Mabul by contrast sits in extremely shallow water. Sipadan is a topographicall freak of nature and as such is on every list of the Top 10 dive sites of the world.



Pulau Sipadan is a totally new experience for many visitors. Not only are there fascinating coral structures but marine caves. Pulau Sipadan is reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world.


Turtles swim and frolic freely in the waters around Sipadan and divers will find lobster, barracudas, beautiful coral fishes and sometimes even sharks swimming by.

Located off the north east coast of Borneo, this oceanic peak rises 600 meters from the sea bed and provides some of the finest diving in the world.

Layang Layang island, formed by 13 coral reefs linked together with only a mere speck of an island visible above the water, is situated 300 km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Its 1.2km x 200km island lies in what is reputed to be among the best diving spots in the world. This remote island is home to a diversity of marine life, from spectacular coral gardens inhabited by macro animals to large blue water pelagic animal. It is estimated that a staggering of over 2,000 species of fish species inhabit the reefs of South China Sea.


At Layang Layang, one will experience exhilarating wall diving with a drop of 2,000 metres. There are basically 14 superb dive sites. As you cruise along 'D wall', you will observe the severity of the wall plunging into the dark abyss. Looking out into the blue water, you will see Dog Tooth Tuna, Giant Trevallies and the Greyreef sharks.



The mystery and remoteness of the island is what keeps divers coming back for more. Layang-Layang probably has the highest number of repeat divers who just can't seem to get enough. It is to dive the ultimate, from the tiny elusive ghost pipefish to the heart stopping encounter with hammerheads.

Water temp: 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F)
Suit: 3mm or 5mm shortie
Visibility: 20 to 60 metres (66 - 200 feet)
Rating: *****
Type of diving: There are 14 wall dive sites to plan your dives at. From dives at 'Gorgonian Forest' to 'The Valley' to 'The Tunnel' to 'The Point', you will encounter big-eye trevallies, and sharks, and barracudas, also a wide diversity of corals.
Marine life: Manta ray, Giant Humphead wrasse, hawksbill turtle, dog tooth tuna, white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, butterfly fish, rabbitfish, and anthias.
When to go: February to October. The monsoon season is between November and January.
How to get there: Fly via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, then onward to Kota Kinabalu, and then another flight into Layang Layang.

An activity not to be missed for those who appreciate nature is observing

Mantanani Island is a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, a one-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Until recently, the islands were only known to a few locals. The largest island houses the only dive resort, Mantanani Resort which is situated at the western end on the edge of a white sandy bay.




Nestled amongst the tall coconut palms are beach cabins scattered around the main plantation styled house. Three wrecks have been discovered which still hold plenty of secrets and are now home to a menagerie of marine creatures such as Lionfish, Scorpionfish, octopus, glassfish and the coral reefs surrounding the islands have plenty to offer, for both novice and experienced diver.

Many species of rays can be found, Marbled stingray, Blue spotted ray and large schools of eagle rays. For macro photographers the “muck diving” is amazing, seahorses, imperial shrimps, pink-eye gobies, jawfish, blue-ringed octopus, ribbon eels and many nudibranch you want to be able to find in books! There are now 16 dive sites identified by Mantanani Resort with many more still to be explored. The Bajaus who live on Mantanani believes that the wreck site, which they refer to as batu air (water rock) is haunted, but yields a good source for their fishing and as such, treats the site with great respect. .

Best time to go is from April to December. Don't go from December through April. Visibility can be as high as 40m.

One of the most memorable dive experiences in Mantanani is the Eikyo Maru wreck, formerly a 7,000 tonne Japanese supply ship which sank in October 14, 1944. Eikyo Maru was part of a fleet making its way from Labuan towards the Palawan Passage during the Battle of Leyte. It was downed by an American submarine, the USS Dace's torpedoe.


The coordinates of the sunken vessel was only discovered in 1998. The wreck stretched 200m from bow to stern. You won't see the wreck till you're at least 10m below the surface. The foredeck sits at 31m below the surface. Covered with soft corals, The entire shape of the wreck is covered with shades of red, purple, yellow and white, and clouded by shoals of cardinal fish, batfish, tuna, and yellow-tailed barracuda. You may also spot an occasional glimpse of dolphins from afar. The structure is missing part of its top deck from the torpedoe hit, revealing the rib-like internal strucutre of the vessel.

The idyllic island of Lankayan is considered a frontier diving destination in the Sulu Sea. Just a 30 minute boat ride north of Sandakan lies this tropical paradise where a wide range of marine life can be discovered ranging from macro and juvenile to big pelagics. There are also a couple of wrecks here so it would be fair to say that Lankayan does offer diving for all tastes!

There are many dive sites around Lankayan including Bimbo Rock, East Ridge Ken's Rock, Lycia's Garden, South Rock, South Point, Twin City, Malu Malu, And & Ant, Channel Group, Supermarket Group, Ray City, Froggie Fort, Ricky Rock, Fan Garden, Lost World, Sunnug Lair, Reef 77, Pegaso Reef, Moray Reef, Lost Reef, Billy's Reef, East Reef and Mel's Rock (Katcing Group). They are mostly shallow reef dives with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 meters, the highlights being macro organisms with the chance of seeing something bigger during the right months.


@Photo by Asiadivesite

Lankayan at a glance

Accommodation : Hotel/Resort.

Highlights : Macro, muck, and wrecks.

Average cost of a dive : $25

Dive Sites : 10+

Dive Operators : 2+

Getting there : Boat from Sandakan, 30 mins.

Off Season : None, diving year round.

"Lankayan Seafish"

[Kapalai, a water village style resort perched a top a spendid reef that borders the rich and deep Celebes Sea]
Kapalai can be considered a macro lovers paradise. It has been known as one of the best muck diving site among the international diving community.
Among others inhabitants that live in the reef such as frogfish, blue-ringed octopus and cuttlefish.
Link to Asiadivesite website



The dive package includes:

airport meet and greet in Tawau

roundtrip/return land and boat transfers - Tawau to resort

cottage accommodations

all meals and snacks daily

taxes



diving includes:

o 3 daily boat dives - Mabul, Kapalai, and Sipadan Islands
o night dives available at additional cost
o shore night dives (unlimited)
o use of tanks, weights, and weight belts

Additional information:

DAN's Malaysia phone number 05-930 4114

There are 2 hyperbaric chambers in mainland Malaysia, and one on Sipadan

Mataking Island situated in the east coast of Sabah. The Island is 40 miles ride from east of Semporna.Mataking is in fact two islands connected by a sandbar and on Mataking Besar you will find the only resort, The Reef Dive Resort. Apart from the resort and a small police station the islands are covered in natural jungle as a little stroll will reveal. The main island is several times larger than Sipadan and is privately owned, meaning no other resorts will be setting up shop there. From Mataking to Sipadan island by speed boat ride take only about 80 minutes to reach there.

What do you know,as the name implies, Pulau Tiga Park consists of three main islands Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit or better known as Snake Island. Covering a total area of 15,864ha., this park was gazetted in 1978 to protect its pristine natural environment, which include coral reefs, exotic marine life, native flora and fauna and other natural existence of the islands.

The only available facilities in the park are located at Pulau Tiga, the largest of the three islands. Dubbed as Survivor Island, Pulau Tiga was the main location of the popular Survivor TV programme shot in 1999.

As to reach there, Pulau Tiga Park is located in Kimanis Bay on the West Coast of Sabah, about 48km south of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah.

There are over 130 species of fishes identified in this marine park. Best time to dive is from March to October. Average diving depth here is 10m, maximum depth is 25m. The island's dive experience boasts of regular sightings of lobsters, stingrays and various species of soft whip corals.



Dive sites at Pulau Tiga:

1) Dunlop Shoal
2) Larai-Larai
3) Light House

If you are interested to get there, you can click here

Gaya Island, Sabah, Malaysia

Gaya Island is the biggest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The Gayana Resort on the island is nicely integrated into the nature-rich environment, making it an exciting place to stay and hang around.

Sipadan-Mabul Resort

Mabul is arguably one of the riches single destination for exotic small marine life anywhere in the world. Open any book on tropical fish and invertebrate marine life and you'll see practically everything you're going to see in Mabul (Sportdiving Magazine)




The island of Mabul is about 20 minutes boat ride from Sipadan. A mecca for macro-photography enthusiasts.

Dozen of frogfish, pipefish, mandarin fish, fire gobies,nudibranchs,scopion fish,sea horses, snake eels, and sea urchin are to be seen at sites such as Mandarin Valley, Froggy Lair and Crocodile Avenue.

'Frog Fish'


'Longfin Spadefish'


Oriental Sea Robin'


'Puffer'


"Scorpion Fish'


'Crocodile Fish'

Seaventures Platform is a unique way to dive Sipadan and Mabul. This converted oil rig sits just off the northern shore from Mabul Island and is the budget option with the cheapest prices in the area.


Where else can you kit up in a spacious dive station and then take an external elevator down to the waiting dive boat or the macro-paradise beneath the platform?

If you scare of water and no experience of scuba diving, you will have another chance of going to the bottom of the sea without any fear or complication scuba skill. Why not try this, introducing "Sea Walking".


Sea Walking means literally walking under the sea.
Its a new of sea sport which allows people from age 7 to adults in 50s-60s to simply experience underwater. Only with about 35kg helmet. You get to walk under the sea for about 20-30 minutes while actually touching marine plants,corals,starfish and feeding tropical fishes.

Interested to try? You can check this site here for more information

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park



The marine park is a cluster of island's comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. All only 1-20 minutes speed boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the marine park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches.


The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.




To dive on the marine park, you must contact one of the local dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu who also offer a full variety of PADI course ranging from Discover Scuba to Instructor.

Among the sandy seabed a good variety of marine life can be found such as scorpion fish, blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtle. At some locations, rare creatures such as harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarinfish can be found especially with the help from local dive guides.

Mandarinfish

During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the worlds largest fish. At times the density of the krill can be so thick, in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.

Sabah's Most Beautiful Island



Sibuan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Celebes Sea, and is an ideal location for snorkelers and divers alike, with white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and clear blue waters. Due to the calm conditions, we're able to park our speedboat directly in the sand, so divers and snorkelers can come and go at will. Sea gypsies have small huts on the island, and the children will climb the palm trees and bring you a coconut if you ask nicely.

Sibuan is the main island we conduct our Open Water Courses courses at, as the calm conditions and sandy bottoms make it ideal for beginning divers. But don't think Sibuan is only for new divers, this is a macro divers paradise and truly one of our favorite islands. Sandy bottoms mixed with rubble as well as sloping reefs provide a playground for divers to hunt within. Pygmy seahorses are a virtual guarantee, found in 30 meters of water on various sides of the islands. This is one of the best islands in the area for frogfish, as numerous ones make Sibuan their residence. Another highlight is the mandarin fish, which live in the black urchins that line the shallows and are on every macro diver's wish list. Nudibranchs are found by the dozen, as are crocodile fish, lion fish, and scorpion fish. Another treat is the hammerhead nudibranchs, black and royal blue in color, found in the shallows of Mandarin Bay.
Dive Sites

Be sure if you decides to stop at Kota Kinabalu and no place to stay, You could at least visit my good friend's Travellers'Backpackers Lodge located on a peaceful, quiet hillside with a jungle view right at the heart of Kota Kinabalu, about a 100 metres from the historical Atkinson clock tower and walking distance from Shopping Malls, Supermarkets, Restaurants, Handicrafts outlets, Public Library, Post Office, Signal Hill Observatory Tower and Banks with easy access to public transport such as bus, taxi and the ferry terminal.



THEY OFFER FREE adventure and travel tips and provide any assistance and "directions" that any travellers may need. And to ease you from the 'stress' of finding your way, They can help to organize and plan your itinerary for you.

Kinabalu Park with its immense richness of flora and fauna is just two hours drive from the city. It is here you can enjoy peace and tranquility of the forest, get some light exercise and have a wonderful day in these great outdoors.

"Nepenthes Rajah"

Highly recommended is a guided nature walk in Mesilau, located in the eastern part of the park, see the amazing pitcher plants like the Nepenthes Rajah, discover the first hand ancient plants never to be seen in any other part of the world and let your imagination take you back in time to the Jurassic age. This a truly fascinating place and well worth the effort getting there.

"Mount Kinabalu"
For those people or traveller who can't resist a challenge, there's 4100m of Mt Kinabalu waiting to test you (Climbing). You will need to be relatively fit so get into some kind of exercise routine before you take it on. Interested to try? You can call this No.6088-212121

If you thinking to get the diving/scuba equipment, you might find it here:

Diving Equipment

and want to learn scuba dive? You can go to this site

Diver Course

Magunatip is a dance performed by the indigenous peoples of the interiors of Sabah, including the Kadazan Dusun of Tambunan, the Kwijau Dusun of Keningau and many of the Murut groups.
Magunatip is derived from the word atip meaning 'to press between two surfaces'.



Magunatip dancers need great skill and agility to dance among the bamboo poles, which are hit together to produce the rhythm of the dance. It is a dance of happiness performed at social occasions and the honor distinguished guests.

Roach Reefs Resort a comfortable resort situated on a private, man-made tropical reef about 25 mins by speed boat from Balung River, Tawau. Its location, right at the edge of the Borneo shelf and less then 50 mins away from Sipadan Island, makes it a paradise for divers and non divers alike.


Roach Reefs is the outer most reefs from Tawau, built on by the sinking of 2 used steel barge in 1993. Roach Reefs Resort used to be a private retreat for friends and relatives. However now with the new management, they would like to open up this unique reef to the world !

Designed as a bird sanctuary in September 1996, this 24 hectare remnant patch of mangrove forest is located just two kilometers north east of Kota Kinabalu.



The sanctuary is the only remaining patch of an extensive mangrove forest that once covered most of the coastal area where now Kota Kinabalu is. Maintained and developed by WWF Malaysia, this sanctuary is a refuge and feeding ground for many species of birds, as well as several migratory species from Northern Asia.


The sanctuary is a much needed green lung for the city, and strategically located as an environmental education centre, serving the public at large. View Location

Kadaiku. You can have lots of choices to see some of the souvenirs and handicrafts created by local hand.


Kadaiku, which means 'my shop' in our local dialect, is a treasure cove of mementos that represent the magic and essence of the Land Below the Wind.

If you happens to be in Sabah, be sure to visit the furthest north of Sabah. The Simpang Tanjung Mengayau. Its the end to the northern part of Borneo (sabah).




pics credit to : cruz_gurl

I think you gonna like it when you see this place.

The Sumazau dance can be considered the state dance of Sabah. The arm gestures are likened to that of a bird and it floats gracefully at approximately shoulder level with gentle bending of the elbow and wrist or alternatively is swung gently like a pendulum, parallel at the sides of the body.

The costumes are authentically Kadazan and are usually black in color and made of a velvet type material adorned with the appropriate accessories.

The music is provided by gongs of different size.

Bukit Naga Aman Puri Beach Retreat is built on top of a small hill along the beach site of Kuala Penyu where you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the sun rise and sun set above the calm blue sea.



At the retreat, you will have all the privacy, celebration and relaxation whether you are hanging out up the platform or sitting down at the beach.
Whether it is a retreat for your body, soul and mind or exciting natural exploration, you will find Bukit Naga Amanpuri Beach Retreat the perfect choice

Mt KINABALU




Mount Kinabalu, standing tall on the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah, is the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and a stunning jewel worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Rising above 13,000 feet out of the Borneo jungles, like most tropical mountains its great climactic variation between base and summit supports a huge diversity in eco-systems, from cloud shrouded tropical rain forests to cloud-shrouded sub-alpine flower meadows. The mountain is composed of glacier-scoured granite, and was formed from an uplift of magma millions of years ago. The glacier carved pinnacles, rising from the smooth granite dome, are a distinctive and unique feature of the peaks. A Rock Climbing paradise for people of all level. Combining it's western & Eastern Plateau, Kinabalu offer a stunning world class Trekking destination for anyone who loves the mountains.

Mt Kinabalu is a fantastic training ground for anyone who wish to begin the sport of climbing or mountaineering - which I called it "A journey of self-discovery". Climbing is enormously diverse and perhaps this is the attraction. There are few activities that combine so many different factors together. It is physically exhilarating and can be competitive if you want it to be, but it is also a way of getting to the world's wild places and simply seeing what they have to offer. There are tremendous views, enthralling opportunities to see other cultures and to learn from them, and the most obvious of all, a great sense of FREEDOM.

In mountain ranges around the world, visitors and climbers go to the mountains to experience the mountain environment, to feel the power and sacredness of the mountain, to be in awe of Earth's beauty. This is done by spending time on the mountain, by participating in various mountaineering activities, be it multi-day alpine hiking trips, via ferrata climbing, rock climbing, rappelling or alpine camping.

For the last 30 years in Mt Kinabalu, climbers' objectives were to climb up and down in 2 days after having conquered the summit. Mt Kinabalu became a conquest, when mountains should be experienced. There is an urgent need to give Mt Kinabalu the respect that it deserves of a full fledge mountain. As such, the idea of developing Mt Kinabalu into a mountaineering training centre for South East Asia was born.

Via Ferrata was chosen to be the first activities to be introduced to Mt Kinabalu, because via ferrata climbing is unique as it is one of the easiest mountaineering activities that can be easily done by all ages.

~Climbing Mount Trusmadi In Sabah~




Trusmadi Mount, measuring at 2,462m, is Malaysia's second highest mountain after Gunung Kinabalu but is said to offer a much more challenging climb. Its richly forested slopes, inhabited by a myriad species of birds and animals, are a trekker's dream."

Trusmadi Mount, at 2,462m or 8,669ft, is Malaysia's second highest mountain after Gunung Kinabalu (4,101m or 13.433ft) but is much tougher to climb. It lies between the districts of Tambunan to the north and Keningau to the south (in the state of Sabah in Borneo).

Unlike Mount Kinabalu which is visited by thousands of people every year, Mount Trusmadi - situated some 70km southeast of Kota Kinabalu - is not a tourist mountain and is rarely visited. Until recently, only one or two expeditions climb the mountain each year.

The slopes of the mountain, which are covered with rich vegetation houses many species of birds, animals and plants, making it a trekker's haven.

The summit (of Mount Trusmadi) is reputed to have the best dawn view of Mount Kinabalu, which lies over 40km to the north. A unique pitcher plant, Nepenthes x trusmadiensis (a natural hybrid between Nepenthes lowii and Nepenthes edwardsiana) is found here and nowhere else.

Danum Valley is about 70 kilometres (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, Sabah's fourth largest town. It comprises 43,800 ha of virgin forest. It is a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah's unique flora and fauna. The area has been recognised as one of the world's most complex ecosystems.
The Danum Valley provides visitors with ecological experience into the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes.
Danum Valley lies within the upper reaches of Sabah's second largest river, the Segama and its tributaries. Danum Valley is generally hilly but not mountainous. Its highest point is Mount Danum, of 1093 meters (3585 feet) in height.
There are few places on earth that can provide such an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature in its original, pristine state.

The fastest way to get to Danum from Kuala Lumpur is to take one of the daily KLIA flights directly into Tawau with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia.
From there you have to go to Lahad Datu by bus or taxi, some 120 kilometres (72 miles) from the airport.
From Lahad Datu, head out towards Gunung Silam and follow signs to Danum Valley.
All visitors must get their entry permit from the sales office in Lahad Datu. If you drive your own vehicle, you must also first obtain a gate pass from the Lahad Datu office. The pass must be produced at the checkpoint at 5.5 km on the Main Line West Logging road. Follow this road to major junction at km 56.5 where there is a sign-posted left turn to the Field Centre 10 km onwards.

" 250ft up a mengaris tree at Danum Valley Borneo"

Although Danum Valley is essentially a conservation area it is also a wonderful retreat for nature lovers and naturalists. Among the many nature activities are:

Tembaling Waterfalls
t takes one to two hours along a scenic trail alive with flora and fauna to reach the waterfalls.

Sungai Purut 7-tiered pools
One of the most spectacular waterfall and pools found in Danum Valley Conservation Area is Sungai Purut Waterfall situated on the way to Gunung Danum. This waterfall is about 20 m in height with 7-tiered pools. It takes about 4 hours of jungle trekking from the Field Centre to reach the pool.

Madai Caves
This is where the local natives, the Idahans, have been harvesting birds' nests, a Chinese delicacy, for 21 generations. Gunung Danum or Mt. Danum is the highest peak in Danum Valley Conservation Area at 1093m.

Burial Caves
Burial caves have a special place in the myths and legends of the Orang Sungai in Borneo.

Other Interesting Places
Other interesting places are the nearby Rafflesia Hill where Rafflesias are found, Rhino Pool where the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros was once sighted, and Gunung Nicola, another peak within the area.

Trails
There are over 50km of marked trails for visitors, including a self guided Nature Trail.

Take note: for the safely of all visitors, you are request to trek or jungle walk accompanied by a guide.

Mammels


Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Orang utan, Western tarsier, Flying lemur, Leopard cat, Yellow barking deer, Mouse deer, Sambar deer, Bearded pig, Malay civet, Long-tailed macaque, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Giant flying squirrel, Malayan sun bear, Smooth otter, Proboscis monkey.

Birds


Rhinoceros hornbill, Bay owl, Bill fletcher, Crested fireback pheasant, Great argus pheasant, Black-backed kingfisher, Lesser green leafbird, Bornean flycatcher, Crimson sunbird, Asian fairy bluebird, Buffy-fish owl, Helmeted & wreathed hornbill Bushy-crested & pied hornbill.

If you like greenery and fresh air with clean river water, step right in to Balung River Eco Resort. This plantation Balung Eco Resort offers guests a unique experience. Set within a plantation featuring a remarkably diverse range of crops, and adjacent to the pristine rainforest of Tawau Hills Park, the resort is a perfect retreat, seminar, holidays.

There also offer some activities ranging from swimming, includes fishing, badminton, jungle trekking, bird watching, indoor games, camping in tranquil surroundings, enjoying a campfire, karaoke and picnicking beside the refreshing river.

KK offers fine restaurants that serve popular Malaysian dishes as well as international cuisines including Western, Japanese,Korean, Italian and Thailand.



Sabah is the best place in Malaysia for good seafood. There are also many mid-range restaurants. If you fancy local-style, head to a Kopi-tiam for local everyday favorites of rice and noodles dishes such as soto, Tuaran mee, chicken/duck rice, laksa, ngui chap, rojak-mee, soup-tulang or nasi lemak. Popular places include twoopen-air food courts by the sea with a stunning view of the sunset: Anjung Selera at Likas Bay and Anjung Senja in the city center, Beach Street and more.

Weston Wetland is one of the very large river-mouth wetlands in North Borneo. It is 122km of easy car journey from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital city.

Scenically, Weston Wetland is one of the most beautiful wetland in Borneo - worth visiting simply for that fact alone.


'Fireflies'

But the existence of the rare proboscis monkeys, fireflies, flying foxes, wild pitcher plants and other wildlife, turns this place into a must for nature lovers.

The Padas white water rafting at the Beaufort town, the neighbour town of Kuala Penyu, is certified as the Grade 3 rafting level on international rafting grading. The Padas River is about 45km away from the Kuala Penyu town.




With all the food and dry clothes left at the Rayoh Station, participants will proceed on to Kg Panggi for take off and your adventure will begin after safety procedures briefing. An antique train will take you on a scenic journey through Padas Gorge. The rapids here has name like the Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow and Merry-Go-Round. It is an exciting activity for everyone, young and old, swimmer or non-swimmer.

@ By e-borneo