> > by Marianne Rogerson
Located at the northern tip of Malaysian Borneo in the South China Sea, Sabah is an exotic tropical haven abundant with ecotreasures from mountain high to ocean deep. The diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking landscape, and charming wildlife create the perfect cocktail for a funfilled getaway for couples and honeymooners ...
MOUNTAIN HIGHAt 4,095.2 metres, the mystical Mount Kinabalu is the pride of Sabah. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea and is a bio-diverse hotspot that houses an astonishing array of records of all sorts; the highest plant diversity globally per unit area, the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia, even the world’s largest leech! All this diversity and Mount Kinabalu is one of the youngest mountains in the world (between 7-8 millions years) and this granite giant is still growing.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a popular activity for visitors and advance booking is required as a limit of 192 climbers per day has been set to help preserve the delicate nature of the park’s surroundings. Extreme adventure seekers can opt for the via ferrata (iron road) at Mount Kinabalu which is one of the newest attractions available and also one of the most rewarding. The spectacular view of the sunrise from the mountain and nearby villages is an unforgettable one. For the record, the via ferrata is also the world’s highest at 3,776 metres.
MEET THE LOCALS
Sandakan is the wildlife capital of Sabah. Besides rare birds, the familiar orang-utan at the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Sanctuary is a mustvisit.
As the leading centre of excellence for orang-utans in Borneo it offers a less rugged experience where visitors can view, from a platform, how rescued orang-utans are nursed and released back into the wild.
Nearby, the Rainforest Discovery Centre managed by the Sabah Forestry Department, is an educational centre that recently opened to the public. Of course, there are more laid-back activities on offer. Sabah is an emerging bird watching destination for the Asia Pacific region.
Out of 623 resident and migratory species that flock into Sabah, 32 are endemic to Borneo. The Bornean Bristlehead, according to avid bird watchers, is a rare and elusive species and only found in lowland forest of Borneo. Its black, fiery-red and bright-yellow head is highly recognisable yet difficult to spot in the wild.
Every October, at the Borneo Bird Festival, many international researchers and local birders fly to Sandakan, on the east coast of Sabah, just to catch a glimpse of this bird.
HISTORY
Keen historians should schedule a visit to the Sandakan Memorial. Supported by the Australian Government, every August the Sandakan Memorial Day service is held to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives during WWII.
Visitors also now have the chance to trek the Death March route from Sandakan and end right at the exact site of the Last Camp at Ranau, some 250 kilometres away. The trek passes through dense jungle either by walking, mountain biking or even rafting, in a journey that may take up to six days.
NATURAL BEAUTY
In Sabah there are more than 200 events held every year, and many other attractions to visit. An average of 40% of Sabah’s arrivals are repeat visitors. Sabah is blessed with a long coastline with stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal clear water as well as islands accessible by boat. These islands are well-known for diving, water sports, snorkelling or just plain relaxing. Sabah’s famous fiery sunsets on the South China Sea have been the backdrop of many surprise wedding proposals.
WEDDING WONDERLAND
Escaping to an exotic island for their wedding is a dream for many couples. Sabah offers exclusive, private and romantic weddings at famous top-rated dive islands such as Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and the newer Pom Pom Islands. Even an underwater wedding amidst large marine life and tiny sea creatures and colourful corals and reef is available! On the islands, high to medium range resort facilities await.
Sabah offers plenty of variety, both of holiday experience and accommodation. There are more than 15,000 rooms available with about 3,000 rooms in five-star facilities located throughout the city and coastal areas as well as in the heart of the Bornean rainforest. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge, for example, in the world-famous Danum Valley Conservation Area is a high-end resort facility located in virgin rainforest which includes an ancient burial ground and guaranteed wildlife spotting.