Destination of the month

Sabah is located at the northern end of the island of Borneo in SE Asia, which it shares with Indonesia and Sarawak, but it is part of Malaysia.
 
Despite it’s distance from the UK, Sabah is well worth visiting for a superb holiday.  It’s most famous occupant is perhaps the Orangutan and a must see, but here are 11 more reasons for visiting this wonderful destination:-

1.  Diverse Wildlife – A nature lover’s dream
Sabah is home to unique and endangered species such as the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Proboscis Monkey, the Sun Bear and, of course, the magnificent Orangutan. Enjoy amazing wildlife safaris by day and night.

2.   Mount Kinabalu – A Hiker’s Paradise
Standing at 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia.  The climb takes two days, offering breathtaking sunrise views from the summit. You don’t have to reach the top, for Kinabalu National Park has plenty of nature trails for casual hikers.

3. World-Class Diving at Sipadan & Mabul
Sipadan Island is ranked among the world’s best diving sites, known for Barracuda, Hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and a myriad of multi coloured fish. Or visit Mabul and Kapalai ,where you can see exotic small marine creatures such as Frogfish and Blue-ringed Octopuses.

4. A rich cultural diversity and indigenous heritage
Sabah is home to over 30 indigenous ethnic groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau and Murut.

Visit during the Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival) in May to experience traditional dance, food and the famous Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant and many other ceremonies throughout Sabah.

5. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Island-Hopping Fun
This marine park consists of five stunning islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug, and Mamutik) and is just 15 minutes by boat from the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. 

Enjoy snorkelling, parasailing, scuba diving, or just relaxing on white sandy beaches. There is also a coral regeneration laboratory and a turtle rescue centre which are well worth visiting.

6. Kinabalu National Park – A UNESCO Treasure
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 5,000 plant species, including rare orchids and the giant Rafflesia and over 300 types of birds.

You can visit nearby Poring Hot Springs for a relaxing dip or walk the Canopy Walkway for a stunning rainforest view.

7. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Located in Sandakan, these centres rescue and rehabilitate orphaned Orangutans  and Sun Bears before releasing them into the wild.
There are daily feeding sessions where you can see these playful animals up close, but no touching!!

8. Danum Valley – A rainforest adventure
This 130-million-year-old rainforest is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

You can experience night safaris, jungle trekking and possibly spot rare wildlife such as Clouded Leopards and Flying Squirrels, all while staying at a well appointed and comfortable jungle lodge.

9. Mari Mari Cultural Village – A living museum
This village showcases the traditional homes, customs and food of Sabah’s ethnic groups.

Watch fire-making demonstrations, blowpipe hunting techniques, cultural dance performances and much more.

10. Delicious Sabahan cuisine
Fresh seafood: crabs, lobsters and prawns and many varieties of fish, can be enjoyed at the many seafood restaurants.

Must-try dishes are:
Hinava – A Kadazan-Dusun raw fish salad (Sabah’s version of ceviche).
Tuaran Mee – Famous fried egg noodles from the town of Tuaran.
Butod (Sago Worms) – A crunchy delicacy, often eaten raw or deep-fried.

11. Kinabatangan River – A wildlife safari on water
One of the best places for river cruises, where you might see wild Orangutans, crocodiles, Hornbills, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, the comical looking Proboscis Monkey and even an Ox-bow lake.  The sunset cruises are particularly stunning!

12. Sabahan Hospitality – warm and friendly locals

Sabahans are known for their laid-back and welcoming nature. You’ll feel welcome whether you’re in a city, a small village, or an island resort.