Exploration Borneo Tours
Cherished Memories, Unforgettable Experience
Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise
By Walter Rajah
Copyright (c) 2006
Sabah is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination, situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. It is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, its rain forest, its surrounding nature and islands, its beach resorts, its tropical white sandy beaches, its crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. Here are some main attractions.
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu. It is the summit of Borneo and the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. At its base is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise flowing in rare plants: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables you to come in close contact with Orangutans. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation program in action. Set in dozens of square miles of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orangutans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned Orangutans are taught to climb, then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.
If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination is a must visit: Danum Valley. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. It is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and it has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. Danum Valley is for those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest -- the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orangutan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.
When you think you have enough of sightseeing and you want to take a day’s break idling around to charge your energy, then take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The crystal clear water is fantastic if you’re into snorkeling. The park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Plus windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and bird watching.
If golf is your sport, then why not try one of the numerous high quality golf courses in Sabah. Australia's Graham Marsh, designer of the Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, said, "I wanted to create a masterpiece by combining the natural splendor of the mountains and the seas, with ingenious architecture, and create a first class championship course to provide an enjoyable, yet challenging game for top professional golfers and amateurs alike."
For the true adventure-seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good swimmer, is white water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3 river). Apart from trying to negotiate the rapids for a distance of about three miles, enjoy the breathtaking view from surrounding rain forest. However, be warned that you should never take your eyes off the rapids and waves!
Off the Northeastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world renowned as one of the best dive spots in the world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, about half a mile from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This 3,000-foot pinnacle off the eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island, you’ll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life than this island."
About The Author
Walter Rajah is co-owner of Exploration Borneo Tours. Visit his site www.explorationborneo.com for more information on Borneo, The Exotic Island Paradise. Check out all the travel tours and packages to Borneo.
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