Orang Utan
Sanctuary
 located
at the virgin forest reserve in Sepilok, this is the one of the only
tour orang utan sanctuaries in the world. It is accessible
after a 25-km drive from Sandakan. Orphaned and injured Orang Utans are
brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to
forest life. These gentle great apes are very appealing. Trained orang
utans may be cuddled for a memorable snapshot.
Sabah
State Mosque, Kota Kinabalu
This resplendent structure, with its majestic domes and gold inlay
motifs, is a spectacular sight, ideally located as a place of worship
for Kota Kinabalu's Muslim inhabitan3ts and visitors.
Sabah
Foundation Building, Kota Kinabalu
The 30-story circular glass building, supported by high tensile steel
rods emanating from a central building, is an architectural and
engineering feat. It is one of only four such buildings in the world.
Kota Belud
Kota Belud is a small town located 77 km from Kota Kinabalu. Every
Sunday it comes alive in a scene of blazing, riotous colour when the
"Tamu," or open market, takes place.
Tuaran
Tuaran is the location of the region's agricultural station. Nearby is
Mengkabong, a Bajau village built over water. Also close by is
Tamparuli, a town specializing in the production of local handicrafts.
Penampang
Another village that offers an insight into Sabah's varied ethnic
groups, Penampang is home to the Kadazan people. The village is located
13 km south of Kota Kinabalu.
Sipadan Island
a diving paradise, Sipadan Island
is some 30 km off the coast of Semporna, a small town in the southeast
coast of Sabah. The mushroom-shaped Sipadan is the only oceanic island
in Malaysia, offering myriads of colourful tropical fish and corals in
its c:ystal clear waters
Kinabalu Park
And Mt Kinabalu
 the
journey by road to the Kinabalu Park takes some 11 and half hours. It is
a natural haven for a variety of plant and animal species and a must
for nature lovers. The mighty Mount Kinabalu at 4095.2 meters is
within the park. This is the biggest tourist attraction in Sabah, luring
flocks of mountaineers to scale to the summit. There is a thermal —pool
system at Poring Hot Springs to offer a Japanese- style hot spring bath
in the open air. |
Sandakan
Sandakan is busy port on the Sulu Sea, about 386 km from Kota Kinabalu.
The forestry exhibition in Sandakan showcases the astounding variety of
flowers and plants found in Sabah; the Sandakan Orchid House has a
collection of rare orchids. Along the Labuk Road from Sandakan is a
crocodile farm, housing about 1,000 crocodiles of various sizes.
Gomantong Caves
situated at 32
km south of Sandakan, the marvelous Gomantong Caves are the home
to hundreds of thousands of swifts. They build their nests high on cave
walls and roofs. Twice a year, nest collectors come to the caves and
climb on tall bamboo poles to collect the nests, which are considered a
delicacy. Besides swifts, the caves are also inhabited by millions of
bats, which have become a spectacular sight to many tourists.
Semporna
Located on the southeast coast of Sabah, Semporna is the jumping-off
point for Pulau Sipadan, a diving paradise, and Pulau Gaya, the island
where Sabah pearls are cultured.
Kudat
A long way from Kota Kinabalu (238 km), Kudat is, nevertheless,
worth a visit, as it is home to the colourful Rungus tribe. The journey
to the village is an attraction in its own right, winding through the
region's varied terrain of mountains, valleys, and jungles.
Kota Kinabalu
The State capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu has a population of 300,000.
The town was built from the ruins of the Second World
War.
Sabah State
Museum
located in Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah
Museum boasts good collections of tribal and historical artifacts of the
ancient people of
Borneo and exhibits of flora and fauna, including rare birds, reptiles,
animals and fish only found in Sabah.
Mengkabong Water Village
about some half an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, is the famous
Mengkabong Water Village where houses are built on stilt and
linked by a maze of rickety plankwalks. An ever increasing population
has seen the water village gradually expanding into the sea.
Tanjung Arau Beach
the scenic Tanjung Arau Beach is
lined with palm trees and masson pine. |
