Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventureWhen you think you have enough of sightseeing
destination situated in the northern tip of Borneoand you want to take a day's break idling around
Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah isto charge your energy, then I suggest you take a
popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
forest, surrounding nature and islands, beachThe park is made up of five beautiful islands and
resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clearis a well-known sanctuary where peace and
water, and its warm and friendly people. If youtranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy
are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places ofbeaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The
interest and activities will whet your appetite!crystal clear water is fantastic if you fancy
Mount Kinabalusnorkeling or watching the sea lives and corals.
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitelyThe park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic
not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt.under the long hours of golden sunshine. Other
Kinabalu (4,093m). It is the summit of Borneo andactivities include windsurfing, fishing, parasailing,
the tallest mountain in South East Asia. Thiskayaking and bird watching.
mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands fromGolfing Holidays
around the world have trekked to its peak. AtIf golf is your sport, then try the numerous high
the feet of this mountain is Kinabalu National Park,quality golf courses in Sabah. One of the courses
a botanical paradise where rare plants are found:as described by its designer - "I had to create a
rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and themasterpiece by combining the natural splendor of
rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.the mountains and the seas, with ingenious
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centrearchitecture, and create a first class championship
If you haven't heard yet, the most popular nativecourse to provide an enjoyable, yet challenging
of Borneo is the Orang Utan. The world-famousgame for top professional golfers and amateurs
Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables visitors toalike" - Graham Marsh. Enough words said for the
come in close contact with these amazing animals.quality of golf courses here.
This sanctuary allows visitors to witness anWhite-Water Rafting
exciting conservation programme in action. Set inFor the true adventure seeker looking for an
43 square km of beautiful rainforest, theadrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of
sanctuary helps once captive Orang Utans learnthe most exhilarating thrills in the world. My
to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch howscariest experience, only because I am not a
these orphaned Orang Utans being taught togood swimmer, is white-water rafting down the
climb, and then go to a platform where you canPadas River (a grade-3 river). Whilst trying to
witness them coming in from within the forest fornegotiate the rapids along this raging river for a
their daily meals of milk and bananas.distance of about 5 kilometers, do enjoy the
Danum Valley Rain Forestbreathtaking view that the surrounding rain forest
If nature is close to your heart, then this nextdoes offer. However, be warned, don't take your
destination I am going to introduce you is a musteyes off the rapids and waves too long!
visit, Danum Valley. Danum Valley is nestled deepScuba Diving
in the rain forest of Borneo where nature is at itsOff the North Eastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny
most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeperjewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine
into the jungle, you will suddenly come across aecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world
magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodgerenowned as one of the best dive spots in the
(BRL), erected overlooking the magnificent settingworld. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea
of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges.mount, 650 meters from the floor of the
BRL is an impressive resort, designed bySulawesi Sea. This pinnacle off the eastern coast
naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timberof Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As
materials, and has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel.soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of
I totally recommend Danum Valley to those whoSipadan Island, you'll understand why you have
yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneoendured a journey that has taken you halfway
rainforest - the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscisaround the world. As you begin to descend into
monkeys, Orang Utan, elephants and over 275this tropical water, you'll also understand why the
species of birds.World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the
Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Parkplanet has more marine life than this island.