Sabah is an East Malaysian State on Borneo
Island, and only a short 2 hour and 40 minute flight from Kuala Lumpur. It is an amazing destination that boasts a
variety of ancient rainforests, endless beaches and amazing wildlife. The Asian
cuisine is sensational, and the shopping will keep you occupied for hours.
I was lucky enough to spend a week in Sabah last
month, with my journey starting in the states capital Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu, or as the locals call it KK,
is a modern city where the streets are clean and the people are welcoming. Kota
Kinabalu certainly has something to offer for all types of travellers young and
old. For the adventurous explorer, the Tunku Abdul Rhman Park is a cluster of
islands only 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. The islands offer brilliant scuba
diving and snorkelling; you can even do your complete PADI course here! For
families there is more than enough to do. Visit the Mari Mari cultural village
and see how the Borneo tribes used to live; it is a very hands on and
educational experience, brilliant for children!
The Shangri la Rasa Ria is a must for couples and families. This 5 star
resort is exceptional and in a league of its own. It is only a 45 minute drive
from Kota Kinabalu, and located on
the beautiful Pantai Dalit Beach. (HINT: Treat yourself to a sea view room and
you won’t be disappointed). The resorts facilities are outstanding; it even has
its own 64 acre Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre! Once you go to the Shangri la
Rasa Ria you will never want to leave!
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| Blowpipe hunting |
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| Cooking Class |
Sandakan is only a short 40 minute flight from Kota
Kinabalu and was our next stop. The city itself feels untouched by tourists
compared to Kota Kinabalu and provides a great insight into the daily life of
the local people. When staying in Sandakan you can’t go past the Four Points By
Sheraton; this brand new hotel oozes class and is located right on the
waterfront close to restaurants and markets. Sandakan is a great base for
seeing the Orang-utans in Sepilok and the Proboscis Monkeys at Labuk Bay.
Seeing the Orang-utans is a surreal experience, all orang-utans are going
through a rehabilitation process and at any point they have the freedom to fend
for themselves. Given this, it is never guaranteed how many you will get to see
in one feeding session. So it is recommended to attend the morning feeding
session at 10am as more Orang-utans come out to play for breakfast. You even
have the opportunity to adopt one of the orang-utans and receive updates of
their progress. The Proboscis Monkeys are also a must do, you get the
opportunity to get right up close to the monkeys. I could have watched them for
hours while they frolicked around me.
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| Gelison – My adopted Orang-utan |
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| Orang-utan during 10AM feeding session |
Sabah is a great
destination for any type of holiday or traveler I really enjoyed my week
there and would love to go back and explore some more!
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| The Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary |
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| The Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary |
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Written by Sophie Anderson, a member of our Beaumaris office.
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