Sabah & Sarawak
(Borneo) |
Click here for Wildlife Explorer Itinerary Reef and Rainforest Tour Accessible by domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, these parts of Borneo represent dramatic landscapes and adventure. Seasons: Grey skies and rough seas between November to February. The capital Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak and a springboard to its National Parks. In Kuching itself we recommend the Riverside Majestic Hotel or at Damai Beach there is the Holiday Inn Damai Beach or the scenic Damai Lagoon. For local adventure we suggest overnight at Bako National Park so as to witness the flora and fauna both at dusk and dawn. A huge variety of vegetation can be observed from the well marked jungle trails and boardwalks, and you can see the long nosed Proboscis Monkey, Longtail Macaque, wild boar, Sambar Deer and Monitor Lizards. There is a choice of safaris travelling up the Skrang Lemanak or Batang Ai rivers where numerous species of birds and animals live in the rainforest. Dinner and overnight is at a local guest house, but those venturing for a second night will stay at a traditional longhouse. Travellers who prefer their creature comforts can stay at the Hilton Batang Ai and undertake day safaris. North of Kuching by domestic flight is the town of Miri from where we can arrange excursions to visit Mt. Mulu which has one of the most spectacular cave systems on Earth, and the Niah National Park which houses the Great Cave, one of the largest in the world. The gateway to the northern state of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, the capital city. From here it is possible to visit Mt. Kinabalu National Park, a paradise for botanists and bird watchers. A full day tour is available for stay overnight in a cabin. For those who are really fit and adventurous we can arrange a 3 day/2 night trek of the Summit of Mt. Kinabalu which towers some 4101 metres high. It is an experience to witness the sunrise from the summit! Other safaris and excursions include Sandakan, from where one can proceed to the Orang Utan Sanctuary at Sepilok and onwards to Selingan Island to witness the green turtles laying their eggs on the beach. From the Sandakan one can also proceed to Sukau to spend two nights at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge from where there are daily excursions into the jungle to discover the rich wildlife in the company of resident naturalists and guides. For a truly exciting adventure you could travel to Padas Gorge to embark on a two hour exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure. Scuba diving can be arranged at Sipadan Island. To stay in Kota Kinabalu there is the Berjaya Palace Hotel in town, or out on the coast we recommend Shangri La's Rasa Ria or Tanjung Aru Resorts. Just offshore from Kota Kinabalu is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park which comprises five idyllic islands. These can be visited during the day or overnight at Manukan Island is possible. All images courtesy of and copyrighted by Borneo Eco Tours |
