SABAH

Journey to Malaysia and you can become a natural part of Borneo’s wild landscape

Sitting most tip of Borneo, Sabah’s jumble of jungles and rustle of wildlife naturally

Malaysian state has long been established as a natural haven where visitors can admire and help protect its creatures, and connect with a local way of life.

Wild guardians

Exotic flora and fantastic fauna run rampant in this part of the world, and conservation plays an important part of this. For example, travel to the northeastern district of Sandakan and you can visit the Sepilok

Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary, which has been rescuing, nursing and releasing orangutans back into the wild since 1964.

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre sits just adjacent to this, rescuing and rehabilitating the small bears; something that you too can help with, as part of the centre’s volunteer programme. There are plenty more of these kinds of initiatives for those who

to the preservation of Sabah’s environments, from coral reef conservation to tree planting and river cleaning. A pangolin sanctuary, within the protected Tawau Hills National Park, is also planned.

Eco-adventures

During your eco-conscious travels, be sure to try some of Sabah’s intrepid experiences. For hiking enthusiasts,scale Mount Kinabalu, Trusmadi or Tambayukon; the three tallest mountains in Malaysia.

For birdwatchers, 688 resident and migratory species flock into Sabah. to Borneo such as the elusive Bornean Bristlehead, complete with impressive red and black plumage to be spied only in the country’s lowland forests.

A meander on the waters of the mighty Kinabatangan River will reveal its impressive ecosystem: look out for apes and hornbills perched in the trees above, pygmy elephants sauntering on the shore and even a stealthy crocodile or two.

Rural gems

Head off-the-beaten track to unlock areas of natural beauty and traditional villages. Tucked away in the southwestern district of Sipitang, Long Pasia is a small Lundayeh village where you can opt for a home stay and then explore with a native guide to find

botanical treasures. Then travel towards Tenom to find the Marais Centre, a community-based initiative that aims to improve the livelihoods of local villagers and also promotes cultural sustainability. Here you can join the local Murut community, try basket weaving and rubber tapping, help in paddy field cultivation and join in the fun of a traditional Murut dance.

It all feeds into the feel-good factor of a trip through Sabah, celebrating not just with locals but in the landscapes too.

Sabah sensations (top to bottom) Scale to the top of Mt Kinabalu; see the Murut ‘bamboo’ dance; and contribute to Sabah’s orangutan conservation efforts