1. Mount Kinabalu
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| The View Of Mount Kinabalu
Standing majestically at a height of 4,095.2m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It is situated in Kinabalu Park, a wonderland of ecological treasures covering some 754sq km.
The diversity of plant life in Kinabalu Park ranges over four climatic zones. Over 5,000 types of flowering plants including 1,200 species of orchids, 26 species of rhododendrons, over 80 species of fig trees as well as 60 species of oak and chestnut trees are found here. About 100 species of mammals and 326 species of birds are also known to reside in the sprawling park.
Ascending and desending Mount Kinabalu's summit takes two to three days, depending on the weather and one's fitness level. Every year, participants from around the world gather here to take part in the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon. It is dubbed as the 'World's Toughest Mountain Race'. Despite the challenging route and distance, mountain runners take less than four hours to reach the peak and return to thefinish line.
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2. Sabah State Museum Kota Kinabalu
About 2 km south of the city centre, this refurbished museum is the best place to go in KK for an introduction to Sabah's ethnicities and environments, with new signage and clear explanations. Expect tribal and historical artefacts including ceramics and a centerpiece whale skeleton, and replica limestone cave. The Heritage Village has traditional tribal dwellings, including Kadazan bamboo houses and a Chinese farmhouse, all nicely set on a lily-pad lake.
3. Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilition Centre Sandakan
Enjoy the rare and thrilling opportunity to see an orang utan up close. Situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve which sprawls over 4,300ha, this sanctuary serves to rehabilitate orphaned orang utans as wellas educate the public on importance of wildlife conservation. The viewing gallery gives an opportunity to see the orang utans being fed by rangers.
4. Monsopiad Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu
Situated about 16km from Kota Kinabalu, this cultural village pays tribute to the powerful and feared Kadazan Warrior, Monsopiad, who lived about 200 years ago. Visitors can gain an insight into the ancient culture. Don't miss the cultural performance which-re-enacts this legend. A very interesting point to note is that village is managed by Monsopiad's direct descendents, on the very land where he once lived.
5. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Kudat
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| Tip Of Borneo
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau or Tanjung Simpang Mangazou, also known as Tip Of Borneo in English is the nothernmost tip of Borneo located in the district of Kudat. The tip marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea.
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6. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Kota Kinabalu
Made up of two components, zoological and botanical, this park is a delight for children and adults alike. Must-see attractions include tigers, proboscis monkeys, deer, orang utans and Borneo pygmy elephants. A wide range of plants can be observed from the walking trails.
7. Crocker Range Park Keningau
A Massive range of forest-clad ridges, Crocker Range stretches from Mount Kinabalu to the border of Sarawak. This protected are has no modern facilities and is a thriving destination for jungle-trekking and four-wheel drive excursions. Nature lovers can trek to the Rafflesia sites and spend a night camping amidst the greenery. Crocker Range Park is about 13km or a 30 minutes drive from Keningau Town.
8. Danum Valley Conservation Area Lahad Datu
Located deep in an untouched tropical forest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a thriving paradise of diverse tropical vegetation and wildlife. The forest is sanctuary to animals such as the Asian elephant, clouded leopord, orang utan, proboscis monkey and Sumantra Rhino. All tours must be pre-arranged with tour agents. Danum Valley is situated about 70km west of Lahad Datu.
9. Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House) Tuaran
This attraction is the first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and one of the five upside down structures in the world. As the name implies, this traditional Sabah kampung house is flipped upside down, with the floor facing skyward and the ceiling placed below. It is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the first in the country.
10. Poring Hot Springs Ranau
After a visit to Kinabalu Park, make a trip to the Poring Hot Springs to soothe away yourr aches. Poring Hot Springs is situated about 40km from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. The main attractions here are the natural hot springs and a 157.8 metre-long canopy walkway. Standing at 41 metres from the forest floor, this walkway is a 'must' for visitors to Poring Hot Springs as it affords a commanding viewof the Borneo rainforest. Don't miss the butterfly farm, orchid conservation centre, tropical garden and Rafflesia site.
