Where is Borneo and Where is Sabah?
Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It is owned Malaysia and Indonesia. Divided into three main parts Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan. In this article we will focus on North Borneo, Sabah.
Sabah Borneo Malaysia
Located at the northern tip of Borneo, Sabah is the second
largest state in Malaysia. Some 80% of its area is covered with virgin tropical
jungle, and is home to some of the world rarest species of orchids and plants,
such as the world’s largest flower Rafflesia, one of the world’s smallest
orchid, podochilus and the world’s largest orchid, tiger orchid.
Also known as “land below the wind”. Sabah has over 2,300
kilometers of coastline bounded by the South China Sea, Sulu sea and celebes
sea.
The land rises from the low coastal hill and leads to
highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu (4101m).
Sabah is a truly plural society with more than 40 ethnics
group living harmoniously together. Among the indigenous tribes are Kadazans,
Bajaus, Rungus, Bisayas and Bruneis.
On the north eastern coast
of Sabah is Sandakan, the former capital. It remains a busy port with
attraction such as the Sandakan Orchid House, Forestry Exhibition Centre and Goamantong
Caves. These
caves are known for its bird’s nest, a local delicacy.
The Orangutan Sanctuary at Sepilok is the only one of its
kind in the world. Establish in 1964, this centre which covers over 4,500 hectares offers tourist a class
of view of the habitat of the orangutan. You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of
these shy “wild men of Borneo”. It is located in a virgin jungle. A raised
platform that has been specially built allows tourist to watch the habit of
these magnificent creatures. The interesting eating behavior of the orangutan
has generated a lot of interest among tourists and photographer. It has become
the key attraction of the Sepilok Centre. The
feeding times are at 10am and 3pm everyday. Different species of wild mammals
and more than 200 species birds are also
found here. if you would like to stay
overnight to observe these creatures further, reasonably priced accommodation
is available outside the sanctuary.
Poring Hot
Spring is located in the district of Ranau 40 kilometers from Kinabalu Park. It
was developed by Japanese during world war 11 which is situated in lowland
rainforest. The springs are acknowledged for their curative properties and the
waters contain sulphuric minerals are apparent to relieve pain muscles. The
baths are favored by the climbers after climb Mount Kinabalu.
Poring Hot
Spring resort also provides several facilities such as :
1.
Poring Orchid Conservation Centre
2.
Kipungit Waterfall
3.
Butterfly farm
4.
Poring Canopy Walkway
5.
Tropical Garden
Lahad Datu, 175 kilometers south of Sandakan, is gateway to
the Danum Valley Conversation Area, an area where the Asian Rhinoceros still
roam.
The jewel in crown of Sabah’s dive sites is Sipadan Island
30 kilometers south of Semporna in the Celebes sea. Sipadan is actually the crown
of volcanic spire formed millions of years ago, and has been described by Jacques
Cousteau as “An untouched piece of art ”.
If you are
diver, never forget these underwater caves, Barracuda Point, turtle cavern, and
Whitetip Avenue where is located at Sipadan island are fulfilled with wonderful
exotic fishes and corals. There is habitat for flashlight fish, soldier fish
and beautiful corals.
Underwater caves such as
Turtle Cavern, Whitetip Avenue and Barracuda point – all replete with
magnificent corals and exotic fishes –
are famous among international divers.
Turtle Island approximately 40 kilometers north of Sandakan,
these island are located on the straits of Sulu. The three main islands,
Selingan Island, Gulisan Island, and Bakungan Island are well known for
Hawksbill and green turtles. These turtle make nightly landing on these island
to lay their eggs. Provide tourists with unforgettable and awesome experience.
In 1997, these island were designated by the Malaysian government as reserved
park to protect the eggs and prevent turtles from extinction.
Pulau Mabul
Pulau Mabul is a
small, oval shaped island surrounded by sandy beaches perched on the northwest corner of a larger
200 hectares reef. It is about 30 minutes away from Semporna. It is home to
diversity of macro animals which inhabit its coral rubble and sea grass sites.
If you like to dive, you must not miss Eel garden and Ray Point.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
This wild life is situated 83 kilometers southwest of Lahad
Datu. It provides facilities for research and education in one of Borneo’s last
strongholds of undisturbed low land forest.
Nature lovers flock here to enjoy its scenic, floral and
faunal splendors. Here one can find Sumatran Rhinoceros and mouse deer
(kancil). Bird lovers will have a field day searching and looking for the 270
species of birds that have been recorded here.
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan river, the longest and widest in Sabah,
runs about 330 mile from the mid of Borneo island toward the east. Cutting
through rich tropical jungles, it ends the strait of sulu. As one travels down
river one will be mesmerized by the myriad types of animal that are found in
the forests. They include the proboscis monkeys, orangutans, the endangered Sumatran
Rhinoceros clouded leopards,pygmy elephant (unique species) and many species of hornbill. The long nosed proboscis monkeys its big
bellies and thick white tails are the centre of attractive.
Mount Kinabalu
