Journey through tropical rainforest, caves and beach
During the flight to Sandakan, you will see that most of Sabah is covered with tropical rainforest. You may discern Southeast Asia's highest mountain, Mt Kinabalu. Rivers meander in search of the blue sea, where tropical islands loom in the distance. Malaysia's easternmost state is a vast walhalla for nature lovers!
A boat trip down the Kinabatangan River is a blissfully relaxing way to search for the numerous species of animals, including hundreds of bird species. In search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys and other primates, you walk in the shade of the dense jungle. The smell of moist soil hangs between the lower layers of vegetation. During the canopy walk, you will see the forest from the perspective of most forest dwellers, who rarely, if ever, get on the ground. The cacophony of sounds from the forest knows no pause.
Deep into the rainforest live traditional populations, such as the Murut. The time when the Murut were headhunters is in the distant past; the current generation welcomes you hospitably to their village and longhouse.
The journey ends languidly on a silver-white beach. The rushing of the waves sounds strangely calm, your eyes have to get used to the open space. Below sea level, magnificent coral reefs await.
Tips & Tops Round Trip Naturally Sabah:
- Meet the locals on Tanjung Aru Island, and spot proboscis monkeys, otters and kingfishers on a boat ride. After sunset, the boat slows down so you can enjoy the magical spectacle of thousands of fireflies....
- At the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve, you will see the great apes in a responsible, safe environment. A little further on is a Conservation Center for the Malayan bear. This will be an educational day, but most of all it will be extraordinary fun!
- During the canopy walk in the jungle outside the reserves - up to 28m high - you can see and hear numerous bird species. With a little luck, you will also see orangutans here.
- By boat, you will explore different ecosystems of Kinanbatangan. This is a paradise for bird lovers, and it is also the habitat of the Borneo pygmy elephant and several primate species. The vegetation is exuberant, the sounds of the forest are intense.
- Bird's nest soup, it really exists! In the Gomantong caves, you can see how swallow nests stick to the rock wall. They are delicate structures made of saliva.
- Deep in the heart of Sabah lies the Danum Valley, with ancient rainforests. From the ground, treetops are invisible, but if you dare: there is a long canopy walk up to 26m high.
- Was it a restless night in the rainforest? In the morning, the jungle screams "good morning! The shrill song of the gibbons echoes above everything else.
- An adventurous drive from Kota Kinabalu leads to the jungle of the Crocker Range. Here you will be introduced to the Murut, their culture and and life in a longhouse. Your adventure in the rainforests of Sabah ends with traditional singing and dancing, and an overnight stay in a spectacularly beautiful spot in the forest.
- By speedboat you will sail to Gaya Island, to a beautiful beachfront resort. And then there is time for the sea and blissful idleness.
