There is a paradise Island that has a large natural biosphere of wildlife and part of southeast Asia's "Coral Triangle". Malaysia's Borneo paradise belongs to east Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak in the north of the Island. The Island they share with Brunei and Indonesia. Malaysia's part of Borneo is where some of the world's most precious wildlife species can be found:
And so many more. We'll put it to you also, the marine species are just as spectacular, wonderful and beautiful. Precious of course:
When you are traveling to northern Borneo as part of your Malaysian holiday vacation you are destined to experience and enjoy the very best of what nature gives us. You will find the miraculous orange and white Nemo in these warm tropical waters. This species of fish ― and hundreds of others ― thrive in these pure pristine waters largely thanks to the multi-colored corals.
An initiative or agreement between six southeastern Asian countries to come together and protect the world's largest coral reef and marine biosphere. Within this "triangle" is an area of sea, inclusive of Islands, with great beauty of 100's of fish species. Many are unique to the area and some are even rare. The initiative is to protect and preserve this natural wonder for future generations. Malaysia is part of this initiative along with its neighbors:
When diving within this triangle you may find that you require a permit and the number of dives you can do is limited. This is part of the initiative to protect coral reefs and marine life. Parts of the coral reef may be off limits altogether due to damage caused by pollution and human activity. Those taking you out diving will advise you and should be aware of where not to take you.
Sabah sits comfortably on the world's third largest Island and there is natural beauty all around. In fact, once here you realize there is far, far more to Malaysia's secret retreat. It's just spellbinding:
Sure, there are Islands all over southeast Asia that are tropical with beautiful beaches and rainforests and so on. But nothing like what Sabah has in store for you. Inside a 10km square land area you will find more fauna and flora species than in northern America and Europe combined. It is so rich in nature it's unbelievable such a thing can still exist today. It only gets better and here is why:
It all fulfils your dreams of a lost paradise and your hopes of a holiday of a lifetime become real. We love Bali, we really do. It's the perfect honeymoon destination. But were there to be one place on Earth to better it, then Malaysia's northern Borneo is it.
Having come to north Borneo after spending time, and fallen in love with Bali, is there a new love? Maybe, because both tear at your heart, flying home.
There are so many attractions to look forward to for your dream holiday vacation. So many memories to be created and cherished, it should come as no surprise to you why it could be your honeymoon destination. Continue reading to discover why this part of Borneo is for you.
Malaysia's Borneo has an incredible wildlife biodiversity and pristine landscapes. It is unavoidable to come here and not want to explore the Island, follow the jungle trails to secret, little known waterfalls. Under the canopy, peering upwards at the sounds of snapping branches and rustling leaves, hoping to catch a glimpse of any wildlife. It is everything rolled into one that puts excitement on your face. Overcome with emotion you cannot believe you've come to paradise.
Sabah, and Sarawak to the south both impact you so strongly. Sabah's "big ticket" attraction is the Kinabatangan River. River cruises run daily, night cruises too. We cannot recommend highly enough you take a night boat trip. The experience is enhanced believe it or not because of the darkness. Your sense of suspense builds as the roving light your guides use on the river banks and overhanging trees crosshair the wildlife. A pair of eyes reflected in the dead of night disappears quickly, as the mammal flees in panic.
The trip during the night gives you a far different experience than a day trip. Yes, there is little to see but the sensory experience influences your own fear of the darkness and unfamiliar surroundings. The sounds of the wildlife and in particular, the bird life is so serene you long for the night to last forever.
If your quench for wildlife hasn't been satisfied, we can suggest you head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. It's less than an hour from the town of Sandakan. What else is within an hour is the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the ecosystem the rainforest jungle supports. They give a tour that includes a botanical garden and jungle trails, with your tour ending you are elevated to the canopy above for rare sights of the birdlife.
The caves and sanctuary are also highly recommended attractions, each within easy distance of the town. And since there is an airport in Sandakan, that's the best option to get there.
A small Island off the east coast of Malaysia's Sabah is considered to offer the world's best diving. So much so the Sipadan Island attracted so many visitors it became unsustainable. Such volumes were also counterproductive to the goals of the "Coral Triangle".
Today, visitor numbers have drastically dwindled due to the requirement for a permit and with this practice it is hoped the coral will one day return to its former healthy beauty. Collectively, diving centers will issue no more than 120 permits per day and you cannot set foot on the Sipadan Island either. Getting to Sipadan also isn't easy. You need to first:
It is a terrible inconvenience but it all pays off for the environment ― likewise, the limit on daily permits for trekking to Mount Kinabalu. Afterwards you feel the bother has been worth it, for the sake of the natural world. Enjoying a part of the "Coral Triangle" should be seen as a privilege.
Sabah's capital is Kota Kinabalu and Kuching is Sarawak's capital. Luck would have it, there is an international airport in Kuching. So, what is different about Sarawak, from Sabah? Not a lot because you still find the same amazing rainforest and wildlife surrounding you. The smile on your face returns once settled into your Sarawak hotel. Because you are excited and can't wait to get back outdoors.
What you imagine as you negotiate your way through Malaysia's Borneo rainforest jungles ― be that in Sabah or Sarawak ― is a land that time forgot. Only without the dinosaurs and cannibalistic tribes. What feelings surface cannot be put into words ― for example, when kayaking on a quiet jungle river. It's the dense jungle and sounds of the wild that enthrall your five senses all at once. It's wicked.
However, what Sarawak has and Sabah doesn't is Mulu National Park. There are most likely national parks in Sabah but the reason Mulu should interest you is because of the ancient caves. You first need to get yourself to Miri on the border with Brunei. It's a ridiculous 11-hour journey getting to Miri from Kuching by road, it makes more sense to fly there.
The ancient caves and limestone rock formations are a UNESCO World Heritage site. This national park offers you many exciting activities including the exploration of the caves: trekking and river expeditions through the jungles. It's paradise and especially so for nature lovers. Enter the jungles for sights and sounds of 80 odd animal species and hundreds of bird species.
To get to this amazing national park you set off for the park from Miri. Your one-hour journey begins when you take off on a small plane. If weather conditions prevent your flight and you are determined to get into Mulu National Park then it's short of a 5-hour bus ride for you.
Still hungry for more cave exploration? There are other caves just as ancient and mysterious and you will find those in Niah National Park. The caves are well hidden out of sight in among the lush rainforest and they have archeological significance: human remains were recovered on site dated some 40,000 years.
There are over 30 different ethnic groups sharing Sabah and Sarawak. And a must-see experience is one of the traditional festivals in Sarawak. The festivals are a symbolic tribute to what life was like for the local ethnic tribes on this Island centuries ago. The Warrior Dance of Hornbills is a dance over bamboo and from a cultural tradition point of view it is highly recommended.
There are two large, major towns: Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. Both have an airport. Kota Kinabalu accepts international flights but Sandakan only domestic:
Our experience was that we flew from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and spent the day in town before flying out late evening to Sandakan. Nothing to stop you doing the same. It's better to book a hotel room (when in Kota Kinabalu) for you returning from Sandakan. Because we couldn't fly out from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur the same day, having flown in from Sandakan.
The best time in our opinion to travel to Malaysia's Borneo is between May and October. That's when they enjoy their dry season and the best time to experience the rainforest jungle and lowland swamps and mangroves.
The Island is amazing. It is the land that time forgot. If you participate in all the natural world that envelops you then you will fly back to Kuala Lumpur with that impression. The land is truly ancient and much of it remains intact: whole. When you get yourself into the jungle proper you can't stop feeling in awe of being part of another worldly adventure. Malaysia's Borneo is both beautiful and restful and you feel horrible having to leave it all behind. On the flip side you feel complete and very few holiday vacations give you that.
